Starting out as a mill village in Cleveland County
The small community of Lawndale emerged from a mill village during the late 1800s. The area was once the site of a textile plant, Cleveland Mill and Power Company. In 2024, the renewable energy company Quantum Power Inc. repurposed the mill into a recycling center. Today, most people living in town are long-time residents and natives. However, a declining population has led to businesses closing along Lawndale's main business route. According to the U.S. Census, the population dropped by almost 10% between 2010 and 2020. The town's preservation ordinance and historic society are dedicated to protecting buildings and the overall rural character.
Lawndale homes and weather history
The town contains properties dotted along stretches of country lanes. Most residential roads don't have sidewalks aside from Main Street. Lawndale's sloping landscape has bungalows, ranch-style houses and cottages. Most homes span from 800 to 2,000 square feet. Housing prices are roughly 50% lower than in larger metro areas like Charlotte. Homes range from around $150,000 to $350,000. However, houses don't often enter the market. Parcels of land are available for buyers hoping to build a home from the ground up.
Cleveland County has a history of heavy rain and flash floods, which can impact properties. The region is also affected by severe weather, like hurricanes. In 2024, Hurricane Helene caused damage and road closures on Stage Coach Trail.
Stores and businesses on Main Street
Main Street includes small businesses like Riverside Nutrition and Fashion Corner. Residents pick up groceries and ready-to-eat food at Stagecoach Market and Grill. Locals buy convenience store items at Cheepers Drive-Thru, which offers a drive-thru option. Some brick buildings on Main Street once contained local storefronts but currently stand unoccupied. The closest gas stations are about 4 miles from the center of town. The nearest Super Walmart is about 13 miles away in Shelby.
From Fallston Elementary to Burns High
Cleveland County Schools are less than 5 miles from town. Fallston Elementary and Union Elementary have B-plus grades on Niche. Burns Middle, the only public school in Lawndale, also has a B-plus grade. Burns High receives a B; the school has an Air Force Junior ROTC program. The athletic department offers indoor track, wrestling, swimming and golf. Families wanting to attend other public county schools may apply online for an out-of-zone request.
Piedmont Park sits next to Spangler Branch Library
Piedmont Park has an open grassy field and playground equipment. There's also a paved track wrapped around the green space. The Lawndale Community Center, the local library and a museum are next to the park. The Lawndale Museum is open on Sundays from June to October. The museum's artifacts, which include photos and letters, are maintained by the Lawndale Historical Society. Spangler Branch Library hosts community activities, like summer reading programs for kids and gardening lessons.
Lawndale churches and nearby communities
Local houses of worship include Lawndale United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Lawndale. Drivers can reach nearby communities on Main Street, also known as Highway 182. The town sits about 5 miles between Polkville and Fallston. Many locals work in Shelby, about 10 miles away. The closest major medical facility, Atrium Health Cleveland, is in Shelby.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
