The housing in the West District is mainly made up of of older mill homes. There are several pockets of very grand historic homes , a couple of neighborhoods have actually seen newer construction that all but stopped somewhere in the 1980's, and there are some rural sections with mixed use zoning. A large majority of homes in the West District have been neglected and a lot are absentee owners. Because of the poor zoning and planning, residential neighborhoods are mixed in with commercial and industrial areas. Extremely poor code enforcement and an over abundance of low income housing that has been allowed in this area has contributed to the decline. With all of the grants and other monies the city is receiving we are at a lost why all of it is being spent downtown when so many areas of the city need attention. Special zoning districts, stricter codes and other devices have been used by the city to try to mold the downtown area into what our elected officials envision it to be. Why can this not be down in the West District, unless they just don't care. The answer seems obvious.
Housing Statistics For the West District
Owner Occupied - 40%
Absentee Owner - 60%
Average Rent - $386.00
Homes built before 1969 - 78%
Homes built after 1994 (non habitat homes) - 0%
Household income below $35,000.00 - 81%
Household growth for the last 10 years - negative 13.15%
Projected growth for the next 10 years - negative 10.38%
Sex offenders living in the area - 75 (only a total of 131 are registered in Gaston County)
Visit our Slumlord Wall of Shame.
Do you know a Slumlord in Gastonia?
Make sure you tell them you saw their
property on Life in Gastonia!
To view the City of Gastonia Minimum Housing Standards: Click Here
To view the long range plan for housing in Gastonia:Click Here
MAKING PROGRESS:
We are so pleased that for some, the opportunities of the West District are realized. They see the potential and they are willing to be a catalyst for change. We applaud these residents and their effort to make the West District a better place. Follow our picture gallery as we add new homes and showcase some properties in progress. If you know of a property in progress send us the address and we will add it to the gallery.
The photos below show houses before and also after or in the stages of being remodeled. We welcome the new owners that have
realized the value of property in the West District and are having a positive impact on our neighborhoods.
Housing Statistics For the West District
