Gastonia, North Carolina | City Guide for Healthcare Pros

Welcome to Gastonia, NC!

Located just 25 minutes west of Charlotte, Gastonia offers travel nurses a blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. As the largest city in Gaston County, it boasts a rich textile history, affordable living, and proximity to major healthcare facilities, making it an ideal spot for healthcare professionals seeking both comfort and opportunity.​

💰 Cost of Living

Gastonia is notably affordable:​

• Overall Cost of Living Index: 89 (11% below the U.S. average)​

• Median Home Price: $272,700 (19% below national average)​

• Average Rent (2-bedroom): $1,090/month​

• Monthly Cost for Single Person: Approximately $1,891 (including rent)​

This affordability allows travel nurses to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving for future endeavors. BestPlacesLivingcost

🌦️ Weather Overview

Gastonia experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons:​

• Spring (Mar–May): Mild and blooming, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F.​

• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm and humid, averaging highs of 85°F to 90°F.​

• Fall (Sep–Nov): Cooler temperatures between 55°F and 75°F, with vibrant foliage.​

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild winters with occasional snowfall, temperatures between 30°F and 50°F.​

This climate offers a comfortable environment year-round, suitable for various outdoor activities.​

🛋️ Furnished Housing Options

For travel nurses seeking short-term, furnished accommodations:

• Furnished Finder: Specializes in monthly furnished rentals tailored for travel nurses.​

• Corporate Housing by Owner (CHBO): Offers a variety of furnished apartments and homes for mid-term stays.​

• Travel Nurse Housing: A free platform connecting travel nurses with landlords offering short-term, furnished rentals.​

• Transplant Housing: Provides fully furnished homes with flexible stays near hospitals nationwide.​Travel Nurse Rentals

These platforms offer diverse options to suit different preferences and budgets.​

🏨 Extended Stay Hotels

For those preferring hotel amenities:

• Extended Stay America – Charlotte – Gastonia: Offers fully equipped kitchens and on-site laundry facilities.​

• WoodSpring Suites Charlotte Gastonia: Provides affordable extended stays with in-room kitchens.​

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Charlotte Gastonia: Features modern rooms with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.​

These hotels offer convenient options for short-term stays with the comfort of home-like amenities.​

🚐 RV Park Options

For travel nurses traveling with RVs:

• Gaston County Park at New Hope: Offers RV-friendly sites with essential amenities.​

• Kings Mountain State Park: Located nearby, providing RV sites with hookups amidst natural surroundings.​

• McDowell Nature Preserve: Features RV camping with scenic views and recreational activities.​

These parks offer peaceful settings for those preferring RV accommodations.​

🏥 Local Healthcare Facilities

Gastonia is home to several healthcare institutions:​

• CaroMont Regional Medical Center: A comprehensive facility providing various specialties and services.​

• Gaston County Health Department: Offers public health services and programs.​

• Novant Health Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine – Gastonia: Provides urgent care services with extended hours.​

These facilities offer ample opportunities for travel nurses seeking assignments in the area.

🎡 Fun Things to Do in Gastonia

• Crowders Mountain State Park: Enjoy hiking trails with scenic views and rock climbing opportunities.​

• Schiele Museum of Natural History: Explore exhibits on natural history, planetarium shows, and a nature trail.​

• Martha Rivers Park: Features sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails for outdoor recreation

🚗 Nearby Weekend Trips

• 🏙️ Charlotte, NC (25 min):Big-city energy with professional sports (Panthers, Hornets), upscale shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Discovery Place Science.

• 🌄 Asheville, NC (2 hrs):Famous for its artsy downtown, Biltmore Estate, and Blue Ridge Parkway hiking — perfect for a scenic weekend escape.

• 🛍️ Greenville, SC (1.5 hrs):A charming southern city with a walkable downtown, excellent dining, and the Falls Park on the Reedy.

• 🌊 Lake Norman (1 hr):North Carolina’s largest manmade lake, ideal for boating, paddleboarding, and lakeside relaxation.

• 🚂 Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2.5 hrs):A stunning natural getaway with endless trails, waterfalls, and wildlife — ideal for outdoor-loving nurses.

🧭 Summary

Gastonia, NC offers a welcoming, low-cost lifestyle with easy access to big-city perks and outdoor beauty. It’s a hidden gem for travel nurses seeking both adventure and work-life balance.

✅ Why Travel Nurses Love Gastonia:

• Affordable housing and cost of living

• Close to Charlotte without Charlotte prices

• Nature lovers’ paradise with Crowders Mountain nearby

• Easy weekend getaways to Asheville, the Smokies, and Lake Norman

• Opportunities at CaroMont Health and surrounding hospitals

• Plenty of short-term furnished housing, hotels, and RV parks

  
  

Whether you’re hiking after your shift, grabbing a local brew downtown, or relaxing in a cozy Airbnb, Gastonia is a fantastic home base for your next travel nurse contract 🏡🩺🌿

Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.