Gastonia

Highland, Gastonia Neighborhood

Highland offers a peaceful, slower-paced neighborhood with mature trees. Most residences are comfortable two- and three-bedroom homes built around 1967. Single detached houses and duplexes create a varied but cohesive streetscape throughout. Parking is plentiful and many properties are minutes from major highways. Convenient access to pharmacies, grocery options, and a handful of restaurants enhances daily living. Nearby primary and secondary schools provide educational choices within a short distance. Accessible road connections support straightforward commutes and regional mobility. Quiet streets, established landscaping, and a relaxed pace create a congenial atmosphere. Local services and green pockets make daily routines pleasantly simple.

Highland offers a calm ambience. Most areas in Highland are very quiet, as noise from the streets and other parts of the city is rarely an issue.

Highlights of Highland

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🏫 Highland School of Technology

Located right in the heart of Highland, this renowned magnet high school is known for its specialized STEM and health sciences programs, drawing students from all over Gaston County and providing a hub of educational excellence for neighborhood families.

🌳 Sims Legion Park

This long-standing local park just off North Modena Street offers baseball fields, open green spaces, playgrounds, and serves as a popular gathering spot for community sports leagues, family picnics, and outdoor recreation for Highland residents.

🍗 Mr. Quick Bar-B-Q

Tucked along West Franklin Boulevard near the Highland area, Mr. Quick Bar-B-Q is a no-frills, homegrown barbecue joint beloved for its classic southern BBQ plates, hushpuppies, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere—serving the area since 1976.

⛪ Highland United Methodist Church

A historic community anchor on North Highland Street, the church not only hosts weekly worship but also organizes food drives, youth activities, and local outreach that make it a cornerstone of Highland’s tight-knit spirit.

🥎 Gastonia Parks & Recreation Highland Gymnasium

Situated within walking distance of neighborhood homes, the Highland Gymnasium on North Highland Street offers basketball courts, fitness programs, and youth sports, acting as a year-round activity center and a gathering spot for Highland’s families.

Highland

This July in Highland

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

July 3–5, 2026

Carolina Eucalyptus Festival

Carolina Lavender & Eucalyptus Farm (188 Meek Rd, Gastonia, NC) • 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

A unique family‑friendly weekend where Highland area residents can enjoy picking fresh eucalyptus, sampling farm‑distilled essential oils, artisanal lavender products, and refreshing lavender lemonade—ideal for a summer outing close to home.

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July 4, 2026

Fourth of July Celebration

Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Downtown Gastonia • 5:00 PM–9:30 PM

Downtown Gastonia’s festive Independence Day event—with live local music, food trucks, beer garden, KidsZone and fireworks—offers Highland families patriotic fun within just a few miles of home.

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July 4, 2026

Cars & Coffee in the Park

Martha Rivers Park (Neal Hawkins Rd, Gastonia) • 8:00 AM–11:00 AM

A casual, car‑enthusiast meet‑up at a local park where Highland residents can enjoy viewing a variety of vehicles in a relaxed morning setting outdoors.

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July 11, 2026

Cruise Ins at Tino’s

Tino’s (3204 Union Road, Gastonia) • 6:00 PM

Monthly classic‑car cruise‑in held at Tino’s—perfect for Highland locals looking for a casual evening mix of food, community, and classic‑car culture.

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July 31, 2026

Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at Gastonia Ghost Peppers

Summit Crossing Midwifery (890 Summit Crossing Pl, Gastonia) • 7:59 PM

A live performance by Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at a nearby venue—great for Highland music lovers looking to cap July with a local concert night.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Highland

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Highland

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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