Question 1

Is Gastonia, NC or Wilmington, NC cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Gastonia, NC is cheaper. The median home price in Gastonia, NC is approximately $152,800 and in Wilmington, NC it is approximately $219,700 — a difference of $66,900.

Question 2

Is Gastonia, NC or Wilmington, NC more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Gastonia, NC is more walkable. Gastonia, NC has a Walk Score of 3/100 and Wilmington, NC has a Walk Score of N/A/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Gastonia, NC or Wilmington, NC?

Accepted Answer

Gastonia, NC has higher-rated schools. Gastonia, NC has a school rating of 6.8/10 and Wilmington, NC has a rating of 6.5/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Gastonia, NC or Wilmington, NC?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Gastonia, NC	Wilmington, NC
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Think twice
Median Price	$153K ✓ Lower price	$220K
Median Rent	$976 ✓ Lower rent	$1K
Median Income	$44K	$47K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	3/100 ✓ More walkable	Car-dependent
Transit Score	2/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	2/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	30 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low ✓ Lower risk	High
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.8/10 ✓ Better schools	6.5/10
Best for	FamiliesBudget‑conscious buyersRemote workers needing affordable housing	Boating familiesWater‑sport enthusiastsAffordable starter‑home buyers

Gastonia, NC vs Wilmington, NC

Bottom line