Gastonia, NC, United States

Capital City

With a population of 80,411, Gastonia is the 13th most populous city in North Carolina, but don't let that fool you - the manufacturing-heavy economy has seen significant job losses and plant closures over the past decade. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, but the city does offer a handful of cultural attractions like the Schiele Museum and Crowders Mountain State Park. Overall, Gastonia seems better suited for those with a high tolerance for industrial malaise than those seeking an urban oasis.