I am an Agent in the Hickory area, we live in the Mountain View Section which is a quick jump onto Interstate 321 and you can be in Gastonia in 30 minutes or less. The big town between Hickory and Gastonia is Lincolnton. I love Mt. View, I have 3 small kids ages 5,6, and 9! Mountain View is a great place to raise kids. Alot of people with kids are trying to move into this area. Hickory is a small town with alot of charm and alot for kids to do. I can get to the Charlotte airport in 45 minutes. We go to Charlotte often to finer restuarants or to Panther games. If you will shoot me an email address I will sent you some homes in the Hickory, Lincolton, and Gastonia. annettedemers@gmail.com Good Luck http://www.annettedemershickoryagent4u.com/