North Carolina continues to grow exponentially year after year, and it’s easy to see why. Its beautiful climate and scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlantic Coast, and Piedmont Region call for endless weekend exploration, plus the state is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges and it provides one of the highest qualities of life. When it comes to deciding exactly which city to move to, there’s a variety of options to choose from, but Gastonia is an ideal choice for several reasons.

What makes Gastonia so special is its endless opportunities for adventure. Those who call it home are in close proximity to some of the state’s top outdoor destinations including several parks and trails offering hiking, biking, and fun on the water. Golf enthusiasts love the region for its impressive courses, including Catawba Creek Golf Course, formerly known as the Gastonia Municipal Golf Course, and Green Meadows Golf Course. Plus, various sports and recreation centers can be found throughout the city, with programs ranging from swimming to fitness classes and youth sports leagues. And when the warmer months approach, Lake Wylie is just a short drive away, offering opportunities to boat, fish, and try out other water sports. Needless to say, when you live in Gastonia, fun is never more than a stone’s throw away.

There’s no better way to describe Gastonia than it being rich in history and southern charm. Its small-town vibe has created a tight-knit and welcoming atmosphere, making residents and visitors feel right at home. The city itself is an ideal blend of historic and modern living, with heritage buildings that showcase the region’s past and local amenities that cater to today’s living. It’s here you’ll experience Gastonia’s strong sense of community, with festivals and events bringing locals and newcomers together throughout the year.

Gastonia offers a diverse range of employment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for job seekers. Both domestic and international businesses have established headquarters in the area including Caromont Health, Gaston County Schools, the Gaston County Government, Freightliner, Eaton, and Duke Energy. Gastonia is also home to several smaller businesses and startups, particularly in the downtown area. These businesses provide employment opportunities in a range of fields, including hospitality, retail, and professional services. And with major interstates such as I-85 nearby, traveling for work or leisure is achieved with ease.

Affordability is often at the top of the list when deciding where to live. The cost of living in Gastonia is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many. On average, the cost of housing, taxes, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and other services is significantly less than in other areas in the country, all without compromising overall quality of life.

Now’s a great time to find a new home in Gastonia. Learn more about our new communities in the region and find a floor plan that complements you.

Next, discover the benefits of owning a home in Gastonia with the premier suite on the main floor and hear what these homeowners had to say about their homebuying experience with Empire.

Images courtesy of: The Nature Conservancy (Banner Image); Flickr (I-85); AARoads (Hwy 74).

Welcome to Greer. With its thriving economy and expansive green spaces, residents are flocking from all over to experience what Greer has to offer. Quickly becoming one of South Carolina’s fastest- growing cities, locals revel in Greer’s sweet southern hospitality and big city amenities. Now’s your time to discover what it means to live in a community that provides a true life of ease.

Welcome to Gastonia. With historic roots and local charm, you’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere else in the Charlotte metropolitan area with the same close-knit, community feel. Explore the area’s serene landscapes with its vivacious neighborhoods and reliable school districts. Congratulations — you’ve found the ideal backdrop for all of life’s best moments to unfold.

Life at Empire Brixton means experiencing the best of Charlotte’s University area. Access the Queen City’s education, culture, and attractions any day of the week, or find reprieve in the bountiful parks and lush green spaces nearby. Its convenient location makes it a sought-after place to set roots, and it’s no surprise why. But don’t just take our word for it — discover for yourself what life at Brixton truly means with our University Area Community Guide.

In the heart of the Niagara region is the charming city of Thorold — a community rich in history and brimming with culture and activity. Offering unmatched accessibility, Thorold has evolved into an ideal home for growing families and individuals in pursuit of a life of simplicity and comfort. The serene neighbourhoods, adorned with tree-lined streets and charming parks, create an inviting backdrop for a life well-lived. Here, the pace of life slows, allowing for genuine connections to flourish and for life’s best moments to unfold.

Nestled between the Welland Canal and the shores of Lake Erie, Welland is surrounded by the beauty of the Niagara region. Locals revel in the impressive waterfront and extensive green spaces, as they unwind to a slower pace of living while still having easy access to modern conveniences. With endless adventures just a stone’s throw away, Welland is quickly becoming one of Niagara’s fastest-growing cities. People from all over want to experience what Welland has to offer, and it’s not hard to see why.

Not sure what to do in Welland, Ontario? Take a page out of a local’s book by spending the day at these 8 beloved places.

Interested in moving to Welland, Ontario? Check out our new homes for sale at Empire Canals, the city’s newest master-planned community.

Next, discover our guide to a well-spent day in Welland and some of the region’s top schools.

Images courtesy of: Golf Canada (Cardinal Lakes Golf Club).

With so many sights to see and places to go in Welland, Ontario, there’s no time like the present to hop in the car and experience fun close to home.

Are you looking to make the move to Welland? Here are 5 reasons why you’ll love living at Empire Canals — our new master-planned community in Welland, Ontario. We’ve even rounded up Welland’s best schools to make sure to make school enrolment a little easier for you.

With the Carolinas’ abundance of parks and trails, lakes, and enchanting gardens, us locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do outdoors on a beautiful afternoon. To help you get out and explore the best hidden gems and must-see spots, we’ve rounded up a list of the best outdoor adventures close to home.

Setting out on your outdoor adventure in the Carolinas? Share your photos with us on Instagram by tagging @empire_thecarolinas. Next, check out these 4 celebrity-owned restaurants in the Carolinas or 5 must-visit fairways for golf lovers in Charlotte.

Images courtesy of: Charlotte’s Got a Lot (Lake Norman, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens); Conde Nast Traveler (Little Sugar Creek Greenway); DPR Design (Reedy Creek Park); Pacer (Four-Mile Creek Greenway); Catawba Lands Conservancy (Seven Oaks Preserve); Anne Springs Close Greenway (Anne Springs Close Greenway); Lake Wylie Marine Commission (Lake Wylie); Greenville, SC (Table Rock State Park); South Carolina Lakes Database (Paris Mountain State Park); Greenville Journal (Jones Gap State Park). 

As Empire Quay House continues to take shape on Queens Quay East by Toronto’s eastern waterfront, our construction site became the perfect opportunity to inject a new burst of art and creativity for the neighbourhood to enjoy. To help us bring our hoarding to life, we teamed up with students from George Brown College’s design program.

The team of Christina Kim, Natalie Franke, and Kristie Jones were given creative freedom to use the condo project’s hoarding as an outlet for artistic expression. They landed on transformation as their design theme, inspired by scenic views of where the city and waterfront meet.

The unique design plays on the waterfront and waves, using them to transform from one activity to another. A streetcar that transforms into an outing at Sugar Beach, and a community basketball court that evolves into a scene of someone working in an office building are just a few of the concepts. The final result? A vibrant, eye-catching display that reflects the liveliness and energy of Toronto’s downtown core.

“Art and partnerships like these with Empire Quay House are just another opportunity to bring public art into Torontonians’ lives every day,” explains Franke. The power of art is limitless, stimulating learning and creativity in people of all ages. It prompts self-reflection and awareness, and develops a sense of community pride.

Despite art being integral to Toronto, there aren’t always opportunities for up-and-coming talent to showcase their work. “It brings a lot of joy and creativity to the city. While there is a lot of creativity that can be found in Toronto, it’s not always something that we always see directly on the street,” explains Jones. “Being able to bring that to people who are out and about, and show off what the city has to offer is always a wonderful opportunity.”

Located on Toronto’s eastern waterfront, Quay House’s hoarding is the perfect canvas for students to gain public exposure in the local art scene on a large scale, being located in a high-traffic area with Sugar Beach in walking distance. Students bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the table, providing a special skill set and creative solutions that might not have been considered before. The benefits are twofold as these opportunities end up setting them up for future success in the industry.

“Empire’s collaboration with George Brown has been a wonderful opportunity for us to bring public art into the lives of Torontonians right on the street as we celebrate creativity and the vibrant culture of this Toronto waterfront community,” says Josie Arcella, Senior Marketing Director at Empire Communities. “We thank these talented students for letting us work hand in hand to bring this vision to life for Quay House.”

To find out more about Empire Quay House and our other communities in the GTA, click here.

Interested in learning more about some of the other talented designers we’ve teamed up with? Check out Sarah Neuburger’s work in Atlanta, Georgia and Samara Shuter’s thought-provoking artwork at Empire Maverick in Toronto.