Are you considering living in Bessemer City NC? Take a look at our complete guide to explore everything this Charlotte suburb has to offer.
Bessemer City is a historic city known for its rich iron mining and textile manufacturing history; its primary industry today is lithium production. Bessemer City was named after Sir Henry Bessemer, who invented the Bessemer Process (a method for producing steel from pig iron). Like how the motto goes, Bessemer is a ‘City with a Heart’ and is famous for embracing “Heartfelt Living.”
Since the first European settlers arrived in the mid-1700s (incorporated in 1893), Bessemer has evolved from a mining town to a family-friendly community with the ambiance of a Hallmark movie. If moving to Bessemer City is in your future, keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
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Is Bessemer City NC a Good Place to Live?
Bessemer City, NC, is a good place to live if you’re looking for a peaceful small-town lifestyle with affordable living costs. The city offers a close-knit community, a crime rate below the national average, and convenient access to nearby Gastonia and Charlotte for shopping, dining, and employment. However, entertainment options and high-paying careers are limited within the city. Overall, Bessemer City suits those who value safety, friendliness, and a slower pace of life while staying within reach of urban amenities.
Where Is Bessemer City NC?
Bessemer City NC is located in Gastonia County, in the western Piedmont region of North Carolina. Its optimal location in the foothills offers rolling terrain and mountain landscapes. It’s part of the greater Charlotte, North Carolina, metropolitan area and is an ideal commuter town for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while working in the city.
What Is Bessemer City Close to?
Bessemer is centrally located near several notable cities and towns.
- Gastonia: 7.9 miles southeast
- Kings Mountain: 5.4 miles southwest
- Lincolnton: 15.8 miles north
- Charlotte: 30.6 miles east
Population of Bessemer City NC
The population in Bessemer City NC is 5,508 with a population density of 976 people per square mile. The median age is young, 34.2, and 66% of residents are under the age of 49. There are 2.6 people per household, meaning there are likely many families living in Bessemer City NC. The median household income is $48,784, which is below the US average. 16.3% of residents are below the poverty rate.
What Are the Demographics of Bessemer City NC?
- Racial and ethnic composition: 72.1% White, 15.8% Black, 0.6% Asian, 6.4% Hispanic, 0.8% Native American or other, and 4.4% two or more races
- Sex ratio: 50 males to 50 females
- Mean travel time to work: 24.5 minutes
- Marital status: 42% married
- Educational attainment:
- 82% have high school diplomas
- 14.4% have bachelor’s degrees or higher
- Foreign-born population: 3.9%
- Notable people: Phil Crosby, James Ijames, and Kevin Millwood
What Is the Crime Rate in Bessemer City NC?
The crime rate in Bessemer City NC is lower than the state and national average, according to crime rate statistics provided by the FBI.
- Bessemer City NC crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,670
- North Carolina crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,469
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Bessemer City violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 305
- North Carolina violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 405
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 376
- Bessemer City property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,365
- North Carolina property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,064
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
If you want to live in a city that’s known for being one of the safest in North Carolina, you might consider moving to Concord. However, Bessemer City is still 32.4% safer than the state and 28.1% safer than the country. The Bessemer City Police Department does a fine job keeping the streets safe.
What Is the Cost of Living in Bessemer City NC?
The cost of living in Bessemer City, NC, is affordable compared to national averages, as the Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Bessemer City is 86, compared to 100. The median home value is $232,663, while monthly rent averages around $790. Residents earn a median household income of roughly $52,000, and the combined sales tax rate is 7.0%. The Economic Policy Institute suggests a household income of $106,998 for a family of four to live comfortably in the Charlotte/Concord/Gastonia metro area.
Housing and transportation are notably cheaper than in many U.S. cities, though healthcare costs are slightly higher; the typical doctor’s visit here costs roughly $144.99. Overall, Bessemer City offers a low-cost lifestyle with reasonable housing and commuting expenses, making it an attractive option for families and retirees alike.
Typical Living Expenses
Take a closer look at what living in Bessemer City NC will cost you; here are typical living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $22.00
- Liter of milk: $0.86
- Loaf of white bread: $2.73
- Pound of local cheese: $5.50
- Pound of chicken fillets: $$6.32
- Pound of white rice: $1.29
- City of Bessemer City utilities: $194.32 – 915 square-foot apartment
Source: Numbeo
Property Taxes
Property taxes in Bessemer City, North Carolina are affordable. The city tax rate is $0.55 per $100 of assessed value, and the Gaston County rate is $0.599 per $100, for a combined total of about $1.149 per $100 of assessed value. If your home is valued at the median price of $229,000, your estimated annual property tax bill would be $2,630.
Real Estate Market Overview
The median sale price in Bessemer City NC is $295,000, which is well below the US average of $410,800. The average price per square foot is $189, and it takes roughly 161 days for homes to sell. Only 40% sell above their listing price.
Neighborhoods in Bessemer City NC
Bessemer City, NC, features several residential areas spread across scenic streets and quiet communities. Popular neighborhoods and roads include Ashley Place Drive, Athenia Place, Barkers Ridge Drive, and Crowders Mountain Road, each offering a mix of suburban comfort and small-town charm.
Ashley Place Drive is less than 1 mile from SR 274, providing convenient access to shopping and dining. Athenia Place is near Edgewood Grill, showcasing its prime location. Other notable areas, such as Bess Town Road, offer a rural environment that’s still close to city amenities.
Whether you’re looking for established neighborhoods or newer developments, living in Bessemer City NC has options.
Bessemer City Weather & Climate
Bessemer experiences warm to hot summers and cool winters. According to the Koppen climate classification, it’s a Cfa — Humid subtropical climate. You will experience all four seasons when living in Bessemer City NC. If you plan to travel here soon, consider visiting between early May and mid-June, or mid-August and early October. Summer and early fall offer warm weather, changing colors, and cool temperatures. If you end up wanting to stay for good, summers in Bessemer City are long, hot, and muggy. Autumn is pleasant, and winters are mild, although some days can be quite cold.
Temperature Averages
- Average annual high temperature in Bessemer City: 70.8 °F
- Average annual low: 49 °F
- Average high in summer (July): 89.2 °F
- Average range in winter (January): 32.5°F to 48°F
The average annual snowfall in Bessemer City is about 5 inches, and the average yearly rainfall is between 44 and 45 inches.
Things to Do in Bessemer City NC
Bessemer isn’t a well-developed city, which is part of its appeal. However, their options for activities within the city boundaries are limited. Remember, larger cities are just a short drive away.
Downtown Bessemer City
Bustling with quaint shops and cafes, downtown Bessemer is the heart of the city. You will find the community’s top stores, like Otis Merchandise Gallery, and coffee shops like Wicked Waffle Co. The downtown/historic district is currently undergoing revitalization, and it’s expected it will host a number of businesses in the coming years.
Bessemer City Pool
Located within Bessemer City Park is a community pool for all residents to enjoy. It’s open in the spring and summer months, has a full service concessions stand, and lifeguards on duty.
200 N 14th St, Bessemer City, NC 28016, (704) 729-6393
Bessemer City Park
Bessemer City Park is an extensive park located in the city of Bessemer. It has a large playground, is dog-friendly, and has pickleball courts.
220 S 14th St, Bessemer City, NC 28016, (704) 922-2160
Bessemer City Events & Recreation Departments
The Bessemer City Parks and Recreation Department maintains all parks and open spaces within the city limits. Notable community events include the Down Home Festival and Brew & Que Festival.
Bessemer City NC Restaurants
Living in Bessemer City NC provides access to some of the top restaurants in the Carolinas.
Grandma Hoyt’s Country Buffet & Catering
Enjoy this all-you-can-eat buffet in Bessemer City! Grandma Hoyt’s has everything from mac and cheese to chicken and dumplings. It’s one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the city.
421 E Virginia Ave, Bessemer City, NC 28016, (704) 629-9440
Surf & Turf Lodge
Check out Surf & Turf’s freshly fried hushpuppies and perfectly grilled flounder.
Surf & Turf Lodge, 808 N 14th St, Bessemer City, NC 28016, (704) 629-0561
El Lorito Mexican Restaurant
El Lorito serves authentic Mexican cuisine and is known for its lovely atmosphere and fajitas.
1002 Gastonia Hwy, Bessemer City, NC 28016, (704) 629-2002
Bessemer City Jobs – Economic Overview, Leading Industries, Etc.
While far from a regional economic hub, Bessemer City’s economy can support its residents. Many people living in Bessemer City seek employment in nearby Gastonia and Charlotte, as those job markets offer more competitive pay and benefits. If you examine the average income per capita here ($26,546), you will see that local wages lag the broader Charlotte region ($69,588).
The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia MSA (the metro in which Bessemer City sits) had a GDP of about $255.7 billion (2023). The city is certainly benefiting from Charlotte’s rapid growth, as there is a new industrial park activity, regional manufacturing investments, and countless retail/service jobs serving the population.
Plastics/additives, precision machining, and metal fabrication are common industries in Bessemer City, as it hosts a plethora of manufacturing plants, including Tosaf (polymers/additives) and CBM/Connor Brothers (precision parts/fabrication).
If you plan to commute to Charlotte for work, you’ll be pleased to find the mean hourly wage in Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC is $32.55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re searching for jobs in Bessemer City, look to Bessemer City employment and the county’s major employers: Gaston Public Schools, Caromont Health Corporation, and Freightliner Corporation.
Bessemer City Schools
Gaston County Schools district serves K-12 public school students living in Bessemer NC. Students gain access to unique programs such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the Career & College Promise (CCP) program, which allow them to earn college credit while still in high school. The district provides strong services for students with disabilities through the Exceptional Children’s Program. The graduation rate is 88%.
Gaston County Schools Enrollment Process
- Start with the ‘how to enroll’ page of their website
- Make sure you have documentation of:
- Child’s birth certificate (proof of age)
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Two current proofs of residence (e.g., utility bills, lease/mortgage) dated within the last 30 days
- Immunization record and health assessment
You can determine which school your child will attend by using the district’s zoning map. You enter your address, and it displays the schools serving your neighborhood.
Higher Education
Gaston College (Dallas Campus) is ideal for those seeking certificates or their associate degrees. Belmont Abbey College is situated in nearby Belmont and is a well-established four-year private institution.
Bessemer City Statistics & Information
- County: Gaston County
- Bessemer City area: 5.26 square miles
- Bessemer City zip code(s): 28016
- Bessemer City area code(s): 704
- Bessemer City elevation: 902 feet above sea level
- Bessemer City time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC −5 and -4)
- Closest major airport to Bessemer City: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is 27 miles away
Living in Bessemer City NC FAQ
Is Bessemer City NC a Good Place to Live?
Bessemer City, North Carolina, is a small city in Gaston County known for its quiet residential neighborhoods and access to outdoor recreation, including Crowders Mountain State Park (5.7 miles north). The city offers affordable housing, a cost of living below the national average, and a community-oriented atmosphere. Local schools are served by Gaston County Schools, providing public education options for families. Its proximity to Gastonia and Charlotte allows access to larger job markets and urban amenities while offering a slower-paced suburban lifestyle.
What Is the Crime Rate in Bessemer City NC?
According to the most recent FBI data, Bessemer City, North Carolina, had about 1,952 total crimes per 100,000 people, which is roughly 8 % below the national average of 2,119 per 100,000. The violent crime rate in Bessemer City was about 457 per 100,000 residents, and the property crime rate was about 1,495 per 100,000. These figures reflect reported incidents in the latest reporting year.
What Is the Cost of Living in Bessemer City NC?
According to Payscale (which reports figures daily), Bessemer City, North Carolina, has an overall cost of living index of 86, meaning it is 14 % lower than the U.S average. The Cost of Living Index reflects relative expenses for typical household needs such as groceries, housing, utilities, transportation, medical care, and education. Housing costs are exceptionally affordable, with median home values near $173,000 and an average rent of $1,144 per month, according to Zillow. Other expenses like groceries, transportation, and utilities also tend to be lower or close to average.
Map of Bessemer City
Explore more of living in Bessemer City NC with this handy map.
Moving to Bessemer City NC With Make A Move
If living in Bessemer City NC is your next step, let Make A Move be your reliable Bessemer City NC movers. Call us today at (704) 378-8588 for a free estimate.
