To the east of Gastonia along State Route 7 is the community of Lowell, named after a textile-manufacturing center near Boston. Prior to its incorporation in 1879, an engineer was commissioned to design a "planned community" of considerable size. Over the decades, Lowell failed to grow and develop into vision of its early settlers. Modern Lowell is characterized as a small, neat community of paved streets lined by well-maintained, substantial homes. Quiet, welcoming residential neighborhoods on tree-shaded streets join several thriving textile plants. The community's close proximity to the rapidly growing county seat of Gastonia and the phenomenal popularity of Gaston County within Metropolitan Charlotte are indicators of change and development as the future of Lowell continues to unfold. Major shopping centers, a regional hospital, cultural attractions, and a community college campus are minutes from home in nearby Gastonia.