We prefer more unique homes that are not built 10 feet from adjacent homes, but we don't want a yard that will consume our time maintaining it. We like a quiet and mellow lifestyle without lots of traffic, and lots of weekends spent up in the mountains.
If west of the airport, but on the airport side of the Catawba river, he’s going to have limited options (bridges) to cross the river to get to work, which could add to commuting times in the future (if not now), and depending on his hours. If he’s already west of the river, then look at Belmont, Gastonia, and north of I-85 in Lincoln county.
You COULD look down I-77 into South Carolina (Ft. Mill, Rock Hill), but that’s not going to be as convenient for trips to the mountains.
So, if you ARE trying to get to the mountains for weekends, then proximity to US-321 will help you get up towards Boone (NC), or being near I-85, then head south on it to US-74 west to get to Asheville and surrounds.
If the hubby doesn’t mind a longer commute (maybe if his job is in Gastonia), Shelby is a nice sized town, with a downtown area that’s pretty quaint and is coming back.