It is hard to get to level 50.

[mjdoom]

I don't know about the alliance side, seeing as I haven't played an alliance character past 18, but most everyone I've talked to horde-side agrees that the span from level 45 to 50 is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for hitting 60, because of the lack of content of that level.  (Which is why I would be glad that there's a pair of new towns with quests of that level in the next patch, except that Blizzard's taking its time in releasing it.)
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I don't know how it will turn out on PvP servers (fighting over mob territory) but the new quests in Searing Gorge seem like they would be very nice for high 40s - low 50s. There seem to be a bunch of easy, straightforward kill x mobs quests as well as a few quests that send you deep into the Slag Pit (deeper than you've probably gone before). The addition of these quests will hopefully help.

As Alliance I don't ever remember dragging in my late 40s but my first char through there did many Z'F runs trying to complete Divin'o'matic (before they nerfed it) and my second char had the benefit of me knowing the questing layout well and thus I could be more efficient in questing. Not being on a PvP server also meant I could solo more quests and thus gain more experience through the normal grind associated with completing quests.

One last note I will make is to look for some of the higher level quests in slightly lower level zones. King Mukla in STV is a great example. It is a level 50 or so quest that would probably require you to bring a friend or two but the experience from completing a quest like that can be a real shot in the arm when things start to drag. My guess is that even if STV is a war zone of sorts, Mukla's island might still be relatively clear. Coming from alliance I'm not sure that I have any other valid quest suggestions but quests like this might be what you want to look for.

- mjdoom