Find your place.
Feel at home.

Your local guide to homes, neighborhoods
and the best of Cleveland County, NC.

Local insight. Not a search result.

Hey, I’m Kelly!Your local
REALTOR®
Homes
for every season
Welcoming
neighborhoods
A thriving
community
A place
to belong

Welcome to Cleveland County, North Carolina

More room to live.
More reasons to stay.

Cleveland County sits in the North Carolina foothills, where small-town streets, open land and a strong sense of community meet. Whether you are relocating, moving across town or looking for your first home, this guide will help you see what life here can really look like.

Featured homes

A place for your next chapter

Tell me what you need

Availability and property details can change. Use the live home search below or contact Kelly for the latest information.

Available homes

Kelly’s featured listings

Explore my current listings across Cleveland County and the surrounding area. When something catches your eye, I’ll help you understand the home, the neighborhood and the next steps.

Home search provided by Kelly HowellREALTOR® with Huitt Realty · NC License #313597

Want a more personalized search? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll set it up for you.

Get to know the area

Life around Cleveland County

There is more here than a pin on a map. Start with the places and experiences locals return to.

Arts & music

Stories with a soundtrack

Explore the Earl Scruggs Center, see a show at the Don Gibson Theatre and enjoy Uptown events.

Outside

Parks, trails & lake days

From the Shelby City Park carousel to Moss Lake and nearby trails, family time can happen outside.

Shop & eat local

Independent by nature

Meet makers, restaurateurs and shop owners who give each community its personality.

Shelby

The county seat, with Uptown shops, restaurants, arts, music and parks.

Kings Mountain

A growing community with historic roots and convenient regional access.

Boiling Springs

A close-knit college town with a relaxed pace and local favorites.

Small-town & rural

Explore Fallston, Lawndale, Polkville, Waco, Belwood and countryside acreage.

Kelly Howell, REALTOR with Huitt Realty

Meet your local REALTOR®

Hi, I’m Kelly Howell.

REALTOR® with Huitt Realty · NC License #313597

My real estate story began in 2016, when I started investing in property and learning firsthand what makes a house—and a deal—work. That experience eventually led me to earn my North Carolina real estate license and build a career helping buyers, sellers and investors navigate the market with honest guidance and personal attention.

Today, I’m proud to serve Cleveland County and the surrounding communities with Huitt Realty. Whether you are moving from across the country or across town, I’d love to help you feel confident about what comes next.

Outside of real estate

Rooted in family and community.

I was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and raised in Cherryville, North Carolina. I graduated from Cherryville High School in 2010 and married my high school sweetheart that same year—so, needless to say, it was a pretty big year for me!

After high school, I continued my education at Davidson County Community College and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2015, we made Shelby, North Carolina, our home, where we continued building our life together and completed our family. Today, we are proud parents of five children.

Outside of real estate, I love cheering on our children in their sports and hobbies, spending time together as a family, and being part of our church community at Hope Community Church. On a Saturday morning, you may also find me walking through the Foothills Farmers’ Market. Supporting local families and small businesses is something I genuinely value, both personally and professionally.

I believe the gifts we’re given are meant to be used in service to others—a principle that guides both my life and my work:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”— 1 Peter 4:10

Kind words from clients

Trusted through every move.

★★★★★50+ five-star Google reviewsReal experiences from buyers and sellers I’ve had the privilege to help.
★★★★★
“Kelly made the process of selling our home so easy!”
Rachel F. · Seller
★★★★★
“Responsive, attentive and reliable.”
BT M. · Buyer
★★★★★
“She goes above and beyond.”
Sadi L. · Buyer & seller
Read more Google reviews

Kelly’s local favorites

Visiting Cleveland County?

Here’s how I’d spend a relaxed Saturday in and around Shelby. Tap a category to explore my recommendations.

Saturday morningStart local

Foothills Farmers’ Market

Browse local produce, baked goods, meats, handmade finds and more at the Bobby Bell Pavilion in Uptown Shelby. The year-round Saturday market is one of my favorite ways to start the weekend.

Visit the market website
Coffee stopsLocal and familiar favorites

Grab something good

Try Hive Coffee, Pioneer Coffee or Hannah’s Coffee House for a local cup. Shelby also has Starbucks, Dunkin’ and 7 Brew when you want a familiar favorite.

Places to eatKelly’s Shelby list

Come hungry

Some of my local favorites include Toscano’s Bistro, Pfeiffer Cafe & Confections, Mi Pueblito, Bella Verona, Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille and Beaver Creek Bar & Grill. You’ll also find LongHorn Steakhouse, McAlister’s Deli, Chipotle and plenty of quick options around town.

Parks & outdoorsFresh air for every pace

Make time to wander

Visit Hanna Park, Holly Oak Park or Shelby City Park—especially the historic carousel and miniature train with children. For a longer outdoor day, try the Carolina Harmony Trail, Broad River Greenway, Moss Lake or the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail.

Uptown browsingBooks, shops and culture

Stroll through Uptown

Stop at Box Turtle Books, Shelby’s independent bookstore, then explore nearby shops, the Earl Scruggs Center, the Don Gibson Theatre and the galleries and murals around Uptown.

Explore Uptown businesses

Hours and availability can change, so check with each destination before you go.

Thinking about selling?

Know what your home could be worth.

Get a thoughtful, local look at your property—not an instant computer estimate. Tell me about your home and your plans, and I’ll personally follow up with a pricing conversation.

  • A local market review
  • A clear selling strategy
  • No pressure or obligation

Request a home value review

For Cleveland County businesses

Help newcomers discover what you do.

Own a local restaurant, shop, service or attraction? Share your information for consideration in the local guide. There is no charge to submit.

  • Reach new residents
  • Share your story
  • Keep recommendations local

Submit your business

Planning a move?

Let’s find the right fit—not just a house.

Tell me a little about your timeline, price range and what home means to you. I’ll follow up personally with helpful next steps.

Kelly Howell
Kelly HowellREALTOR® • Huitt RealtyNC License #313597
(704) 284-1012 • Email Kelly

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