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.
REALTOR®
for every season
neighborhoods
community
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
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.
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.
Stories with a soundtrack
Explore the Earl Scruggs Center, see a show at the Don Gibson Theatre and enjoy Uptown events.
Parks, trails & lake days
From the Shelby City Park carousel to Moss Lake and nearby trails, family time can happen outside.
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.

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.
“Kelly made the process of selling our home so easy!”
“Responsive, attentive and reliable.”
“She goes above and beyond.”
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 websiteCoffee 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 businessesHours 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
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
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.
