Kings Mountain, named for one of the two peaks in its namesake state park, is a quiet little town in rural North Carolina’s Cleveland County. Major industries include manufacturing and agriculture; Frito-Lay, Firestone Fibers & Textiles and Revolution Performance Fabrics are top local employers. “It’s a very small town, with not a whole lot going on. But it is a quaint, cute little place,” says Colleen Essick, an Allen Tate Realtor with several years of experience working with clients in the area. She says it’s the atmosphere and affordability that appeal most to homebuyers. “The taxes aren’t unreasonable, and the home prices aren’t unreasonable. Plus, there’s been a lot of growth, specifically new construction homes,” Essick says. Realtor Choon Kim, also of Allen Tate, a current resident, agrees, noting that while property values tend to be higher than those in the neighboring town of Shelby, it’s still a much more affordable place to buy a home than Charlotte. Plus, many homes here don’t actually go on the market. “People in Kings Mountain don’t move," Kim says. "They’ll hand over the property to their children or relatives, so they don’t go through the typical sales channels, which means that if a home goes up for sale on the general market in Kings Mountain, it’s highly desirable.”
Kings Mountain State Park features trails, lakes, wildlife viewing and more for visitors.
The beauty of Kings Mountain is found in the vast open acres of untouched nature surrounding the city.
1/2
New construction on the rise
Kings Mountain’s median single-family home price is $275,000, far lower than Charlotte’s median of almost $450,000 and the national median of $406,100. Midcentury bungalows and ranch-style homes are common all over town; Traditional and Modern Transitional-style new builds are popping up, too. Some are scattered throughout town individually, but Kim observes that there are many new developments on the southeast side, in the Pinnacle area close to Crowders Mountain State Park. “In 2024, we had a 23% increase in new listings, so we’re definitely selling more homes here,” Essick says, adding that the average days-on-market is 56. That’s slightly higher than the national average of 44. “Kings Mountain is one of those places where we’ve seen an increase in both the average sale and the number of listings. The larger lot sizes and new construction are appealing, especially to young families," Essick continued. "People are able to get a new construction home on a larger lot than in Charlotte or Rock Hill, where builders are putting new construction on small, tiny little lots.”
New communities are being developed around Kings Mountain helping to draw new residents to the area.
Newer homes can be found hidden among the well established communities spread around Kings Mountain.
1/2
Kings Mountain Gateway Trail will connect to mountainous parks south of town soon
Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battle site, are about 15 miles south of town. Technically, they’re in South Carolina, but Kim says North Carolinians from as far as Charlotte visit for day trips to hike the scenic mountain trails. “It’s a great area for people to go out and get some exercise and fresh air,” she says. Essick agrees, adding that Crowders Mountain State Park is equally popular for hiking and mountain views. Just north of the state border, it’s even closer to town. As the Ridgeway Trail expands, hikers will soon be able to access the three parks via the Kings Mountain Gateway Trailhead off South Battleground Avenue. The Catawba Two Kings Casino, off Interstate 85 just south of town, also draws visitors from around the region.
According to the Trust for Public Land, 13% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park in Kings Mountain proper. The city is in the final planning stages of the Davidson Park Renovation Project, an estimated $5.3 million update to the northwest side’s park that will add a new tot lot, fitness stations and pickleball courts. Deal Park hosts Kings Mountain’s annual Revolutionary Fourth celebration on July 4th, billed as the largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville. Essick: “It’s a pretty big crowd-raiser for the area.” Patriots Park, downtown, also hosts annual events, like the NC BeachBlast Festival celebrating Carolina beach music in August, the Great Pumpkin Parade in October and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in December.
Kings Mountain locals can learn more about Crowders Mountain State Park at the visitors center before heading to the trails.
The beauty of Kings Mountain is found in the vast open acres of untouched nature surrounding the city.
1/2
Kings Mountain High School offers dual enrollment with Cleveland Community College
Kings Mountain students are zoned to attend seven schools within the Cleveland County Public Schools system, which earns an overall B-plus from Niche. The average student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1. While open enrollment/school choice is unavailable, Cleveland Early College High School in the neighboring city of Shelby offers an application-based college-prep magnet program. Kings Mountain High School works with Cleveland Community College to provide dual enrollment classes. Private school options include C-rated Grace Christian Academy and A-minus-rated Gaston Christian School, both nondenominational. Gaston Christian School’s Kings Mountain campus serves preschool through seventh graders in the historic Central School building downtown. The main campus, in Gastonia, about 16 miles east, serves preschool through 12th graders.
Older students in Kings Mountain attend Kings Mountain High School.
Gaston Christian School is a private educational institution in Kings Mountain receiving an A- from niche.
1/2
Some local shops and restaurants, more options in nearby Shelby
“Kings Mountain and Shelby are kind of intermingled in terms of shopping and dining. Most stores and restaurants are in Shelby, but Downtown Kings Mountain, right where the post office is, has some small shops, the city government building, the utilities building, and a few restaurants,” Kim says. Additional retailers are found in shopping centers along Business Route 74 and North Carolina Routes 161 and 216. Kim observes that while locals do gather for the occasional event in Downtown Kings Mountain, Shelby tends to host bigger events (and more often), like the NC Liver Mush Festival, which celebrates a popular regional dish. “Liver Mush is basically the exact same thing as scrapple, but it’s made from liver and cornmeal, whereas scrapple is everything but the oink, if you know what I mean,” Essick says. The annual event is held in Uptown Shelby every October, with liver mush and other food vendors, live music and a pet parade and costume contest.
Kings Mountain is a small town with big Southern charm welcoming visitors and new residents.
There are a variety of small and locally owned eateries and more for Kings Mountain locals to enjoy in nearby Shelby.
1/2
Car-dependent but close to highways
With no public transportation available, Kings Mountain residents are car-dependent. However, Interstate 85 and U.S. Route 74 are nearby, connecting to bigger cities like Gastonia, about 11 miles east. Charlotte is another 15 miles farther east, typically a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Cleveland County’s property crime rate is lower than North Carolina’s
While Kings Mountain crime states aren't readily available, Cleveland County's violent crime rate increased by just over 6% between 2022 and 2023. The county’s property crime rate declined by over 1% over the same period. Cleveland County’s violent crime rate is higher than the state’s, while the county’s property crime rate is lower than the state’s.
Written By
Megan Quintin
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Frank Schofield,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Kings Mountain, NC sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Kings Mountain, NC over the last 12 months is $296,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is the one! Well Maintained HOME. Move In Ready. This spacious 2-Story HOME offers over 1,800 square feet of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms & 2.5 bathrooms. The property boasts an open floor plan with plenty of living space, as well as a spacious loft. You will love the beautiful kitchen, which is complete with granite countertops and an island. The main living area is ideal for both
Nestled in the highly desired community of Kings Mountain, this beautiful new 2-story, 3-bedroom home perfectly blends modern elegance with everyday comfort. The Darwin Plan from the moment you arrive, the vibrant James Hardie board siding and charming exterior details create an inviting first impression. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed open-concept floor plan that radiates warmth
Absolutely stunning new construction in Kings Mountain NC! This home boasts three generously sized bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a dedicated laundry and utility room! The guest bedrooms are spacious and are well placed with great views of the land! The primary suite also is very spacious with a walk in closet and private full bathroom that has a tiled bath and shower area and a double sink
Come check out his rare 2-bed 2.5-bath home that underwent a major renovation in 2019 -2020. All new systems at that time, including electrical, plumbing, roof, HVAC, water heater, windows, doors, and the list goes on. The kitchen offers all the upgrades one would expect from the shaker cabinets to the granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. In the primary suite, you will find a
Welcome to luxury living in the highly sought-after Woodbridge community of Kings Mountain where space, views, and lifestyle come together beautifully. This impressive home has been thoughtfully updated, offering modern finishes and refreshed spaces. Situated on a premium corner lot, this impressive home offers an open-concept layout designed for both comfortable everyday living and effortless
Welcome to 409 Baker Street, where comfort, convenience, and outdoor living come together in the heart of Kings Mountain! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space featuring an open-concept floor plan that's perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into the living
Investor Special! 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home situated on a generous 0.34-acre lot—loaded with potential and ready for your vision. This property offers a solid footprint with a functional layout, making it an ideal candidate for renovation or resale. The spacious lot and existing structure create a strong foundation to transform this property into something truly special. Enjoy the added value
Ready for move-in! This three bedroom, two bath ranch home in Beason Creek is completely turn key just freshly painted! Large, sunny great room that's partially open to the kitchen and dining area. The modern kitchen has white cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, pantry and a breakfast bar. Large primary suite with extended vanity and granite countertops, step in shower and
Battleground Villas is a fully occupied 8-unit brick income property with 16 bedrooms, 8 full baths, and 7,600 heated square feet spread across three single-story buildings on 0.74 acres in Kings Mountain. Every unit is currently generating rent on one-year lease terms that convert to month-to-month, with tenants covering all utilities. The construction profile is worth noting: all-brick
Welcome to Hillside Drive in Kings Mountain, NC—an excellent opportunity to build your dream home on a beautiful 0.56-acre wooded homesite.Nestled among mature trees, this property offers the perfect balance of privacy and accessibility. With no HOA, you’ll have the freedom to bring your own builder and create the home you’ve always envisioned. City water and sewer are available along the
This area is on the rise and at the beginning stage of a revitalization phase considering being within a 1⁄2 mile radius of the highly anticipated Catawba Two Kings Casino that is currently under construction. With the projection of commercial real estate within this area and future landscape reshaping the current real estate dynamics of this area makes this a great investment opportunity. With
Welcome to 117 Wright Road, a well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offering comfort, privacy, and freedom on over half an acre with no HOA. This property has been lovingly cared for and provides the perfect blend of peaceful living and everyday convenience.Step inside to an inviting layout with a bright living area, a functional kitchen, and two comfortable bedrooms. The full bath has a
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Kings Mountain offering a beautiful layout and inviting character throughout. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the warm, comfortable feel and functional flow that makes everyday living easy. This home features bright living spaces, well-sized bedrooms, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for first-time buyers, downsizing, or investment potential.
~7.5 acre wooded, unimproved tract offering exceptional potential for a private estate, recreational use, or investment. The land is mostly wooded and uncleared, providing a natural setting ready for your vision. With the right offer, this property can be combined with 537 Kilgore (MLS ID: 4407388) for an additional ~41.3 acres giving you a combined 48+ acres of opportunity. Buyers are encouraged
Investor Special on 10.7 Acres in Kings Mountain!Unlock the potential of this rare 10.7-acre property offering privacy, space, and endless possibilities. Nestled among mature trees in a peaceful rural setting, this property features a manufactured home ready for renovation, rental income, or replacement with your dream home. The spacious homesite includes a large deck, wooded surroundings,
This 2-story home was built in 2025. The main level has a spacious family room, dining area, kitchen, laundry, and half bath. The upper level has three bedrooms and two full baths. The kitchen has granite countertops and an island. No Smoking. References required. No Pets. Schools are East Elementary and Kings Mountain Middle and High.
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2634.70. That covers your base rent, $2495.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
This home is professionally managed by Tricon, dedicated to creating exceptional rental experiences. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and approximately 1,710 square feet, this well-maintained home offers a high standard of rental living, supported by a team that puts residents first. As a Tricon resident, you'll enjoy access to Tricon Vantage — a program designed to support your rental
2 Bedroom ,1 Bath Apartment. In the charming town of Kings Mountain, Located in a prime location, you'll have easy access to all that Kings Mountain has to offer. Quiet and Private in very nice neighborhood, It's spacious and beautiful. Central heat & air!. Parking on driveway. Call us For more info.Qualifications:Every one staying at property must be on the Application and Lease.
Escape the hustle and enjoy the quiet of country living in this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in Kings Mountain, NC. Offering the perfect blend of comfort and privacy, this home is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful place to call home while remaining close to town.Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout with comfortable living areas, a functional kitchen, and two full
3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom house available now. Large rooms, metal carport, large lawn with paved driveway. Fireplace is for decor only. No pets allowed. Please be advised that this property is managed by T.R. Lawing Realty. We will NEVER ask you to wire money or take the key after your showing to move-in. Please visit our website or call our office at if you have any
This large, freshly painted 3-bedroom 2-bathroom mobile home offers comfort, space, convenience, and a prime location! It's a short drive to shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, US-74, and more! Estimated monthly payment includes land lease fee. $5,084 upfront payment (payment may be able to be broken down into smaller monthly payments depending on application). *Sorry, we cannot accept section
Edward JohnsonSuburban Acres LLC
$1,995 per month
Brand New Beautiful Townhome! End Unit! Attached Garage!
Beautiful New Build 3 bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom with loft town home available for July 1st occupancy! Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, private back patio, and attached one car garage! Three large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms are located upstairs along with a loft space that could be used for an additional sitting area or an office! Half bath located downstairs.The Towns at Kings
Move in Special! First Month Rent Free with signed lease by Aug. 31, 2026!!! Beautiful New Build 3 bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom with loft town home available for July 1st occupancy! Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, private back patio, and attached one car garage! Three large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms are located upstairs along with a loft space that could be used for an additional
Welcome to your new home in Charlotte, NC! This newly renovated apartment offers a nice, comfortable living space that's perfect for anyone looking for a modern and affordable place to call home.With brand new flooring, fresh paint, and updated appliances, this apartment has been completely renovated and is move-in ready. You'll love the spacious and open living area, which provides
This well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a spacious open floor plan designed for comfortable everyday living. The kitchen opens to the main living area, creating a functional space for relaxing or entertaining. The primary suite features a private bath and walk-in closet, while three additional bedrooms provide flexibility for family, guests, or a home office. Conveniently located in
Dan JonesProperty Management Solutions of the Carolinas LLC
This well-maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 2,400 square feet of comfortable living space with a functional, open-concept floor plan designed for today's lifestyle.The main level features a spacious living area centered around a fireplace with a custom handcrafted wood mantel, creating a warm and inviting focal point. The well-appointed kitchen offers ample workspace and
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
