Small-town living in rural North Carolina west of Charlotte
More than 40 miles away from Charlotte, Shelby is a small city of about 20,000 residents in North Carolina’s rural Piedmont region. Its roots are rustic and industrial. Shelby sprang up in the mid-1840s as a railroad community, grew into a textile mill town and later diversified into other manufacturing and agriculture industries. Today, top employers include Wal-Mart Associates Inc., Hanesbrands and Atrium Health Care, affiliated with the 241-bed hospital on the city’s north side. “It’s a quaint, small town, but it has lots of fun things to do,” says Re/Max Select Realtor Stephanie Williams, a decades-long Shelby local. “We have lots of good restaurants, two theaters, a museum, and we’re a really active town in terms of events,” she says, adding that its community spirit appeals to homebuyers searching for a more close-knit, but still lively alternative to Charlotte.
The Earl Scruggs Center is a prominent part of the Uptown Shelby Historic District.
The Don Gibson Theater, this Art Deco gem has been beautifully restored and now serves as an intimate concert hall with a seating capacity of 400.
Shelby has a deep past and continues to have textile mills operating just outside of uptown.
Locals enjoy shopping, dining or even just an afternoon stroll in Uptown Shelby.
1/4
A cool, but steady housing market
The median price for single-family homes in Shelby is below the state median, at $265,000 compared to $366,900. It’s also below the national median of $407,200. Homes are on the market for an average of 64 days before going under contract, several weeks longer than the national average of 44. “There are certain areas that are marketed better, where homes sell faster,” Williams says. She observes that houses in neighborhoods on Shelby’s west side, like The Columns and Country Club Woods, near the Cleveland Country Club, tend to be among the most expensive and fastest selling in town. Homes on Moss Lake, a little farther west, are also on the upper end of the price spectrum and quick to go under contract. “The average home is $225,000 or thereabouts right now, but in the country club and Moss Lake areas, prices are anywhere from $400,000 to $1 million,” she says.
The main building of the Cleveland Country Club showcases more of the history of Shelby.
Homes in Shelby are generally priced at lower than the national average.
Shelby home owners on Lake Moss enjoy private docks and lake access.
Moss Lake is a popular destination for fishing and other recreation for Shelby residents.
1/4
Keeter Stadium is home to the American Legion World Series
According to the Trust for Public Land, 37% of Shelby residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. The city maintains the public Royster Golf Course and three public parks, including the 150-acre Shelby City Park. It’s the largest park in town, and features an aquatics center, sports fields, a restored mini rotary train and a historic Herchell Spillman carousel. The annual Foothills Merry-Go-Round Festival, with food vendors, amusement rides, carnival activities and more, takes place there every April. “It’s a real asset to the community,” Williams says, observing that it's part of what makes Shelby so family-friendly. “It’s a lovely place to take the kids.” On Shelby’s south side, Keeter Stadium hosts American Legion’s World Series annually. The teen baseball league’s final tournament of the season is accompanied by an end-of-season festival. “It’s called the American Legion World Series Festival, but we call it the American Legion Ball Weekend,” Williams says. The days-long festival draws crows to the Court Square Lawn in central Shelby for food vendors, carnival shows and amusement rides every August.
Shelby is home to the annual American Legion World Series held at the Keeter Stadium.
Shelby residents can enjoy a round of golf at the Royster Memorial Golf Course.
Shelby City Park is a massive park offering a variety of amenities and activities.
The Bobby Bell Pavilion holds the year round weekly farmer's market in Shelby.
1/4
Uptown Shelby dining and entertainment
The Uptown Shelby Social District is the walkable, historic city center, full of locally owned restaurants, small businesses and venues. At the heart of the district, the former Cleveland County Courthouse is now the Earl Scruggs Center, dedicated to the musical history of the American South. It’s named for five-string banjo player Earl Scruggs, a Cleveland County native who rose to international fame for his unique three-finger playing style. “They do all kinds of events, like a banjo camp, fundraisers with country and pop stars, lectures, the works,” Williams says. Uptown Shelby is also home to two historic theaters that put on musical and theatrical performances: The Rogers Theater and the Don Gibson Theatre. Foothills Farmers’ Market holds a year-round Saturday market at the Bobby Bell Pavilion on the northwest side of the district. Williams says chain restaurants and national retailers like Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement are concentrated in the commercial corridor that follows U.S. Route 74 on the south side of town.
Uptown Shelby is a great area for locals and visitors to support small local business.
Pleasant City Wood Fired Grille is a popular spot for Shelby locals to gather with friends.
Shelby has worked hard to continue updating and maintaining the beauty of the historic area.
The historic Rogers Theater still brings a crowd for shows in Shelby.
1/4
Cleveland County Public Schools, Cleveland Community College and Garner-Webb University
Cleveland County Public Schools earns a B-plus from Niche, and serves over 14,000 students with an average student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. The district does not offer school choice/open enrollment, but the Cleveland Innovation Virtual Academy, North Shelby School and Turning Point Academy all offer application-based, specialized education programs. All five CCPS high schools, including Shelby High, provide dual enrollment and career/technical education courses in partnership with Cleveland Community College. Garner-Webb University, about 9 miles southwest of Shelby, is a private Christian University with over 80 majors and minors. The community college and Garner-Webb are major employers in Cleveland County.
Shelby students will be educated within the Cleveland County School District.
Gardner-Webb University is a private liberal arts college just outside of Shelby.
Cleveland Community College is another great option for continuing education in Shelby.
Shelby students can continue their educations at nearby Gardner-Webb University.
1/4
Limited public transportation options
Cleveland County Transit provides free bus service to the region. Its line through Shelby is a 33-stop deviated fixed-route system, meaning riders can arrange pick-up at locations up to ¾ of a mile off the regular route. U.S. Route 74 runs through the south side of town, heading east toward Charlotte, about 46 miles away. Depending on traffic, commuting into the bigger city typically takes about an hour on Route 74 and Interstate 85. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport is only about 40 miles from Shelby, a drive that usually takes 50 minutes.
Cleveland County’s violent crime rate is lower than the state’s
Crime statistics for Shelby are not readily available. According to data in the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s 2023 Crime in North Carolina annual report, Cleveland County’s violent crime rate was lower than the state’s, while the county’s property crime rate was higher. Cleveland County’s violent crime rate increased by more than 6% between 2022 and 2023. The county’s property crime rate declined by slightly more than 1% over the same year.
Written By
Megan Quintin
Photography Contributed By
Justin Stapp
Video By
Luke Mancari
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jon Hines,
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 Shelby, NC sell after 84 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Shelby, NC over the last 12 months is $261,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this like-new ranch offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus an additional flex space ideal for an office or den. The home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout for easy maintenance and durability. The kitchen is appointed with granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and drawers, and updated fixtures, while both bathrooms include granite countertops and modern
Brand new, energy-efficient home available July 2026! After a long day, kick your feet up on the back patio. Inside, the kitchen island overlooks the open-concept great room. Upstairs, enjoy spending time in the loft and study nook. The primary suite features a spacious ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Check out the charming town of Shelby to see our available two-story homes with
$5,000 in seller's paid closing costs with an acceptable offer! This beautiful home offers a flowing floor plan designed for both entertaining and relaxing evenings by the cozy fireplace. The kitchen boasts granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, while the main-level bedroom provides flexibility for guests or a home office. Upstairs, you’ll find 2 additional bedrooms filled with
Experience the serenity of Moss Lake front living in this beautifully crafted home, designed to showcase sweeping water views. The main-level primary suite features dual bathrooms, a jetted tub, and abundant closet space. The elegant eat-in kitchen offers custom Walker cabinets, granite countertops and top quality appliances. Upstairs further includes 2 guest bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, a
Price Reduced! New Shelby Bypass is OPEN from Hwy 74 West to Hwy 150. Ideally located between Highway 74 and the new Shelby bypass, this property boasts prime access and visibility for travelers between Charlotte and Asheville. Currently used for agriculture, with both tillable and timber land, it holds tremendous commercial potential. The property features a natural spring, creeks, and a +/-
Welcome to 50± acres of unrestricted land in South Shelby, just a short distance from the South Carolina state line. This beautiful property offers gently rolling to mostly flat terrain, a mix of young and mature hardwoods, internal walking trails, and plenty of wildlife signs throughout. A small creek borders the property line, and the Broad River is just 350± feet away, adding to the peaceful,
Looking for space for the pets and kids to play. You have found it here. Entire property / acreage is fenced, plus there's a pool and outbuilding (with electricity to it), huge upper deck / patio area in back for relaxing and cooking out. Did I mention the Generac generator to provide you comfort in case of a power outage? Inside you'll find two bedrooms, two full baths, gas log fireplaces in
Step into comfort at 108 Lee Drive, a beautifully refreshed 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,441 sq ft of bright, open living space perfect for family life. Recent updates including a new roof, upgraded HVAC, improved plumbing, and attractive new flooring; give peace of mind and a modern feel throughout. The spacious bedrooms and updated baths accommodate everyone with ease, and the large
Welcome home to this like-new ranch offering 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, plus an additional flex space ideal for an office or den. The home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout for easy maintenance and durability. The kitchen is appointed with granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and drawers, and updated fixtures, while both bathrooms include granite countertops and modern
Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the prestigious Country Club Acres community along the pristine Cleveland Country Club Golf Course, this .54-acre homesite presents a rare opportunity to step into a partially completed luxury build and bring it to the finish line—without starting from scratch. The previous owner began construction and completed the foundation before an unforeseen foreclosure
Welcome to your brand-new dream home a beautiful modern build designed with comfort, efficiency, and style in mind! This thoughtfully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open-concept layout and single-level living thats perfect for families, first-time buyers, or anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing quality. With over 1,200 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, this new
Price Reduced! New Shelby Bypass is OPEN from Hwy 74 to Hwy 150. This property offers exceptional visibility and above-average acreage, making it a prime opportunity for commercial buyers. Located just north of the new Shelby bypass, it provides easy access and visibility to traffic between Charlotte and Asheville. The parcel boasts approximately 1,500 feet of visibility along the bypass and
Step back in time with this 2-bedroom, 1-bath farmhouse built in 1870, full of character and potential. Nestled on .9 acres in the peaceful countryside, this historic home offers the charm of yesteryear with plenty of space to make it your own. Inside, you’ll find two fireplaces—one in the living room and one in the family room—adding warmth and character to the layout.The property features
This one-of-a-kind estate features a 1919 grist mill and grist mill dam with water fall that you can hear from the front porch, listed on the Cleveland County Historic Inventory, alongside a custom-built 2545 sq. ft. home on full basement completed in 2015. Bordered by the scenic Grog Creek, this property offers exceptional outdoor experiences for nature enthusiasts, hunters, and history lovers
Welcome to this beautifully planned 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offering comfort, character, and convenience. Thoughtful features throughout complement the timeless appeal of rich hardwood floors that flow seamlessly through the living spaces. The inviting covered front porch provides the perfect spot to relax, while the spacious backyard offers ample room for entertaining, gardening, or outdoor
Charming Bungalow Near Downtown Shelby. This 1-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow style duplex offers a perfect blend of historic character and modern convenience. Located just moments from the vibrant downtown scene: local shops, restaurants, walking trails, farmer's market and hospital. It is ideal for those seeking a walk-friendly lifestyle. Property Highlights:Historic Charm: Original hardwood
Welcome to Palisades at Hickory Creek. Nestled in the scenic rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the vibrant Metrolina region, Palisades at Hickory Creek offers a luxury living experience like no other. Our professionally designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes are meticulously crafted to fit your lifestyle, blending style, comfort, and functionality.Enjoy a wide range
This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home is located in a peaceful community in Shelby, NC. It is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, grocery stores and more! $1,058/month (includes land lease fee) with $1,800 upfront payment (payment may be able to be broken down into smaller monthly payments depending on application). *Sorry, we cannot accept section 8 vouchers at this time. 1-2 small pets
The Carlisle at Delta Park was created for those who know what they want out of life! Our elegant homes of distinction provide carefree living with personalized service. You'll be surrounded by natural beauty and vitality. With our central location, you are just minutes from fine dining, shopping and recreation. With features such as a clubhouse and a swimming pool, you'll be living the good life
This 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home is located in a peaceful community in Shelby, NC. Short drive to downtown Shelby, US-74, restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping! $922/month (includes land lease fee) with $1,800 upfront payment (payment may be able to be broken down into smaller monthly payments depending on application). *Sorry, we cannot accept section 8 vouchers at this time. 1-2 small pets
Welcome home to Northway at Windsor, where charm meets convenience in Shelby, NC. This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom apartment offers the perfect retreat just minutes from downtown. Whether you're relaxing at home or exploring the vibrant local scene, you'll love the balance of style, space, and location.? Apartment Highlights• Freshly renovated interiors with modern
Located in Shelby, North Carolina 45 miles West from Charlotte, Caitlin Station is a great place to call home. Live conveniently within walking distance of Ingles Supermarket and within one mile of a variety of dining options, the YMCA, and medical services. Visit us today and make our community your home. Tax credit property and income restricted.
Welcome to The Madison by Humboldt Community! The Madison @ Humboldt is a quiet community with an onsite office, community picnic tables and grills, and is close to local shopping, restaurants, and both Gardner Webb & Cleveland Community College. The complex offers classic and modern one, two, and three bedroom units. $250.00 Security Deposit for Well Qualified Applicants!!!! Please
Remarkable Value. Unbeatable Location.Appointed with recent neutral carpets and modern appliances, our thoughtfully designed one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans are just perfect to make your new place your most comfortable one yet. If you're looking for a new apartment to rent in Shelby, NC, there's no better place to look than Marion Ridge.Marion Ridge is proud to offer you on-site
Welcome to The Pointe on Lafayette, a newly renovated community in Shelby, NC!Our spacious one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes feature high-quality finishes and modern style, including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, brand-new LVP flooring, and washer/dryer hookups with rental options available. Pets are welcome, so the whole family can feel at home.Tucked
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
