 Shelby, North Carolina, known as ‘The City of
Pleasant Living’ is found where the foothills of the
Blue Ridge Mountains meet the state’s thriving
Piedmont Region. Shelby offers the grace of small
town living among lovely rolling hills, along with the
growing prosperity of southwestern
North
Carolina. Designated an
All
American City in 1970, Shelby also became one of the
very first National
Main Street Communities in 1980.
Incorporated in 1843, Shelby’s population is 19,477
according to the Census 2000. Residents enjoy a moderate
climate, with a January average temperature of 39
degrees, and July temperatures averaging 78 degrees. A
mere five inches of snow falls during the winter months.
Shelby townspeople delight in the rugged mountains to
their west as well as quick and easy access to the
beautiful North Carolina
Coastal Region. Interstates 85 and US-74 serve the
town, along with NC routes 150, 18 and 26, giving
businesses and residents alike plenty of transportation
choices to the nearby cities of
Gastonia and
Charlotte. The
Norfolk Southern and
CSX
Railroads also provide transport.
Shelby is the county seat of
Cleveland County, known as the gateway between
Asheville and Charlotte. Strategically located in
the center of the thriving metropolises of
Greenville / Spartanburg SC and Charlotte, county
residents enjoy a diverse economy, which does not rely
on one industry. Manufacturing firms count for 40% of
the employers, making a broad array of products, from
truck cabs to compact discs. Over 250 trucking firms
flourish in the county, where more than half the nation
can be reached within 24 hours.
Shelby’s
Uptown District, known as the ‘front porch’ of
Cleveland County, draws visitors and shoppers from all
over the region. A nationally recognized
Historic District, quality shops and restaurants
entice tourists and locals alike. Old-fashioned Southern
cooking is served up as well as Asian, Italian and
Mexican cuisine. The annual
Livermush Expo can only be experienced here.
Antiques, books and crafts abound and the year-round
Farmer’s Market is just the place to shop for local
fresh produce. The Shelby Arts Council is found in the
Uptown District and puts on “Alive After Five” concerts
in the town square.
Shelby’s City Park
Carousel delights young and old. Originally built in
1918, the 32-horse carousel was lovingly restored and
brought back to service by the volunteer hours of labor
and funding from the community. An authentic Carousel
Band Organ provides the joyous music. A miniature
train ride through the park tops off the day. The
train was also restored through the efforts of Shelby’s
Rotary club, serving as an example of the pride and care
that Shelby residents have in their wonderful town.
Shelby, North Carolina is the epitome of Southern
small-town gracious living, while the bustle and
excitement of modern day life lays just a stone’s throw
away. Whether one is just visiting, or relocating,
Shelby offers something for everyone.
<< Back to Our Community |
