I am trying to source json files for my node shapes in my $HSITE instead of my $HFS/houdini/config/NodeShapes/ directory. I created a NodeShape folder inside of $HSITE/houdini17.5/NodeShapes/, and dropped my json in there, but it doesn't seem to be picking it up. Is there a way to force search this directory, or does it have to be inside of the $HFS folder?

Did you try putting it in $HSITE/houdini17.5/config/NodeShapes/ ?

Yes that is where I put the json file.

I also ran this
editor = hou.ui.paneTabOfType(hou.paneTabType.NetworkEditor)
editor.reloadNodeShapes()

And I could not find it in the nodes listed.

You wrote you put it here:
$HSITE/houdini17.5/NodeShapes/
not here:
$HSITE/houdini17.5/config/NodeShapes/

I think you're not in the config folder so it's not scanning it correctly.

I figured it out, my mistake, I forgot the /config/ folder. It works now.