Founded in 1835, Cleveland, Tennessee, is a small, family-friendly city known for its abundance of new homes and access to the outdoors. About 30 miles northeast of its larger neighbor, Chattanooga, Cleveland offers proximity to a larger metropolitan area as well as a suburban community and chain stores close to home. "The schools here are really highly rated and land is a lot more available than closer to Chattanooga, so it's a great place to raise a family," says Ryan King, a local Realtor with Keller Williams who lives nearby in Chattanooga.
Cleveland has historically been a hub for industry and manufacturing. In recent years, the city has attracted 12 large Fortune 500 manufacturers, including Whirlpool, Amazon and Jackson Furniture. These large manufacturers support the city’s economy and culture while also supporting a population increase from 32,000 in 1990 to over 49,000 people as of 2023.
Whirlpool is among the Fortune 500 manufacturers that are present in Cleveland.
Jackson Furniture is one of several manufacturing businesses providing jobs for Cleveland residents.
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Bradley County homes in a growing market
This increase in population has also led to a boom in Cleveland's housing market. "There's a lot of relocation here because property taxes are lower and there's no state income tax," King says. The median sales price has also risen to about $320,000 as of 2024, representing a 17% increase from the year before.
Homes in Cleveland date back to the early 1900s, with traditional and midcentury ranch-style homes complementing the city's naturally landscape. Neighborhoods like Annadale feature a mix of older styles and new construction. Deer Park is known for its recently built townhouses, while East Cleveland boasts wooded surroundings and large quarter to whole-acre lots.
Townhomes are among the home options found throughout the city of Cleveland.
Pockets of new construction homes can be found sprinkled across Cleveland.
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Heading outdoors in Tennessee's Ocoee Region
As the largest city in Bradley County, and the county seat, Cleveland is recognized for its access to an abundance of outdoor activities in Tennessee's countryside. "The Ocoee River is nearby, so residents can do all the hiking and river rafting they want. They even hosted the Olympic kayak and canoe slalom events here back in 1996," King says.
In addition to the nearby Cherokee National Forest, Cleveland Parks and Recreation maintains 12 parks throughout the city. Some of the most popular are the newly built Avery Johnson Park and the 18-acre soccer complex off Mouse Creek Road that's used by the Cleveland High Corner Kicks Club and Cleveland High School.
Cleveland's mild climate also makes it easy to get outside all year long. The area sees four seasons during the year and less than 4 inches of snow in the winter.
Ocoee River flows into Lake Ocoee giving Cleveland residents a unique opportunity for boating and fishing.
Avery Johnson Park provides a safe place for locals to spend quality time with their furry friends in Cleveland.
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Bradley County School District and nearby colleges
Bradley County School District is rated as the best school district in the Chattanooga Area, with an A-minus from Niche. The county serves more than 10,000 students across nine schools. The district offers the Bradley County Virtual School, an online option for third grade through 12th grades.
The city is home to three higher education institutions. Cleveland State Community College is a two year college that has programs in law enforcement, nursing and logistics and supply chain management. Pentecostal Theological Seminary offers training in Pentecostal ministry, while or Lee University is a small Christian school affiliated with The Church of God.
Residents within the Cleveland area can attend Church of God affiliate schools like Lee University.
Bradley County offers on site and virtual schooling options for Cleveland residents.
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Community gatherings hosted by the city of Cleveland
The city of Cleveland hosts numerous events throughout the year, but the largest is the annual Halloween Block Party. The block party draws in 20,000 people to the city and has live music, a costume contest, and plenty of food.
The Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points is free to the public and hosts six rotating exhibits dedicated to the history of Bradley County. It has cultural activities like creative workshops, music and education for children.
Those in Cleveland can attend the free Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points.
The Museum and Cultural Center at 5ive Points is a free attraction serving those in the Cleveland area.
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Lee Highway doubles as a retail center
Lee Highway is one of Cleveland's main throughfares and serves as a makeshift commercial hub. Residents can find a plethora of mom-and-pop shops like Ocoee Street Boutique and the veteran-owned Jenkins Restaurant and Deli. National brand chain restaurants and big-box stores line Lee Highway and Dalton Pike.
Jenkins Restaurant and Deli is a veteran owned restaurant in Cleveland.
TJ Maxx, Ulta, and other big box stores provide goods and services to Cleveland residents.
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Commuter times and driving on Interstate 75
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cleveland is an entirely car-dependent city, and most commuters drive 26 minutes to work daily. Interstate 75 connects the 32 miles to Chattanooga, taking drivers there in just 40 minutes. "One good thing is there isn't much traffic since it's such a small town," King says.
The closest hospital is Bradley Medical Center on Chambliss Avenue. It serves the greater Southeast Tennessee area with 351 beds, an accredited Chest Pain Center and a 24-hour emergency care unit. The closest airport, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, is about 23 miles southwest of Cleveland with service throughout the Midwest and East Coast provided by major airlines like Delta and United.
Important to know
According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, Cleveland's overall crime rates are just over the national average. Rates for violent crimes have decreased by 40% since 2015, while rates for violent crimes have decreased by 50%.
Efforts by The Cleveland Police Department are also underway to further address crime, such as the Community Relations Unit, which helps to form a bridge between the community and Cleveland's officers. This unit is also responsible for managing social media and public housing for Cleveland's community.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tara Maner,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Cleveland, TN sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Cleveland, TN over the last 12 months is $281,250, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover your own private Tennessee retreat on nearly 10 acres of flat landscape, where privacy, serenity, and simple living take center stage. This 640-sq-ft home is thoughtfully designed with beautiful wood ceilings, an abundance of windows that flood the space with natural light, and an open-concept layout that combines the kitchen, dining area, and living area into one welcoming space. The
Brand-new 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch offering modern finishes and effortless one-level living. The Alan is one of Lennars best sellers, featuring an open-concept layout, bright living area, gourmet-style kitchen with large island, and a private primary suite with walk-in closet and tiled shower. Two additional bedrooms provide perfect space for guests or a home office. Quality construction,
Welcome home to nearly 2,000 sq ft of refreshed, move-in-ready living on Ann Lane NW. Thoughtfully remodeled, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features an open-concept living, kitchen, and dining area with hardwood floors in the main spaces and updated finishes throughout. The kitchen shines with stainless steel appliances and connects seamlessly to both the everyday dining area and the living room,
Discover your own private Tennessee retreat on nearly 10 acres of flat landscape, where privacy, serenity, and simple living take center stage. This 640-sq-ft home is thoughtfully designed with beautiful wood ceilings, an abundance of windows that flood the space with natural light, and an open-concept layout that combines the kitchen, dining area, and living area into one welcoming space. The
Discover the perfect blend of Craftsman charm and modern elegance at 2809 Freewill Road in Cleveland, TN. This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home greets you with a graceful circle driveway that offers ample parking and effortless curb appeal. Inside, gleaming hardwood floors, soaring tall ceilings, and an abundance of natural light fill the spacious open-concept floor plan. The chef's dream
Embrace Condo Living at 9 Acorn Lane, Cleveland, TN! Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this stunning 2,544 sq. ft. condo, nestled among the trees in the desirable Oak Spring community. Priced at an incredible $390,000, this move-in-ready gem at 9 Acorn Lane offers spacious living close to everything! Step inside to a light-filled home, ideal for hosting unforgettable gatherings.
1865 Weston Place NWBeautiful 4BD/3BA brick house located in the Weston Hills subdivision, open concept floor plan, hardwood floors, LVP flooring, and tile, stainless steelappliances, granite countertops, garbage disposal, dishwasher, crown molding throughout home, recessed lighting, well sized rooms, ample closet space,partially finished basement, gazebo on back deck, fenced in yard,
1973 Weston Hills Dr NWLuxurious 3 Br, 2.5 Ba in great Weston Hills Subdivision. Has stainless steel appliances including microwave and dishwasher, granite counter tops, trey and vaulted ceilings, master on main level, back deck, storage building, $2195/month, $2195/deposit, not pet friendly.
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