Located among the tall trees of the Sam Houston National Forest, Cleveland is defined by its countryside that extends from an already rural downtown core. This former railroad town has evolved from a small, 19th-century agricultural settlement into a longstanding community just 20 miles east of Conroe, 35 miles from The Woodlands and 50 miles from Houston. Currently, 9,646 people live in this part of Liberty County, a 22.24% increase from 2020. Most residents are generational and have made their mark. “When you go into town and start meeting people, you will eventually meet the people the streets are named after. They are from Cleveland, and they stay in Cleveland,” says Trisha M. Cranney, a former resident and licensed Realtor since 2014 who works for Anne Vickery & Associates Realty, L.L.C. Employment opportunities in Cleveland center around health services, oil, gas, lumber and farming. The city’s cultural and recreational attractions include the Cleveland Historical Museum, the Locke Surls Center for Art and Nature and Cleveland City Park. Due to its wooded nature, Cleveland has long been a favorite destination for Houstonian campers, hunters and outdoorsy folk.
Cleveland is a city nestle in the Piney Woods of east Southeast Texas.
A mural depicting the towns lumber history is painted on a building at Campbell Park.
Cleveland sits on the edge of the Sam Houston National Forest, an outdoor oasis.
The residents of Cleveland have pride in their community.
1/4
High-speed internet comes to Cleveland
Cleveland's core is gridded, while its outskirts offer country homes on vast acreage. "When I first started in real estate, the mayor was trying to get some of the older people to sell off pieces of their land so they could get some growth," Cranney says. There's currently a ton of land for sale, and Cranney says it's Cleveland's biggest draw. Many of her clients are seeking to build a second home outside the city where they can hunt, fish and ride their four-wheelers. New construction dots the city, but the highest concentration is eastward, in Grand Oaks Reserve, a coveted golf course community. This is one of the only new subdivisions in Cleveland, but the city hopes to attract the kind of development New Caney and Splendora are seeing. A recent initiative they're taking to attract developers is bringing much-needed high-speed internet to the area. The median home price in Cleveland is around $270,000. This is about 23% less than the state average and 34% less than the national average. Housing prices in Cleveland are on par with New Caney and Splendora, but land is often less. "In New Caney or Splendora, you have to pay $85,000 and up for an acre. You can get an acre out in Cleveland for $50,000 to $60,000, maybe less," Cranney says.
Cleveland is a growing, with new homes found in subdivisions like Grand Oaks Preserve..
The neighborhood of Midline has charming ranch-style houses, defining its suburban landscape.
Brick traditional style homes are common in the Cleveland area.
Xfinity partnered with the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce to organize Downtown Cocoa Crawl.
1/4
Locke Surls Center for Art offers a tour of sculptures
Cleveland may be a small city, but its age and its century of continued evolution have imbued this community with a rich heritage. Locals can explore their city’s story at the Cleveland Historical Museum, which showcases nearly 200 years of history. Set amid over 170 acres of woodland, the Locke Surls Center for Art allows locals to tour modern sculptures in a natural setting. Local culture comes alive at annual events like the Dairy Day cook-off and rodeo each April, the city’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration, October’s Fall Festival with its farmers’ markets and food and Cleveland’s November-December holiday light displays at the “Christmas Ranch.”
Visit the Locke Surls Center for Art and see the incredible art exhibit in Cleveland.
A family roasts marshmallows over an open fire at the Downtown Cocoa Crawl.
Lean about the history of Cleveland at the Cleveland Historical Museum downtown.
Children enjoy playing in the artificial snow at the Downtown Cocoa Crawl.
1/4
Cleveland’s cuisine
Cleveland's shopping and dining mostly centers around Washington Avenue. "There's not many chains there unless it's fast food related," Cranney says, although she adds there is a Walmart and H-E-B, and both are "big deals." Local eateries serve up dishes from around the world, from Mexican and Chinese classics to Japanese steakhouse favorites and the famous Texas-style barbecue. Major shopping is in New Caney at Valley Ranch and The Woodlands.
Eat locally in Cleveland at restaurants like Reyes Mexican Grille.
There are many different local vendors for food and produce in Midline.
Cleveland residents have access to shopping nearby like H-E-B.
Families can shop at the Valley Town Ranch shopping center in New Caney
1/4
Hiking through Sam Houston National Forest
To Greater Houston residents, Cleveland is perhaps best known as a camping resort. Locals can join in on the fun with a trip to the neighboring Sam Houston National Forest, a preserve of over 163,000 acres of East Texas' Piney Woods ecoregion. This natural kingdom contains the 128-mile Lone Start Hiking Trail, the longest in the state. Campers can stay at one of three recreation areas and canoe and paddleboat amid the forest's wetlands, while fishing and hunting are also popular pastimes. Within Cleveland, families can go to Old City Park for a playground, while Campbell Park has a splash pad. Summers in Cleveland are hot and humid, and winters are mild. The city has faced all the extremes Texas is known for over the past few years as well. The most extreme years on record were between 2023 and 2024 when Cleveland suffered a historic tornado event, a 97-acre wildfire and downtown flooding. Cranney says flood risk in Cleveland is low compared to nearby cities. "It's way less in Cleveland than it is in east Montgomery County where it floods all the time," she says. "In New Caney and Splendora, you have to be very careful about where you buy." Since 5 million Texans are affected by flooding annually, the state adopted its first city-wide flood plan in 2024. The plan proposes to strengthen dam and levee programs and expand early warning systems.
Cleveland residents can take a hike along the Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest in Texas.
Cleveland's Campbell Park is where locals can get out an play.
The Old City Park provides residents a fun place to get out and play.
A father and his son play a game of basketball at Campbell Park in Cleveland.
1/4
Learning at Cleveland Independent School District
Cleveland Independent School District earns a C-minus on Niche. Tarkington Independent School District — in the Tarkington community, on the eastern edges of the city — has the most highly regarded schools in the city and is rated B on Niche. The closest higher education option is Lone Star College, a community college around 23 miles from Cleveland. The University of Houston and the prestigious Rice University are both within 50 miles and Texas A&M University is about 90 miles from the city. Rice University came in as the ninth-ranking college on Forbes' top 10 U.S. 2024-2025 colleges list.
Cleveland High School is located in Liberty County, Texas.
2,655 students attend Cleveland Middle School.
Northside Elementary School is a great school to send your children.
Southside Primary School serves various neighborhoods of Cleveland, Texas.
1/4
Highway to Houston
Interstate 69 is the main highway traveling through Cleveland. Houston-bound commuters can take this highway into the city and to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, around 30 miles away. The airport is one of the busiest in the state, with a dozen airlines traveling to 187 domestic and international destinations. The city is home to a Texas Emergency Hospital, which also offers lab testing and specialized cardiac procedures. While most residents drive, this city also has fixed bus routes through the Brazos Transit District.
Crime in Cleveland
While Cleveland is a small exurban city, its law enforcement still has to contend with high crime rates. According to a 2020 FBI report, Cleveland has an average violent crime rate of 5.53 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 41.75 per 1,000. The total crime rate of 47.28 is well above the national average of 38.7. The Cleveland Police Department is addressing crime by hiring patrol officers to be “generalists” rather than “specialists,” training them to prepare each officer for any type of incident.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Stewart Taveras
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Evan Ballew,
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 Cleveland, TX sell after 281 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Cleveland, TX over the last 12 months is $235,475, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to a stunning custom property offering space, versatility, & peaceful country living on 3.86 beautiful acres. This spacious 3-BR, 2 baths, 1/2 bath home features flexible living spaces, with 2 additional rooms can easily serve as a dining room, home office or be converted into bedrooms.This well-maintained home includes numerous updates, new roof, HVAC, dishwasher, fresh interior paint &
We are proud to introduce the Kyle Plan, thoroughly designed with timeless architecture and modern comfort in Barton Place, a hidden treasure on 1+ acre lots. This plan offers a 3-car garage and garage door openers, the perfect balance of space, open-concept living with high ceilings, and accent wood beams. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, blinds throughout. A gourmet kitchen featuring granite
Spacious New Modern Farmhouse-Style Home on Acreage – 4 Beds, 3 Baths + Flex Space in Tarkington Prairie EstatesWelcome to this beautiful modern farmhouse-style home in the country setting- ideal for families looking to spread out and enjoy a quiet setting.Inside, you’ll find an open layout featuring upgraded appliances, smart home technology, and a cozy electric fireplace in the main
Welcome home to this Fannie Mae Homepath Property. Peaceful rural living with room to breathe! Situated on 1.88 acres, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers generous living areas designed for both comfort and entertaining. Step inside and enjoy tons of living space, including a large living room with a cozy fireplace — perfect for gathering on cool evenings. A separate den provides
Welcome to a stunning custom property offering space, versatility, & peaceful country living on 3.86 beautiful acres. This spacious 3-BR, 2 baths, 1/2 bath home features flexible living spaces, with 2 additional rooms can easily serve as a dining room, home office or be converted into bedrooms.This well-maintained home includes numerous updates, new roof, HVAC, dishwasher, fresh interior paint &
Welcome home to this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence featuring 9-foot ceilings and a spacious open-concept layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen offers crown-molded cabinetry, granite countertops, under-cabinet lighting, and a stainless steel appliance package.Built with energy efficiency in mind, the home includes a 16-SEER HVAC system, Low-E
Remodeled PLUMBING and ELECTRIC, 2 bedroom, 2 full baths manufactured home on 19,602 square feet, .45 acre lot. Covered porch. Open concept, spacious family room w light streaming from windows on both sides, kitchen on the left side and window above the sink overlooking the yard. Bedrooms are 13X10. Bedroom nearest family room has bathroom, AC unit, 3 windows & a nook to build a closet or place a
Nestled in the highly sought Tarkington ISD, this fully fenced and cross-fenced 7.5-acre property offers country living at its finest! The 2,000 sq. ft. brick home is surrounded by mature shade trees and green pastures and features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, two pantry closets, a wood-burning fireplace, spacious laundry room, metal roof, two-car carport, large side patio, 263-ft deep water well,
Nestled on 20+acres of scenic countryside, this stunning hunting and fishing retreat offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and family-friendly living. The inviting 3 bedroom,2 bath ranch-style home features a spacious media room and abundant storage, ideal for both everyday comfort & entertaining. Outdoors, explore the beauty of Whiskey Branch Creek as it winds through much of the land,
2/2 must see home in the heart of Cleveland. Recent updates include quartz counters and vanities, vinyl plank flooring and interior/exterior paint job. The house is located on a quiet street with access gate to Brookshire from the privacy of the backyard. **Room sizes approximate**AGENT/OWNER LISTING**
Updated and move-in ready, this spacious Fannie Mae Homepath Property has five bedrooms and offers the perfect blend of comfort and functionality! Situated on a desirable corner lot, the property features a fully fenced yard ideal for pets, play, or entertaining. Inside, you'll find an open-concept kitchen with brand-new appliances and convenient utility access nearby, making everyday living
Situated on nearly an acre, this all-brick, four-sided 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a slab foundation offers a wonderful opportunity and is ready for a fresh vision. With all-electric appliances and an aerobic septic system, the home provides a solid foundation for updates and personalization. From its generous lot to its inviting footprint, this property presents a great opportunity to transform it
Charming single-story brick home featuring an open-concept layout and numerous updates throughout. The spacious remodeled kitchen offers granite countertops, abundant cabinet space, and overlooks the living and dining areas, making it perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The oversized living room boasts soaring ceilings and built-in storage, creating a bright and inviting gathering
Built in 2018, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,600 sq ft of living space on a generous 20,909 sq ft lot. Constructed on a pier and beam foundation with durable Hardie board siding, the home features a well-designed split floor plan with spacious common areas, a dedicated laundry room, and a defined foyer. The kitchen connects to an open dining and living area, providing flow throughout.
One of a kind pristine, gated community for year round living or recreational get aways. Stunning lakefront lot ready for your new lake home in The Preserve of Texas (formerly known as Cypress Lakes). This lot can be for your RV or "Tiny Home" or build a cabin or home on stilts! Raised crushed concrete driveway and pad. Turn key RV hook up (two electric hookups 30/50 AMP). Connected to community
One of a kind pristine, gated community for year round living or recreational get aways. Stunning lakefront lot ready for your new lake home in The Preserve of Texas (formerly known as Cypress Lakes). This lot can be for your RV or "Tiny Home" or build a cabin or home on stilts! Raised crushed concrete driveway and pad. Turn key RV hook up (two electric hookups 30/50 AMP). Connected to community
NOW LEASING! Enjoy our quiet community in a nice, residential neighborhood. We are centrally located in the City of Clevelend with all town amenities only minutes away. Enjoy easy access to HWY 59 - Only 20 minutes from Humble and Conroe. Bring your king-sized bed and take advantage of your oversized bedroom! Large, open kitchen and dining space. Select Units include private patio and storage.
You can wake up each morning in this 3 bed 2 full bath gorgeous home with an open floor plan. Open concept kitchen, dining, and living room provide you with large spaces for entertaining your guests. Easy care laminate floors and nice size laundry room with washer and dryer connections. Electric stove and refrigerator included. Home is very close to the neighborhood elementary school. Don’t wait
Discover your next home in this beautiful, move-in-ready 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental. Designed with an airy, open-concept floor plan, the home features stylish and durable vinyl flooring running seamlessly throughout the entire space. At the heart of the home is a well-appointed kitchen fully equipped with modern stainless steel appliances, perfect for home-cooked meals and entertaining. The
2/2 must see home in the heart of Cleveland. Recent updates include quartz counters and vanities, vinyl plank flooring and interior/exterior paint job. The house is located on a quiet street with access gate to Brookshire from the privacy of the backyard. **Room sizes approximate**AGENT/OWNER LISTING**
This home is available for self-guided showings 7 days per week.Step into the "Maple" floor plan at Pinewood Trails, a newly built single-family community in Cleveland, TX. This 1-story layout offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1570 square feet in a comfortable, modern living space. Enjoy the convenience of an attached two-car garage and Smart Home technology for seamless control of access,
Land with driveway and pad ready for rent and ready for moving in a mobile home. This is a private property with City water, electricity and internet available for connecting.
The available date shown is tentatively scheduled and is subject to change. No showings are allowed until after the available date. Visit our website, select "Notify Me When Ready to View" and register with Rently to be added to the waitlist and automatically notified immediately when showings are available.Welcome to this charming 3 bed, 2 bath home in Cleveland. This home includes
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.
