Cleveland
Bradley County, TN
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census (population) and 2020–2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (income, households, homeownership).
Bradley County's Manufacturing Hub, Home to Lee University
Cleveland was established as the Bradley County seat in 1838 and incorporated in 1842, named for Revolutionary War militia commander Colonel Benjamin Cleveland. The area was central to Cherokee Nation history — the Cherokee held their national council at nearby Red Clay from about 1830 to 1838, before removal along the Trail of Tears.
Today Cleveland is a manufacturing hub in the Great Appalachian Valley, home to more than 150 manufacturing firms and employers including Whirlpool, Mars Wrigley, and Duracell. It's also home to Lee University, Cleveland State Community College, and the international headquarters of the Church of God.
Why Buyers Choose Cleveland
Photo: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0A private Christian university founded in 1918, with roughly 3,700 students — one of the largest Christ-centered private institutions in the Appalachian College Association.
A public community college established in 1965, one of Tennessee's first three community colleges.
Photo: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0A Smithsonian-affiliated regional history museum covering Bradley, Polk, and East Hamilton County history.
Photo: JonesManagement, CC BY-SA 4.0An 1878 opera house and meeting hall, often called one of Tennessee's most photographed buildings.
Whirlpool, Mars Wrigley (maker of M&M's and Twix), and Duracell all operate plants in Cleveland.
Class III–IV rafting, including the 1996 Olympic whitewater course, a short drive east of the city.
“Cleveland — real, local expertise.”
Cleveland Neighborhoods
A sample of the neighborhoods buyers ask about most.
The downtown core, home to the Ocoee Street and Centenary Avenue National Register historic districts, covering roughly 700 homes.
Explore Communities Near Cleveland
Cleveland is one of the Tennessee communities Choice Homes serves — browse the rest of Bradley County, TN, or switch states.
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Cleveland Homes For Sale
Live listings, updated directly from the MLS.
Cleveland Parks
- 720 acres
- Disc golf course
- Walking trails
- Fishing pond
- Amphitheater
- Softball fields
- Tony Cavett Tennis Center
- Pickleball courts
- Dog park
- Public pool
- Playground
- Soccer fields
- Dog park
- 15 soccer fields
- Pavilion
- Concessions
- Paved multi-use trail
- 4+ miles
Cleveland Schools
- Cleveland High School
- Cleveland Middle School
- Arnold Memorial Elementary
- Yates Primary
- George R. Stuart Elementary
- Ernest L. Ross Elementary
- Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary
- Mayfield Elementary
- Blythe-Bower Elementary
- Cleveland Christian School
- Shenandoah Baptist Academy
- Bowman Hills School
Cleveland City Schools serves the city itself; Bradley County Schools serves surrounding unincorporated areas. School assignments are based on home address, not neighborhood name, and can change. Contact the appropriate district directly to confirm which schools serve a specific property.
Cleveland FAQ
Manufacturing — employers like Whirlpool, Mars Wrigley, and Duracell all operate plants here — plus Lee University and being the international headquarters of the Church of God.
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