Believe it or not, Cleveland, Texas, was formed around 1878 when Judge Charles Lander Cleveland sold the land to the Texas Railway for just one American dollar! What has grown from that single dollar is a beautiful and tranquil community.
Cleveland, Texas, is a forested city in Liberty County. As of the 2010 census, the city is home to almost 8,000 people and is seen as almost a resort-type town by nearby Houston residents. This city made its mark as a lumber town and railroad hub in the early 1900s but has since grown to include plenty of recreation opportunities for the entire family. The city itself has a total area of 4.8 square miles and is considered a rural and peaceful place.
Moving to Cleveland
Rental property in Cleveland is widely available, and the community is open and friendly. What this means is you can probably start your apartment search just a handful of weeks before you need to move! As a rule of thumb, experts suggest giving yourself at least a month to look for the perfect rental, but you might not need that much time to find an apartment you love in Cleveland.
When you go to look at rentals, make sure to bring proof of your identification and gainful employment, as well as some recent bank statements. Folks are pretty laid back around here, but your landlord may want to run a credit check on you to make sure that you'll be a reputable renter. Not to worry -- it's just standard procedure!
Cleveland Neighborhoods
Step right up, folks, and view the wide variety of neighborhoods available to you in Cleveland, Texas. Cleveland boasts five distinct areas -- each with its own unique local flavor. There's no doubt you'll find just the right neighborhood to suit your needs.
Dolen and Rayburn: The easternmost edge of this neighborhood borders the Trinity River and features an expanse of the River Trail that makes for excellent recreation. Although Dolen and Rayburn don't consider themselves ritzy, rents here are a bit pricier than in other areas of Cleveland. It is also worth noting that Dolan residents are very tight knit, so if you are looking to be a lifer -- choose this neighborhood.
Milvid and Clark: This neighborhood borders the Trinity River to the west and is bisected by Texas State Highway 146. The availability of rental property in this part of Cleveland is pretty high, so you will find many apartments and houses to view. Rents are reasonable here.
City Center: Although the City Center lies at the heart of Cleveland, it is still considered a suburban neighborhood. Look here for one-bedroom apartments or studio apartments for rent. Check out Church's Chicken for a quick bite.
Dayton Lakes: The highlight of the Dayton Lakes area is the fact that it encapsulates the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. If you are a nature buff, this might be the neighborhood for you! When moving to Dayton Lakes, be prepared to bring your car -- this area is fairly rural, and you will need wheels to run some errands.
Evergreen and Maynard: This is a quiet neighborhood that sits right on the Sam Houston National Forest. If you are looking for reasonably priced rental homes in Cleveland and you don't mind roughing it, try Evergreen and Maynard.
Life in Cleveland
If you choose to make Cleveland your home, you will not be short on ways to spend your free time. For nature enthusiasts, there are acres and acres of wooded wonders to explore, namely the Sam Houston National Forest. Get ready to strap on your hiking boots, because the Sam Houston National Forest is home to the Lone Star Trail -- 128 miles of winding, wooded trails that traverse the forest's expanse. You can also camp, fish, hunt and do a little bird watching. And you can enjoy the outdoors even in the winter, because Cleveland's winters are thankfully short and mild.
If you're looking for something to do indoors when the Texas summer sun heats up, head over to the Stancil Park Exposition Center to visit the Cleveland Trade Days. This event is held three times a year and is open to food vendors, product vendors and locals who want to sell their wares -- this means that you'll be able to have a tasty meal and get some shopping done, all under the same roof!
Another Cleveland attraction is Cheesemakers, Inc. That's right, if you have always secretly wanted to be a cheesemonger, you can take a tour of this state-of-the-art cheese factory. Cheesemakers makes several types of delicacies here -- including Mexican-style and goat milk cheese -- and they welcome visitors of all ages!
If fine dining is more your style, take advantage of your proximity to Hilltop Restaurant, a legendary destination for over 22 years. The cuisine at Hilltop is based on what's growing in the adjacent herb garden, and it is no surprise that the head chef is a renowned herbalist herself! Sit down, relax and enjoy the incredible lakeside views that Cleveland offers.