Are you wondering what living in South Cleveland TN will be like? Moving to South Cleveland means you will gain access to all of nearby Chattanooga and Cleveland’s benefits minus the steep price and headache of living in a larger city. South Cleveland is a quiet and tight-knit Census Designated Place (CDP) with much more to offer than just its affordable housing market.
South Cleveland Tennessee is known for being a great place for families to reside. It is also historically connected to the Cherokee Nation and is within miles of the Red Clay State Historic Park and the Ocoee River; people living in South Cleveland TN enjoy white water rafting, fly fishing, and exploring this waterway.
If you’re considering moving to another part of the Chattanooga, TN-GA metropolitan statistical area, we’re full service Chattanooga movers serving the Chatt area with dependable moving services.
Where Is South Cleveland TN?
South Cleveland TN is located in the center of Bradley County in southeast Tennessee within the Great Appalachian Valley. South Cleveland sits 3.9 miles south of Cleveland TN, and 32 miles northeast of Chattanooga. People living in South Cleveland TN are part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s one of the best towns near Chattanooga Tennessee, thanks to its easy access to major roadways such as Interstate 75 (I-75), U.S. Route 11 (US-11), and U.S. Route 64 (US-64).
South Cleveland Population & Demographics – Diversity, Culture, & More
South Cleveland has a population of 7,673, per the 2020 census, and a population density of 425.1. The median household income of people living in South Cleveland TN is $64,607, which is below the US median of $78,538. Its poverty rate is also below the US average, at 9%. It has the third-highest median age (39.1) in its county and is the second-most populated community. With 51% of its population being 39 years old or younger, South Cleveland Tennessee is a family-favorite Chattanooga suburb.
Additional demographics:
- Sex ratio: 52 males to 48 females
- Mean travel time to work: 20.6 minutes
- Ownership of occupied units: 77%
- Average persons per household: 2.5
- Single family households: 3,080
- Educational attainment:
- High school diploma: 90.7%
- Bachelor’s degree: 10.2%
- Veteran status: 11.2%
What’s the Racial Makeup of South Cleveland Tennessee?
Cleveland TN does not have a diverse racial and ethnic makeup, as 81.7% of residents are White (80.6% non-Hispanic or Latino), and 12% are Hispanic or Latino. 4.4% are Black or African American, and 0.4% are American Indian or Alaska Native. However, 13.1% of its population does identify as two or more races, adding to the community’s diversity.
South Cleveland TN Crime Rate
Is living in South Cleveland TN safe? While the FBI does not provide crime rate statistics for South Cleveland Tennessee, we can examine neighboring Cleveland to determine the area’s overall safety.
- Cleveland TN crime rate per 100,000 people: 4,121
- TN crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,924
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Cleveland violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 725
- TN crime rate per 100,000 people: 622
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
- Cleveland property crime rate per 100,000 people: 3,397
- TN property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,302
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
The murder rate in Cleveland TN is 76.7% lower than the state and 68.5% lower than the country!
Tennessee has higher crime rates than most American cities, so these figures are not surprising. Cleveland is far more populated than South Cleveland, likely leading to its high crime rate; it’s very common for larger urban cities to have higher crime rates than small suburban cities. On average, Bradley County only received 150 calls regarding an aggregate assault in 2022 across its seven cities.
Cleveland Police Department serves people living in South Cleveland TN. It’s accredited through the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) and has 105 certified police officers.
Cost of Living in South Cleveland
South Cleveland TN is an affordable place to live. According to BestPlaces its Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 84.9%, 15.1% more affordable than the average US city. Tennessee doesn’t have an individual income tax, contributing to South Cleveland’s affordability.
When you compare South Cleveland’s cost of living with nearby cities, you’ll see that living in South Cleveland TN is very affordable.
- Chattanooga TN Cost of Living Index (COLI): 90
- Lookout Mountain COLI: 129
Typical South Cleveland living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $15.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.63
- Loaf of white bread: $2.16
- Pound of white rice: $2.39
- Dozen eggs: $2.50
- Average utilities per month: $348 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Cleveland TN, meaning prices may differ.
Is living in South Cleveland TN affordable for families, too? According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four can live comfortably in Bradley County with a household income of $91,210.
Housing Market Overview
The South Cleveland real estate market is somewhat competitive, with homes selling within a median of 91 days. However, it’s also very affordable; the median sale price is $277,500, which is well below the US median of $419,200. Buying a house in Chattanooga is far more expensive, as the median home price there is $385,000. Houses for sale in South Cleveland have an average price per square foot of $180, and 28.6% sell above the listing price.
23% of people living in South Cleveland TN, rent, and with an average monthly rent of $1,292 for a 933-square-foot unit, it’s no wonder! Renting in South Cleveland is far more affordable than in Nashville ($1,779), Knoxville ($1,753,) and Chattanooga ($1,421). If you can’t find a home to buy, consider apartments for rent in South Cleveland TN.
Living in South Cleveland TN is good and affordable—what more could you want from your future home?
Weather South Cleveland TN – Climate, Average Rainfall, Etc.
Like Chattanooga’s climate, South Cleveland experiences a humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa). There is a dreadful hot season but a mild winter, making the weather enjoyable most of the year. In the warm season (May to September), the average daily high is 80 degrees. It’s also the most humid during these months, with July having an average daily humidity level of 86%.
The cold season starts in November and ends in February, with an average daily high of 57 degrees. When living in South Cleveland TN, the coldest month is January, which experiences an average of 1.2 inches of snowfall.
The best time to visit South Cleveland, Tennessee, is mid-May to late June when the temperatures are warm but before the high humidity begins. Living in South Cleveland TN provides enjoyable weather most of the year, minus a few hotter months in the summer.
Things to Do in South Cleveland TN
Are you seeking things to do in South Cleveland? Due to the CDP’s small size, most activities are found in neighboring cities or nearby Chattanooga. Here are the top attractions in and near this cozy community!
Deer Park – 4.9 Miles North
Deer Park is a great activity for children as it’s an expansive, well-reviewed park with a large playground, clean picnic areas, and a slow-flowing creek for children to explore.
475 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311, (423) 479-4129
Museum Center at 5ive Points – 4 Miles North
If you’re seeking an educational activity near South Cleveland, consider the Museum Center at 5ive Points. It explores the history of the Ocoee Region and what makes it so unique, making this one of the best things to do when living in South Cleveland TN.
200 Inman St E, Cleveland, TN 37311, (423) 339-5745
Rock City Gardens – 35.9 Miles South West
Rock City Gardens is one of the top things to do in Chattanooga with kids, thanks to its breathtaking views and ample activities. You can see ancient rock formations while hiking the beautiful trails located on Lookout Mountain!
1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, (706) 820-2531
Additional Attractions
One thing that makes living in South Cleveland TN so great is its proximity to big city attractions, minus the hassle and price tag residing in a large city entails.
South Cleveland Restaurants
Do you plan to eat out a lot when living in South Cleveland TN? This CDP boasts tons of great eateries.
Rafael’s Italian Restaurant
Located just outside of South Cleveland is an authentic Italian restaurant, Rafeal’s. It serves anything from calzones to wings and even chicken salad. It’s one of the top restaurants near South Cleveland, per its 1,100 reviews.
2324 Treasury Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323, (423) 472-6630
El Cazador Mexican Restaurant
El Cazador is a tasty Mexican eatery. It’s known for its tex-mex flare, enchiladas, hearty fajitas, and ice-cold margaritas.
2299 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311, (423) 790-0563
Smokey Bones Chattanooga
If you’re craving Tennessee BBQ when living in South Cleveland TN, try Smokey Bones in nearby Chattanooga. Their famous menu items are fried pickles, Brunswick stew, and brisket grilled cheese.
2225 Gunbarrel Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 893-7850
South Cleveland TN Jobs
South Cleveland has minimal commercial activity, but thanks to its proximity to Cleveland and Chattanooga, career opportunities are vast. The CDPs’ leading industries are manufacturing and retail trade, and the top employers in Bradley County are Whirlpool Corporation, Skyridge Medical Center, Peyton’s Southeastern, Bradley County Schools, Walmart, and Jackson Furniture Industries.
If you’re willing to travel to Chattanooga for work, you will find large employers such as BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Erlanger Health System, Hamilton County Schools, and Volkswagen. The Scenic City has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $42.38 billion and more than 5,000 jobs hiring.
If commuting isn’t your thing, South Cleveland jobs are available, though they aren’t as abundant as in the larger nearby cities. Living in South Cleveland TN is great for young professionals, business owners, and families!
South Cleveland TN Schools
Bradley County Schools District serves k-12 public school students living in South Cleveland TN. There are 10,269 students across 19 schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Though small, it encompasses some of the best schools in the area. For example, Walker Valley High School ranks 77th out of 374 Tennessee high schools, according to SchoolDigger. Niche says that 46% of students achieve proficiency in math and 40% in reading.
Which schools will your children attend when living in South Cleveland TN?
- Elementary School: Waterville Community Elementary School serves kindergarten through 5th-grade students.
- Middle School: Lake Forest Middle School serves grades 6 through 8.
- High School: Bradley Central High School provides education for grades 9 through 12.
Library
For additional education resources when living in South Cleveland TN, consider opening a library card at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library. Cardholders gain access to thousands of books, programs, and activities for all ages and even free admission to area attractions such as the Chattanooga Zoo and Creative Discovery Museum.
Map of South Cleveland TN
Explore more to do when living in South Cleveland TN with this South Cleveland map.
South Cleveland TN Statistics & Information
- South Cleveland county: Bradley County
- South Cleveland area: 14.07 square miles
- South Cleveland zip code(s): 37311, 37323, 37353
- South Cleveland area code: 423
- South Cleveland elevation: 929 feet
- South Cleveation time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- Closest airport to South Cleveland: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is 23.7 miles from South Cleveland
Moving to South Cleveland TN With All Out Moving
If you’re interested in living in South Cleveland TN, now you know what this South Tennessee community offers. The quality of life in South Cleveland, TN, is great, from its affordable housing to quiet neighborhoods! When you’re ready to make the big leap, let All Out Moving help. Call the top South Cleveland movers at (423) 716-3025 for a free estimate.
