If you are considering an upcoming move and long for that small town feel, but aren’t quite ready to give up some of the amenities and opportunities that are offered by larger cities, Cleveland may be just the place you are dreaming of.
Cleveland, Tennessee is located in the far southeastern corner of the state, 28 miles northeast of Chattanooga, and only 82 miles southwest of Knoxville. Drive slightly over 100 miles and you can be in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the heart of the beautiful Smokey Mountains. The hustle and bustle of Atlanta is about 125 miles north, and a hop, skip and 173 mile drive will land you in Birmingham, while 181 miles to the north is the epicenter of country music-and so much more- in Nashville. The City is also only a short distance to the famed Cherokee National Forest, site of the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak events on the scenic Ocoee River.
More than anything, Cleveland is a fast-growing community that has managed to retain the attributes necessary in preserving its hometown feel and town values. Cleveland is full of friendly faces and people who still wave when driving through their neighborhoods, and speak to strangers when passing on a sidewalk. Cleveland offers a high quality of life for the slightly more than 39,000 people who call it home, and has a certain magnetism for those who visit, only to later find themselves calling it home.
Cleveland is convenient to many tourist attractions ranging from hiking to mountain climbing to whitewater rafting. Living in Cleveland means you can enjoy a walk along a nature trail by morning, shop or dine in stores and eateries found in the largest of cities, mid-day and enjoy the brisk mountain air and beautiful sunsets by night. With all of this in mind, it’s easy to see why Cleveland is catching the attention of many retirees and those looking for a perfect medium between the larger cities they often originate from and the slower paced rural settings they have dreamt of.
As far opportunity and industry, the Cleveland area is home to over a dozen Fortune 500 companies as well as an increasingly growing tourism component. Its location along the Interstate 75 corridor offers transportation advantages to residents and industries alike, and has helped to make Cleveland a well traveled town for both business travelers and those simply wishing to “get away from it all” for a few days. Local and regional educational and vocational opportunities, anchored by a wide selection of area private and public colleges and universities, provide a competitive advantage for both current residents, and retirees who may want to secure a part-time job- or second or third career- after relocating to the area.
The City has a highly diversified economy, boasting the sixth largest number of manufacturing companies in the entire state of Tennessee. Cleveland also serves as a regional shopping destination and health care provider for surrounding counties in Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. With such major employers in the area as: Arch Chemicals, Inc., Bowater Newsprint, Calhoun Operations, Brown Stove Works, Charleston Hosiery, Cleveland Chair Co., Duracell, Hardwick Clothing, Jackson Manufacturing, Johnston Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Master Foods, Newlywed Foods, Olin Corporation, Peyton’s Southeastern, President Baking, Rubbermaid, Schering Plough, United Knitting, and Whirlpool Corporation, the job market is very stable and even in a time when much of our country is experiencing an economic crunch, Cleveland and its surrounding area seem to be fairing much better.
For those who may be considering a move, but still have children at home Cleveland can be the ideal choice for you and your younger generation. The local school system consistently ranks among the top ten public systems in the entire state, based on ACT scores. The city is home to two institutions of higher learning: Cleveland State Community College, and Lee University, a 4-year liberal arts school. In addition Cleveland is home to eight city parks, including a nature park and a handicap equipped park. The city also owns and maintains various community centers, a golf course and a greenway complete with two miles of picturesque walking paths.
Perhaps, the Mayor of Cleveland himself, Tom Rowland- now carrying the distinction of being the city’s longest serving mayor at 17 years- states it best when he told me, “Cleveland is a place where the quality of life abounds in both work and play. We are blessed in a city where people care about one another. Retirees like us because of our recreation, beauty and people. Industry likes us because of low taxes, available land and the great work ethics of our people. It’s a great mix, great to do business and great to live. Cleveland, Tennessee is no longer a well kept secret, instead it is discovered every day and I personally invite everyone to come see us and discover what our people have known for years. Come and walk our greenways, see our historic buildings, visit our mountains, fish in our lakes and rivers, and even see where Billy Graham received his call to the ministry. All while getting a friendly, “hello” from anyone you meet on the street.”
All of these components, coupled with the community’s unwavering commitment to ensure an even brighter future, make Cleveland a great place to live, work, play and visit…not necessarily in that order.
To find out more about Cleveland, Tennessee call the Cleveland, Bradley Chamber of Commerce at: 423-472-6587 or visit them on the web at www.clevelandchamber.com
