Why Buyers Love College Heights in Cleburne, Texas
A car-dependent, affordable neighborhood where families and first-time buyers find solid value and good schools.
About College Heights in Cleburne
College Heights in Cleburne offers straightforward appeal: modest median home values around $149,800, a solid resident base of 3,693 people, and a median household income of $60,086 that reflects working families and young couples. The neighborhood scores low on walkability (walk score of 21) and transit access, but compensates with affordable single-family stock and proximity to established schools like Cooke Elementary and Cleburne High School. Expect a car-dependent lifestyle where convenience trumps pedestrian charm, but where a growing inventory of reasonably priced homes attracts first-time buyers and young families willing to trade urban polish for financial breathing room.
Real Estate Market in College Heights
| Median home price | $149.8k |
|---|---|
| Year over year change | +2.1% |
| Price per sq ft | $89 |
| Median rent | $1,297 |
| Typical days on market | 28 days |
| Buyer competition | Moderate |
| Walk Score | 21 |
| Bike Score | 32 |
The neighborhood tracks slightly below Cleburne's citywide median of $171,800, positioning itself as a value play for budget-conscious buyers. Inventory remains steady, with moderate competition typical of secondary residential areas in the Johnson County market.
Homes in this range typically move within 3 to 4 weeks. Offer strength (price, inspection flexibility, earnest-money terms) matters more than speed; sellers here are often working families, not investors, and respond well to straightforward, professional presentations.
Who Thrives in College Heights
College Heights delivers entry-level pricing and stable neighborhoods ideal for building equity without overextending; median home values sit roughly $22k below city average.
Thirty-two percent of residents have children; nearby Cooke Elementary and Ad Wheat Middle serve the area reliably, and family-oriented parks like P.D. Lacewell offer weekend recreation.
Rental demand is modest but present; the $1,297 median rent against $149.8k home values yields a 10.4% gross annual return, suitable for conservative buy-and-hold portfolios.
Affordable housing frees up budget for home office setup; only 1.4% work from home here, so less competition for broadband-friendly listings and a quiet, family-focused atmosphere.
Low walkability and limited transit make daily life car-dependent, though affordability and healthcare access (Mahaffey Family Medicine, Clinica Hispana Cleburne) appeal to budget-conscious seniors.
Property Types in College Heights
Dominant property type; mix of 1970s to 1990s ranch-style and newer construction, most with 3 to 4 bedrooms and modest yards.
Clustered near major roads; popular with investors and young couples seeking lower maintenance than detached homes.
Limited but growing segment; builders targeting move-up buyers within the neighborhood or relocating families from Fort Worth suburbs.
Living in College Heights, Cleburne
Daily life in the neighborhood revolves around car travel; nearly 84 percent of residents drive to work, and shops, schools, and parks cluster along major thoroughfares rather than within walking distance. The community feels stable and residential, with family-owned amenities like Sunrise Cafe and Heroes Cafe anchoring morning routines, and neighborhood parks like McAnear Park serving as weekend gathering spots. Despite low transit scores and pedestrian infrastructure, the neighborhood maintains a quiet, unpretentious character where neighbors tend to stay put, schools remain consistent, and the cost of living allows families to afford larger homes and yards than comparable urban locations.
- Ice N Easy Shaved Ice · 7 min walk
- Carmelita's Pupuseria · 8 min walk
- Paleteria y Neveria La Mexicana · 9 min walk
- El Torrito · 18 min walk
- Dairy Queen · 21 min walk
- Sunrise Cafe · 22 min walk
- Nolan River Coffee · 33 min walk
- Starbucks · 33 min walk
- Heroes Cafe · 36 min walk
- Red Horse Cafe · 36 min walk
- P.D. Lacewell Park · 18 min walk
- McAnear Park · 20 min walk
- John S. Butner Park · 26 min walk
- West Buffalo Creek Linear Park · 35 min walk
- John P. Bradshaw Park · 39 min walk
- Carniceria Mi Pueblo · 20 min walk
- Super Garcia Meat Market · 22 min walk
- H-E-B · 25 min walk
- Walmart Supercenter · 37 min walk
- Mom's Kitchen · 37 min walk
- World Gym · 34 min walk
- Real Performance · 35 min walk
- The Shed Strength and Conditioning · 40 min walk
- Pin Center Bowl · 21 min walk
- JN Long Cultural Arts Complex · 23 min walk
- La Moderna Field · 29 min walk
- Cleburne Railroad Museum · 33 min walk
- Yellow Jacket Stadium · 33 min walk
Annual events: Cleburne-wide events (July 4th celebrations, Labor Day festivals); local school sports at Yellow Jacket Stadium; community programs at JN Long Cultural Arts Complex
Schools Near College Heights, Cleburne
College Heights feeds into a reliable public school pathway anchored by Cooke Elementary (rated 30.5) and Ad Wheat Middle (31), both within 2 miles. Cleburne High School (37) serves grades 9 to 12 and represents one of the stronger secondary options in the Johnson County system, with college-prep programs and vocational tracks.
Elementary Schools
School Score 30.5 with 33% math and 28% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 26.5 with 24% math and 29% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Middle Schools
School Score 31 with 34% math and 28% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026High Schools
School Score 37 with 33% math and 41% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 35 with 50% math and 20% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026School Score 17 with 17% math and 17% reading proficiency
Proximitii 2026Feeder pattern: Elementary students flow predictably to Ad Wheat Middle, creating continuity; middle-school graduates transition to Cleburne High, where 12.7 percent of area residents hold bachelor's degrees, reflecting moderate educational attainment and college-going culture.
Source: Proximitii 2026
Commute from College Heights
Most residents work in Cleburne proper, nearby Fort Worth, or regional employers around Johnson County; car dependency (84.3 percent drive) is the standard and generally unavoidable. Public transit options are minimal, and commute times vary widely depending on employer location and rush-hour congestion.
Cleburne operates limited fixed-route bus service; College Heights residents typically rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing for commuting.
Neighborhoods Near College Heights
Not sure College Heights is the right fit? Compare these nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about College Heights
What is the average home price in College Heights, Cleburne?
The median home value in College Heights is approximately $149,800, roughly $22,000 below the Cleburne citywide median of $171,800. Most homes range from $120k to $180k depending on size, condition, and year built. Newer construction and larger homes can exceed $200k, while smaller townhomes or older homes may dip below $120k. This pricing positions the neighborhood as an affordable entry point for first-time buyers and families building equity.
Is College Heights a good place to live?
That depends on your priorities. The neighborhood excels for families and first-time buyers seeking affordability, stable schools, and a quiet residential setting. However, it is not walkable (walk score of 21) and requires a car for nearly all errands and commuting. If you value pedestrian amenities and public transit, you will find this area limiting. For those willing to drive and prioritize home affordability and family stability, the neighborhood delivers solid value.
What schools serve College Heights?
Cooke Elementary (rated 30.5) and Irving Elementary both serve younger students, feeding into Ad Wheat Middle (rated 31) for grades 6 to 8. Cleburne High School (rated 37) serves grades 9 to 12 and is the area's primary secondary option. All three schools operate within 2 to 3 miles and are considered stable, with moderate ratings reflecting a working-class community focused on practical education and college-prep options.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Crime data shows the neighborhood maintains rates slightly below the Cleburne citywide average, reflecting a stable, family-oriented population with 59.2 percent married households. However, Johnson County and Cleburne do experience property crime at rates higher than wealthy suburban enclaves; routine precautions (lighting, locks, awareness) remain prudent. Local law enforcement, including Fire Station 3, maintains regular presence.
Who should consider moving to College Heights?
First-time buyers seeking affordable homes, working families prioritizing good schools and lower housing costs, and investors comfortable with modest rental yields will find the neighborhood appealing. Remote workers and young couples without children also benefit from affordability and quiet surroundings. Retirees and pedestrian-focused buyers may struggle with limited walkability and transit options.
What amenities and services are nearby?
The neighborhood has reasonable access to coffee shops (Sunrise Cafe, Nolan River Coffee), grocery stores (H-E-B, Walmart Supercenter, Super Garcia Meat Market), parks (P.D. Lacewell Park, McAnear Park), and dining options (Carmelita's Pupuseria, Ice N Easy Shaved Ice). Healthcare providers include Mahaffey Family Medicine and Clinica Hispana Cleburne. Most services require a short drive rather than a walk.
Where this College Heights data comes from
Numbers throughout this guide come from public, authoritative sources. Walk and transit scores come from Walk Score, neighborhood boundaries and POI data from OpenStreetMap and Proximitii, and parent-city demographics from the U.S. Census Bureau.
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