Johnson County · 33 miles south of Fort Worth
Living in Cleburne, Texas
The complete family relocation guide, schools, neighborhoods, taxes, commutes, and everything else you need to decide.
Family Score = schools (35%) + safety (30%) + community (10%) + commute (15%) + market stability (10%), normalized 0–100 for readability · Affordability Score = price-to-income ratio + school quality per dollar + price vs. metro avg · Sub-scores on a 0–10 scale · Niche grades refreshed annually each fall
"Cleburne is the suburb I recommend when a family says they want DFW but needs their dollar to go farther. The Chisholm Trail Parkway is a game-changer, you can be in downtown Fort Worth in under 40 minutes, but you're paying $288K for a home instead of $550K. That's not a small number. It's a different life."
Kristen Carpentier is a licensed Texas Realtor® and DFW family relocation specialist, brokered by eXp Realty. She's a mom of four and has helped hundreds of families, mostly relocating from California, New York, and Illinois, find their right suburb and the right school district before ever stepping foot in a home.
(602) 405-4115 · Kristen@whymovetodallas.com · TREC #760457
U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023
Where Is Cleburne, Texas?
Cleburne is the county seat of Johnson County, located about 33 miles south of downtown Fort Worth and 51 miles southwest of Dallas. It sits at the southern end of the Chisholm Trail Parkway (CTP), a NTTA-operated toll road that connects directly to I-30 in Fort Worth's central business district. US-67 runs through the center of town and provides a free alternative route north through Burleson to Fort Worth. SH-174 connects Cleburne southeast toward Hillsboro and I-35W, while SH-171 heads northeast. The city is geographically in the rolling Cross Timbers landscape, more trees, more elevation change, more rural feel than the flat prairie suburbs north of Dallas.
The Chisholm Trail Parkway is Cleburne's single biggest commuter advantage. For families with a Fort Worth employer, Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, Cook Children's Medical Center, Bell Textron, the drive is 33 miles and about 35–40 minutes with a TollTag during off-peak hours. US-67 is free but adds 20–35 minutes through traffic lights and school zones in Burleson and Crowley. Dallas is a longer haul, 51 miles via US-67, making Cleburne a strong fit for Fort Worth-centric households but not ideal if both spouses commute to different parts of the metro.
Commute Times from Central Cleburne
Cleburne ISD: Schools Deep Dive
Cleburne ISD is a solid, mid-tier district for families relocating from out of state, not the elite performance of Frisco or Carroll ISD, but a well-managed district with a 94% graduation rate, genuine STEAM programming, and seven campuses that earned A or B ratings in the 2024–2025 TEA accountability cycle. For families prioritizing affordability over maximizing school rankings, Cleburne ISD offers real educational value at a fraction of what you'd spend on housing in a top-rated North DFW district. The honest caveat: test score proficiency (35–46%) lags behind upper-tier districts, and feeder pattern verification before making an offer is essential, zone boundaries matter here.
11 Campuses
1 high school, 1 alternative campus, 2 middle schools, and 7 elementary schools serving Cleburne and surrounding Johnson County communities.
~6,900 Students
15:1 student-teacher ratio. District offers STEAM programs at elementary and middle school level, Career & Technology Education (CTE) pathways at the high school, and dual credit partnerships with Hill College.
Verify Your Zone
Feeder patterns in Cleburne ISD vary by neighborhood. A few blocks can determine which elementary school your children attend. Always verify your specific address at c-isd.com before making an offer.
Top Campuses in Cleburne ISD
| Campus | Level | GreatSchools |
|---|---|---|
| Cleburne High School | 9–12 | 5/10 |
| Lowell Smith Jr. Middle | 7–8 | 6/10 |
| Cooke Elementary | K–6 | 6/10 |
| Gerard Elementary | K–6 | 7/10 |
| Adams Elementary | K–6 | 6/10 |
Compare Cleburne ISD vs. All 36 DFW Districts →
Niche Category Grades: Cleburne ISD
Best Neighborhoods in Cleburne for Families
Cleburne's residential fabric is a mix of established mid-century neighborhoods near downtown, newer subdivisions on the east and south sides with CTP access, and a handful of waterfront options near Lake Pat Cleburne. Unlike fast-growing North DFW suburbs, Cleburne doesn't have one dominant master-planned community, it has character neighborhoods at different price points, each with a distinct feel. Here are the options I walk families through most often.
Search Current Cleburne Listings →
Chisholm Hills
One of Cleburne's most well-established residential areas, Chisholm Hills offers mature trees, larger lots, and a quiet community feel. Well-maintained single-family homes on streets that feel lived-in. Good access to the CTP on-ramp and proximity to the John Warren Sports Complex for families with kids in youth leagues.
Lake Pat Cleburne Area
Properties near the 1,500-acre Lake Pat Cleburne reservoir offer something genuinely rare in the DFW metro: lake views and fishing/boating access at suburban price points. Homes range from modest lake cottages to newer builds with water access. The trade-off is that you're farther from downtown Cleburne and the CTP, adding 10–15 minutes to any commute.
Nolan River Estates
Nolan River Estates sits in a tree-lined corridor near the Nolan River, offering a more natural setting than the city's grid neighborhoods. Parks nearby, good access to city amenities, and a mix of lot sizes. Families with younger children appreciate the open feel and the proximity to Splash Station waterpark.
Courtland Place & Legado
These newer communities off SH-174 represent Cleburne's best new construction options, Century Communities builds in Courtland Place, Bloomfield Homes in several nearby communities. Modern floor plans, energy efficiency, and good positioning relative to the CTP. Ideal for families who want new and don't want to compromise on commute. Verify HOA and MUD/PID status before closing.
Cooper Valley
Cooper Valley is a solid entry-level neighborhood for families buying their first home in Cleburne, smaller lots, modest homes in good condition, and an unpretentious community feel. Schools, parks, and main retail are all accessible. For families coming from California or New York, the price point here will feel almost surreal. A sensible choice for first-time buyers or those stretching on a budget.
Old Town / Downtown Adjacent
The neighborhoods surrounding Cleburne's historic downtown have older homes with character, wide front porches, mature pecan trees, walkable access to local restaurants and shops. These aren't the polished historic districts of McKinney, but they have an authentic small-city feel that some relocating families specifically look for. Great for couples or families who prioritize walkability within the neighborhood over a master-planned community's amenities.
Not seeing what you're looking for? These are the neighborhoods I recommend most, but Cleburne has more to offer. Tell me your must-haves and I'll match you to the right streets.
Cost of Living: Cleburne vs. Where You're Coming From
Most of my clients come from California, New York, or Illinois. Here's the comparison they need before they decide.
| Category | San Francisco Bay Area | Cleburne, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$1.3M | ~$288K |
| State Income Tax | 9.3%+ (up to 13.3%) | $0, No state income tax |
| Property Tax Rate | ~1.1–1.2% (Prop 13 capped) | ~2.25% |
| Property Tax on $288K Home | ~$3,170–$3,460/yr | ~$6,490/yr |
| Avg. Tax Burden | ~13–16% of income | ~7–9% effective (no income tax) |
| School Quality | Highly variable by zip | Cleburne ISD B- |
| Avg. Commute | 45–90+ min | 35–40 min to Fort Worth |
Property Tax Breakdown: Cleburne (Johnson County)
| Taxing Entity | Rate per $100 | On $288K Home |
|---|---|---|
| Cleburne ISD | ~$1.2119 | ~$3,490/yr |
| City of Cleburne | ~$0.6125 | ~$1,764/yr |
| Johnson County | ~$0.3293 | ~$948/yr |
| JC Lateral Road District | ~$0.0500 | ~$144/yr |
| Hill College District | ~$0.0500 | ~$144/yr |
| Base Total | ~$2.2537 | ~$6,490/yr |
| + MUD/PID (if applicable) | +$0.25–$0.75 | +$720–$2,160/yr |
Rates are 2024 certified. Always confirm current rates and any special district assessments for a specific address. Source: Johnson CAD · Texas Comptroller.
Major Employers: Cleburne & Nearby
Cleburne's economy is anchored by manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and industrial production. The city's largest employers skew blue-collar, Walmart Distribution Center is the single biggest, with Johns Manville and James Hardie Building Products close behind. For families relocating for professional or corporate roles, the Fort Worth corridor via the Chisholm Trail Parkway is where most of the white-collar employment is concentrated.
In Cleburne
| Employer | Industry |
|---|---|
| Walmart Distribution Center | Distribution (~942 employees) |
| Johns Manville | Building Materials (~415) |
| James Hardie Building Products | Construction Materials (~395) |
| Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital | Healthcare (~388) |
| City of Cleburne | Government (~380) |
| Technical Chemical Company | Chemical Manufacturing (~289) |
| Wabash / Supreme Corporation | Trailer Manufacturing (~240) |
| Cleburne ISD | Education |
| Hill College | Education (~155) |
| Fun Town RV | Recreation / Retail |
| HEB | Grocery / Retail |
Fort Worth Corridor (35–45 min)
| Employer | Industry |
|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin | Aerospace / Defense |
| American Airlines HQ | Aviation / Transportation |
| Bell Textron | Aerospace / Manufacturing |
| Cook Children's Medical Center | Healthcare / Pediatric |
| Texas Health Resources | Healthcare System |
| Alcon Laboratories | Medical Devices |
| BNSF Railway | Transportation / Logistics |
| Pier 1 / TCU Medical District | Mixed corporate corridor |
What Life Actually Looks Like in Cleburne
John Warren Sports Complex
The nearly 90-acre sports complex is Cleburne's youth sports hub, baseball, softball, soccer, and football fields all in one location. Weekend tournaments bring families from across Johnson County together. ISD athletics programs are competitive at the regional level, and rec leagues run year-round through the city's parks department.
Cleburne State Park & Lake Pat
Cleburne has something most DFW suburbs can't claim: a genuine Texas State Park within city limits. Cedar Lake at Cleburne State Park is a shaded, peaceful escape, hiking trails, fishing, and camping without a long drive. Lake Pat Cleburne adds 1,500 acres of reservoir for boating, bass fishing, and weekend paddling. This level of outdoor access at these price points is rare in the metro.
Dining & Everyday Shopping
Cleburne ranks #12 of 65 DFW suburbs for restaurants per resident, a genuine surprise given the city's size. HEB anchors the grocery landscape, and the Walmart Supercenter covers big-box needs. Downtown Cleburne has a small but real dining scene: Texas Roadhouse, local BBQ, Mexican food staples, and a handful of local lunch spots. Major retail is available locally; specialty shopping means a drive to Fort Worth or Burleson.
Community Events & Small-City Culture
Cleburne hosts the Annual Chisholm Trail Round-Up (one of Texas's longest-running rodeos), weekly farmer's markets in season, and Fourth of July festivities that draw families from across Johnson County. The Layland Museum offers local history programs. Life here has a small-city calendar, not a packed suburban events schedule, but a genuine community identity that some families specifically move here to find.
The RV Capital of Texas
Fun Town RV, one of Texas's largest RV dealerships, calls Cleburne home. That's not just a quirky local fact, it signals something about the community's character: outdoor recreation, family camping, and a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over status. If your family loves weekend camping trips and outdoor adventure, the culture here matches. The Chisholm Trail's western heritage runs deep in how residents see themselves.
Tight-Knit & Genuinely Welcoming
Cleburne still has the feel of a place where neighbors know each other. The city's size, about 33,000 residents, means you're not anonymous. School sports, church, and neighborhood events are the social glue here. Families who've moved from larger cities often comment that it took them by surprise how quickly they felt at home. The community is conservative, faith-centered, and genuinely hospitable to newcomers who engage.
Recreation, Walkability & City Amenities
Cleburne is a car-dependent city, that's the honest starting point. A personal vehicle is not optional here; it's essential. What makes Cleburne different from other car-dependent DFW suburbs is the quality of what you're driving to: a genuine Texas State Park, a 1,500-acre reservoir, 24 city parks, and a large multi-sport complex. Outdoor recreation in Cleburne is legitimately strong for the price point. Urban walkability is not.
Walkability & Transportation Scores
Scores reflect the city's most walkable core and vary significantly by address. Source: Walk Score® 
Parks, Trails & Green Space
Cleburne has 24 parks mapped within city limits, a solid baseline for a city of 33,000. More importantly, the quality of the anchor parks is exceptional for the price tier. Cleburne State Park and Lake Pat Cleburne offer experiences you simply can't find within city limits of most DFW suburbs at any price. For families who spend weekends outdoors, this is a meaningful quality-of-life factor that doesn't show up in any Niche grade.
Cleburne State Park
A Texas State Park with Cedar Lake at its center, shaded hiking trails, fishing piers, swimming, and camping. It's a genuine outdoor escape accessible without leaving the city. Families relocating from the coasts are often stunned that something like this exists inside a DFW-area city.
Lake Pat Cleburne
A 1,500-acre reservoir managed by the City of Cleburne for fishing, boating, and recreation. Bass fishing is serious here, tournaments run year-round. The lake also provides some of Cleburne's most distinctive real estate, with lakefront and lake-view homes at prices that would be unimaginable near DFW's other metro-area lakes.
John Warren Sports Complex
Nearly 90 acres of youth sports infrastructure, baseball diamonds, softball fields, soccer pitches, and football fields. This is where most of Cleburne's organized youth athletics happen, and it's one of the best facilities in Johnson County. Weekend tournaments are a regular feature from spring through fall.
Hulen Park
One of the city's primary community parks with playground equipment, picnic areas, and open green space. Well-maintained and centrally located. A reliable neighborhood park for younger children when you don't want to drive to the state park.
McGregor Park
A neighborhood park on the east side offering sports courts, walking paths, and green space. Popular with local families for weekend activities and informal pickup sports. Anchors the recreational infrastructure on Cleburne's more recently developed east side.
Splash Station
Cleburne's city-operated waterpark with slides, a pool, and a spray pad. Open seasonally from late May through August. It's the go-to summer destination for families with young children, affordable, close, and consistently popular on hot Texas afternoons.
City Recreation Centers & Facilities
| Facility | What's Inside |
|---|---|
| Cleburne Recreation Center | Fitness equipment, group classes, gym, indoor courts |
| Pat Cleburne Memorial Library | Books, digital resources, children's programming, study rooms |
| Splash Station Waterpark | Water slides, pool, spray pad, concessions |
| Layland Museum | Local history exhibits, collections, educational programs |
| Cleburne Conference Center | Event venue, community programming, performing arts events |
Youth Sports & Organized Recreation
Cleburne's youth sports scene is genuinely active for a city its size. The John Warren Sports Complex hosts multiple rec leagues through the year, and ISD athletics, particularly football, are taken seriously in Johnson County. Travel league activity exists but is less intense than what you'd find in Frisco or Southlake; most families here participate in city rec leagues and school-based programs rather than high-overhead travel sports.
How Safe Is Cleburne?
Cleburne's crime picture is mixed. The violent crime rate (3.77 per 1,000) is roughly comparable to the U.S. national average of 4.0, not alarming, but not the near-zero rates you'd see in Southlake or Colleyville. Property crime is the bigger concern: 18.99 per 1,000 is above the national average, which places Cleburne in the lower tier for safety among DFW suburbs. CrimeGrade.org rates Cleburne at D+ overall and puts it in the 28th percentile for safety. The southeast part of town is consistently cited by residents as the safest area. Most established residential neighborhoods, Chisholm Hills, Nolan River Estates, the lake area, have a comfortable, safe feel day-to-day. The data reflects city-wide averages that include commercial corridors and higher-crime pockets on the north side.
(U.S. avg: ~4.0)
(Texas avg: 22.4)
28th percentile for safety
Sources: Niche Crime & Safety · NeighborhoodScout · CrimeGrade.org
Cleburne Real Estate Market: What to Expect
In Cleburne, the heart of the market is the starter band: 87% of homes sold in the past year landed under $400K, where a median of about $279K buys roughly 1,770 square feet. About 2% of sales were $700K or more, so move-up and luxury buyers have real selection. Price per square foot climbs from about $158 at the entry level to $328 at the top, which is what you are paying for in larger lots, newer builds, and higher finish levels.
Median Sale Price
$288K
12-month rolling avg · single-family
Average Sale Price
$316K
12-month rolling avg · single-family
Price per Sq Ft
$160
Median · 12-month rolling
Sale to Original List
96.5%
12-month rolling · share of original list price
Days on Market
60 days
Median · 12-month rolling
Months Supply
5.1 mo.
Balanced market · 12-month
Active Inventory
335
Current active supply · single-family
Closed Sales
804
12-month total · single-family
A few more numbers worth knowing if you are weighing an offer in Cleburne. Over the trailing 12 months, single-family homes sold for a median of $288K and an average of $316K, which works out to about $160 per square foot. Homes here sold for roughly 96.5% of their original list price, which gives you a sense of how much room buyers have typically had to negotiate. As of the latest data, about 335 single-family homes were actively listed. These are NTREIS figures (the price metrics are 12-month rolling, inventory is current active supply), and your own price per square foot and negotiating room will vary by neighborhood, age of home, and finish level.
Source: NTREIS via 10K Research · All figures are 12-month rolling periods · Updated April 2026
Cleburne's real estate market is balanced, 5.1 months of supply means neither sellers nor buyers have a commanding advantage. At 60 days on market (median), homes that are priced correctly are moving, but buyers have time to be thoughtful rather than reactive. The $288K median SFR price makes Cleburne one of the most affordable markets in the DFW metro with direct highway access to a major employment center. That combination, Chisholm Trail Parkway to Fort Worth plus under-$300K median pricing, is genuinely unusual. New construction communities like Courtland Place and Bloomfield developments bring modern floor plans into the mix, and the established resale market offers more square footage per dollar than virtually any comparable suburb in Tarrant or Collin county.
Pros & Cons of Living in Cleburne
I won't sell you on Cleburne. I'll give you the real picture so you can decide if it's right for your family.
✓ What Cleburne Does Well
- DFW's affordability leader, $288K median SFR with an Affordability Score of 88/100. This is the lowest price point of any DFW suburb with direct highway access to a major employment center.
- Chisholm Trail Parkway access, Direct CTP connection to downtown Fort Worth in 35–40 min. For families with Fort Worth employers, this is genuinely competitive with most North DFW suburbs.
- Cleburne State Park + Lake Pat Cleburne, Exceptional outdoor access for the price tier. A Texas State Park and 1,500-acre reservoir within city limits is rare in the DFW metro.
- Authentic small-city character, 33,000 residents, historic downtown, genuine community identity. Not a subdivision that looks like every other DFW suburb.
- Low competition for desirable homes, 5.1 months supply in a balanced market means you have time to make thoughtful decisions without waiving contingencies or overbidding.
- No state income tax, Meaningful savings, especially for high earners relocating from CA, NY, or IL.
- What to Weigh Carefully
- Safety is below DFW average, D+ from CrimeGrade (28th percentile). Property crime runs higher than most North DFW suburbs. Neighborhood selection matters, southeast Cleburne is significantly safer than the north side.
- Schools are solid but not top-tier, Cleburne ISD rates B- overall. For families where a top-rated ISD (A/A+) is non-negotiable, North DFW suburbs like Frisco, Allen, or Prosper offer better ratings at higher price points.
- Long commute to Dallas / North DFW, If your job is in Plano, Frisco, or downtown Dallas, plan for 55–85 miles and 60–90 minutes each way. This is a Fort Worth suburb, not a Dallas suburb.
- Car-dependent, No meaningful public transit. A personal vehicle is essential. Not ideal if you're accustomed to public transportation.
- Limited private school options, Fewer choices than larger North DFW suburbs. Primary private options include Cleburne Adventist Christian School and Cleburne Christian Academy.
- Newer suburb amenity gap, The polished restaurant/retail/entertainment infrastructure of Frisco or Southlake doesn't exist here. Specialty dining and upscale shopping mean a drive.
How Cleburne Compares to Nearby Suburbs
Every family weighs the same factors differently. Here is how Cleburne stacks up against nearby options on the metrics that matter most for relocating families.
Scores computed from Niche, NTREIS, WalkScore, and Census ACS · Updated 2026 · Compare all DFW suburbs →
Cleburne, Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
Cleburne is a strong fit for families who prioritize affordability, outdoor access, and a tight-knit small-city community over top-ranked schools and polished suburban amenities. With a $288K median home price, Cleburne State Park, Lake Pat Cleburne, and direct CTP access to Fort Worth, it offers a quality of life that's hard to match at this price point in the DFW metro. Niche rates the city a B overall for families. It's not Southlake, but for many families, it's genuinely the better choice.
Cleburne ISD earns a B- overall from Niche and serves approximately 6,900 students across 11 campuses. The district has a 94% graduation rate, a B+ college-prep rating, and seven campuses that earned A or B ratings in the 2024–2025 TEA accountability cycle. STEAM programs operate at elementary and middle school levels, and dual credit partnerships with Hill College are available to high school students. Gerard Elementary is the district's highest-rated campus at 7/10 on GreatSchools. Always verify the feeder pattern for any specific address before making an offer.
The combined base property tax rate in Cleburne is approximately $2.2537 per $100 of assessed value (2024 certified). On the $288K median home, that works out to roughly $6,490 per year. The rate includes Cleburne ISD ($1.2119), City of Cleburne ($0.6125), Johnson County ($0.3293), Johnson County Lateral Road ($0.0500), and Hill College ($0.0500).
New construction communities may carry additional MUD or PID assessments of $0.25–$0.75 per $100, always verify the full rate for any specific address before closing. Apply for the Texas Homestead Exemption through Johnson County CAD after closing to reduce your taxable value by at least $100,000 for the school district portion.
The financial case for Cleburne is compelling if you're coming from California or New York. Texas has no state income tax (vs. 9.3%+ in California), and Cleburne's $288K median home price is a fraction of what you'd pay in a comparable Bay Area or NY Metro suburb, often $1M+ less. That means a dramatically lower mortgage payment, no state income tax, and a larger home on a larger lot.
The honest trade-offs: Cleburne's property taxes (~2.25%) are higher than California's Prop 13-capped rates, the school district rates B- rather than A+, and the cultural amenities don't compare to major metros. But most California families I work with who move to Cleburne save $20,000–$30,000+ per year in combined housing and tax costs. That's a meaningful change in how your family lives financially.
The neighborhoods I walk families through most often are: Chisholm Hills (established, mature trees, good CTP access, $250K–$375K); Lake Pat Cleburne area (waterfront access, larger lots, $280K–$500K); Nolan River Estates (tree-lined, parks nearby, $280K–$410K); Courtland Place/Legado (new construction, modern floor plans, $290K–$460K); Cooper Valley (entry-level, solid value, $225K–$330K); and the Old Town area (historic character, walkable to downtown, $189K–$280K). Neighborhood choice should be driven by school zone verification first, feeder patterns matter in Cleburne ISD.
Renting first makes sense in Cleburne specifically because school feeder patterns matter, a few blocks can determine which elementary school your kids attend, and the campuses vary meaningfully. With a balanced market (5.1 months supply) and 60-day median DOM, you're not in a situation where you must buy immediately to compete. I generally advise families relocating from out of state to rent for 3–6 months when possible, especially if they haven't visited Cleburne multiple times. It also gives you time to calibrate which neighborhoods feel right for your family's lifestyle.
Cleburne's violent crime rate (3.77 per 1,000) is close to the U.S. national average of 4.0, not alarming, but higher than most North DFW suburbs. Property crime is more of a concern at 18.99 per 1,000, placing Cleburne in the 28th percentile for safety nationally (D+ from CrimeGrade.org). The southeast part of town is consistently considered the safest by residents. Most established family neighborhoods, Chisholm Hills, the lake area, Nolan River Estates, feel comfortable and safe day-to-day. The city-wide averages include commercial corridors and pockets on the north side that pull the numbers up. As with any city, neighborhood selection matters significantly.
No. Cleburne has no DART rail access, no DCTA connection, and no meaningful public transit to Fort Worth or Dallas. The Chisholm Trail Parkway is the primary commuter infrastructure, it's an excellent toll road, but it requires a car. If you're coming from a city where you used transit regularly, plan for two personal vehicles in Cleburne. This is a universal reality of DFW suburban life, but Cleburne is farther from any rail terminus than North DFW suburbs like Lewisville, Plano, or Carrollton.
In Cleburne: Walmart Distribution Center (~942 employees), Johns Manville, James Hardie Building Products, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Cleburne, City of Cleburne, Technical Chemical Company, Wabash/Supreme Corporation, Hill College, and Fun Town RV. The local economy skews toward manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare.
For professional and corporate roles, the Fort Worth corridor (~35–40 min via CTP) is where most Cleburne residents commute: Lockheed Martin, American Airlines HQ, Bell Textron, Cook Children's Medical Center, Texas Health Resources, Alcon Laboratories, and BNSF Railway. Cleburne works well for Fort Worth employers; it's a long haul to Plano, Frisco, or Las Colinas.
Traffic within Cleburne is light, the city is small enough that internal congestion isn't a real issue. The commute story is about the two routes north: the Chisholm Trail Parkway (CTP) is a 27.6-mile toll road that connects directly to downtown Fort Worth at I-30. With a TollTag, the full trip costs about $6 each way, $12/day roundtrip. It runs freely at highway speeds during most hours; Fort Worth rush hour can add 15–20 minutes.
US-67 is the free alternative but adds 20–35 minutes through Burleson traffic lights and school zones. Dallas-bound commuters take US-67 north, a slower, toll-free route through Mansfield and Grand Prairie. Bottom line: if your employer is in Fort Worth, traffic is manageable. If it's in North Dallas, Plano, or Frisco, the daily drive will be a real factor in your quality of life.
Get the DFW Family Relocation Guide: Free
The complete guide I send every relocating family before we look at a single listing. Covers every major suburb, school district comparisons, property tax breakdown, and the questions every out-of-state buyer should ask. 100% free, no spam.
Get the Free Guide →Ready to Find Your Neighborhood in Cleburne?
Most families I work with come from out of state and need a partner who understands their timeline, their school priorities, and how DFW works, not just how to open lockboxes. Before we look at a single listing, we talk about what matters most to your family. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Book a Free Relocation ConsultationAlso Exploring?
TREC Consumer Protection Notice · TREC Information About Broker Services
Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and is believed to be accurate as of May 2026. School district ratings, property tax rates, crime statistics, home prices, employer information, and community details change over time. Always verify ISD zoning by specific property address before making real estate decisions. Tax rates: Texas Comptroller 2024. TEA ratings: txschools.gov. Niche grades: niche.com. GreatSchools: greatschools.org.
Not sure which suburb fits your family?
Rank the four levers that matter most — schools, commute, budget, lifestyle — and we'll narrow Dallas–Fort Worth down to your top three. Free, two minutes, no guesswork.
Try the Suburb Matcher →