Why Cleveland, Brisbane Is High on My List for Family Living or Investment in 2025
Considering an Investment or Family Home? Cleveland Might Surprise You
As a Sydney-based IT professional with two school-aged kids, I spend a lot of time thinking about the “what ifs” of moving—or investing—in Queensland. Lately, Cleveland, a leafy suburb in Brisbane’s bayside Redlands area, keeps coming up as a top contender for both liveability and long-term property growth.
If you’re weighing up where to buy for your own family, or simply want a future-proof investment property in southeast Queensland, here’s why I’m seriously looking at Cleveland in 2025.
1. Safety: A Suburb Where Families Feel Secure
Safety is non-negotiable for us, and Cleveland scores well on that front. According to the latest Queensland Police and government crime stats, Cleveland has a lower-than-average crime rate for greater Brisbane, especially compared to busier urban suburbs. Streets are generally quiet, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll see kids biking to school and neighbours actually know each other.
Locals consistently rate safety as a highlight on forums and in social groups. Sure, nowhere is perfect, but for peace of mind—especially for those of us with young kids or teens—Cleveland stands out.
2. Excellent Schools: Choice for Every Age
School Insights
If you're like me, school quality is a top priority—especially when considering buying a home for your family or an investment. Cleveland and its surrounds offer a wide range of respected public and private schools. And yes, in Brisbane and South East Queensland, NAPLAN results really do matter—they’re often used by parents and real estate agents to assess both school quality and future property values.
Key Schools in Cleveland & Surrounding Suburbs
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Cleveland District State High School
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Large co-ed public school (2,254 students as of 2024) (clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au, en.wikipedia.org)
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Offers STEM, languages, and strong vocational pathways (clevelanddistrictshs.eq.edu.au)
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NAPLAN (Year 9 average): ~558 across reading, writing, numeracy, spelling, grammar (couriermail.com.au)
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Cleveland State School (primary)
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Highly regarded, with engaged teachers and community support
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Strong feeder school into Cleveland SHS
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Ormiston College (private, Prep–12)
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Regularly ranked in Queensland’s top 5 !! independent schools (property.com.au, ormistoncollege.com.au)
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2024 NAPLAN Year 9 average: ~633 across all domains—5th in state (couriermail.com.au)
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Known for academic rigor, modern facilities, and broad co‑curricular options
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Sheldon College (private, early learning–Year 12)
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Around 1,500 enrolments, with strong STEM and arts programs (en.wikipedia.org)
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2024 NAPLAN Year 9 average: ~601—ranking 37th in SE QLD (couriermail.com.au)
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Redlands College (private) and several Catholic schools
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2024 Year 9 average: ~579 (couriermail.com.au)
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NAPLAN Snapshot — Verified Results
Here’s a table summarizing the Year 9 average NAPLAN scores for 2024 across key schools:
| School | Year 9 NAPLAN Avg (2024) |
|---|---|
| Ormiston College | 5th-highest average in Queensland among all schools (couriermail.com.au, bettereducation.com.au) |
| Sheldon College | Ranked 37th in South East Queensland for Year 9 NAPLAN |
| Redlands College | 579 |
| Cleveland District SHS | 558 |
Why These Results Matter for Buyers
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Households planning to stay near school zones often chase these scores—catchments for high-performing schools like Ormiston and Sheldon are hot property areas.
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In South East Queensland, NAPLAN results are widely recognised as key indicators of academic quality and influence property demand and value.
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Private schools like Ormiston and Sheldon, with proven top-tier academic results, are especially attractive to families—and these zones often command premium real estate prices.
Headline Takeaways
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Ormiston College is the standout performer—633 average, ranked top 5 in the state, a major drawcard for families in the region.
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Sheldon is also strong with above-600 average NAPLAN results, confirming its reputation for academic strengths.
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Cleveland District SHS is solid, though mid-range—catch-up driven schools with strong STEM and VET pathways.
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These verified NAPLAN stats reinforce Cleveland as a family-friendly suburb with substantial long-term investment value tied to education.
3. Social Background: Welcoming, Educated, and Diverse
Cleveland’s population is a great mix—mostly families, professionals, and long-term residents, but with enough newcomers to keep things fresh. The suburb has a higher percentage of owner-occupiers and professionals than the state average, and you’ll find a healthy mix of Aussie-born locals and new arrivals from the UK, NZ, and South Africa, along with smaller communities from Asia and Europe.
The local vibe is friendly and down-to-earth—lots of family-run cafes, weekend markets, and community events by the water. It’s the sort of place where new faces blend in easily, which can be a big plus if you’re relocating from interstate.
4. Recent Developments: Growth That’s Sustainable
Cleveland’s property market has seen steady growth in recent years, buoyed by infrastructure investment and demand from both owner-occupiers and renters. There’s been a noticeable uptick in modern townhouse and apartment complexes—great for investors looking for low-maintenance options, but also for young families wanting a “lock up and leave” lifestyle.
The council has invested heavily in upgrading the foreshore, parklands, and public facilities. There are also plans for future retail expansion and transport upgrades, especially around the Cleveland town centre and transport hub.
5. Amenities: Everything You Need, Close By
Shopping
Cleveland has multiple shopping centres to choose from:
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Cleveland Central: Major supermarkets, specialty shops, fresh food, and dining.
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Stockland Cleveland: Another convenient centre, plus boutique shopping and medical facilities.
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Local weekend markets: Perfect for fresh produce and family outings.
Transport
Cleveland offers excellent transport options that make daily life—and family adventures—convenient and stress-free.
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Cleveland Train Station provides a direct rail connection to Brisbane CBD, with journeys typically taking 50–55 minutes during peak times.
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The Cleveland Ferry Terminal offers fast access to North Stradbroke Island, perfect for family day trips or weekend getaways.
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Public Transport and School Buses: Cleveland is well-serviced by frequent TransLink bus routes, making commutes easy for both families and students. Dedicated school buses operate for Cleveland District State High, Cleveland State School, Ormiston College, Sheldon College, and other top local schools. Many bus routes connect directly with Cleveland Train Station, offering smooth transfers to the city.
Reliable public transport means more independence for students, added convenience for parents, and strong appeal for both residents and property investors.
Useful Links for Timetables and Bus Info:
Quick Trips to the Gold Coast
Here’s something that surprised me: from Cleveland, you can be on the M1 in about 20–25 minutes, and Gold Coast beaches are around 50–60 minutes away by car. Not quite “just around the corner,” but a lot more accessible than from most Brisbane suburbs.
6. Lifestyle: Bayside Living With Room to Breathe
If you value space, nature, and a sense of community, Cleveland delivers. The suburb is right on Moreton Bay, with stunning water views, marinas, and parks along the foreshore. There are playgrounds, cycle paths, and dog-friendly beaches, plus endless options for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Weekends feel like holidays.
Add in the local dining scene (plenty of cafes and family-friendly restaurants), plus easy drives to adventure hotspots like North Straddie, and you’ve got a great base for active families.
7. Investment Potential: Cleveland and Redlands — A Closer Look (2025)
Fact-Checked Analysis
Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs have shown strong, consistent growth, making them a safe and appealing bet for both investors and owner-occupiers. Let’s break down the investment fundamentals using the latest local data.
A) Capital Growth: Reliable, With Standout Performers
According to the June 2025 newsletter stats:
| Suburb | Highest % Growth (12 mths) |
|---|---|
| Thorneside | 29.10% |
| Birkdale | 26.80% |
| Sheldon | 19.10% |
| Cleveland | 16.20% |
| Thornlands | 14.40% |
| Alexandra Hills | 13.50% |
| Mount Cotton | 11.10% |
| Victoria Point | 11.10% |
| Capalaba | 10.80% |
| Wellington Point | 8.60% |
| Redland Bay | 2.40% |
| Ormiston | 2.40% |
Interpretation:
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Thorneside and Birkdale have led the charge for annual capital growth, but Cleveland’s 16.2% growth rate is particularly strong for a suburb that already has a high median price and excellent amenities.
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Sheldon and Thornlands also show double-digit growth, reflecting demand in school catchment areas and semi-rural lifestyles.
B) Median Values & Top Sale Prices
| Suburb | Highest 2025 Median Value | Highest 2025 Sale Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sheldon | $1,900,000 | $3,850,000 |
| Ormiston | $1,280,000 | $4,600,000 |
| Wellington Pt. | $1,200,000 | $4,600,000 |
| Thorneside | $1,175,000 | $2,150,000 |
| Birkdale | $1,166,250 | $3,000,000 |
| Cleveland | $1,150,000 | $10,100,000 |
| Thornlands | $1,030,000 | $2,768,000 |
Interpretation:
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Cleveland’s highest sale ($10.1 million) in 2025 shows blue-chip potential for prestige property.
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Medians remain high but accessible compared to inner-Brisbane and Sydney, making Cleveland an attractive “sweet spot” for families seeking lifestyle, schools, and future value.
C) Sales Activity & Days on Market
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Cleveland: 201 properties sold in the last 12 months, showing robust demand.
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Lowest Days on Market: Cleveland properties averaged 28 days on market (competitive, but not frantic—buyers still have a chance to do due diligence).
D) 5-Year Growth Performance
| Suburb | Best $ Growth (5 years) |
|---|---|
| Sheldon | $925,000 |
| Thorneside | $612,750 |
| Wellington Pt | $564,750 |
| Birkdale | $516,250 |
| Cleveland | $505,000 |
| Ormiston | $503,679 |
Interpretation:
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Cleveland and surrounding areas have delivered half a million dollars or more in added median value over five years.
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This confirms that growth here isn’t just a “COVID boom” blip, but part of a longer, sustainable trend.
E) Why Is Growth So Consistent?
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Liveability: Bayside lifestyle, leafy streets, and open spaces draw families and professionals.
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School Catchments: As detailed earlier, access to Cleveland District State High, Ormiston College, Sheldon College, and others makes these suburbs perennial favourites for families.
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Transport & Shopping: Cleveland’s train station, ferry terminal, multiple shopping centres, and easy access to the Gold Coast beaches add value and desirability.
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Ongoing Demand: 201 homes sold in Cleveland in 12 months, with many buyers actively seeking “move-in ready” homes or high-quality investments for rental.
Summary Table: Growth and Investment Fundamentals
| Suburb | 1 Yr % Growth | 5 Yr $ Growth | 2025 Median | Properties Sold | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 16.2% | $505,000 | $1,150,000 | 201 | 28 |
| Ormiston | 2.4% | $503,679 | $1,280,000 | 89 | 28 |
| Sheldon | 19.1% | $925,000 | $1,900,000 | 47 | 48 |
| Thornlands | 14.4% | $443,000 | $1,030,000 | 147 | 29 |
| Birkdale | 26.8% | $516,250 | $1,166,250 | 178 | 28 |
Final Word for Buyers and Investors
Cleveland and its Redlands neighbours offer a “best of both worlds” scenario:
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Steady, above-average capital growth supported by lifestyle, education, and infrastructure.
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Strong rental demand—particularly for homes in top school zones and near amenities.
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Future-proof appeal—as infrastructure, school quality, and proximity to the bay continue to attract families and professionals.
For IT professionals and families of four (like mine) looking to invest or settle long-term, Cleveland stands out as a safe, future-focused choice with proven returns and a great lifestyle to match.
Final Thoughts: Why Cleveland Is On My Shortlist
For my family, Cleveland checks nearly every box: safety, schools, amenities, lifestyle, and investment security. It’s not the cheapest suburb in Redlands, but the value-for-money (especially compared to Sydney or even inner Brisbane) is compelling.
Whether you’re investing or planning a family move, Cleveland deserves a spot on your shortlist. If you want somewhere with a genuine community vibe, great schools, and room to grow—without sacrificing access to city jobs or coastal escapes—this bayside gem is well worth a closer look.
