Cleveland is a township and an unincorporated community in suburban northwestern Johnston County, North Carolina. It lies at an elevation of 243 feet (74 m). The settlement is also known as Cleveland Crossings, Cleveland Community, Cleveland School or 4042, so named for the intersection of I-40 and NC 42 that serves as the center of the community.

There have been several efforts to incorporate the fast-growing community, though the issue was tabled by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1999. Since there is already a town known as Cleveland, North Carolina elsewhere in the state, the name of the proposed incorporated town has been a minor point of contention. Thousands of new homes have been built in the community, making it one of the faster growing areas in Johnston County. Its location at a major interchange along Interstate 40 has made it a burgeoning business center.

The two main reasons for this areas exceptional growth are the phenomenal schools and convenience to the highways.  This area is considered a “bedroom community” to Raleigh North Carolina. It is right on the border to Wake County. The strong Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce presence helps to solidify this area as a prominent community in Johnston County.