Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Atlanta, GA

Get ready to experience Hollywood of the South

Moving from one of the major cities of the Great Lakes region to the economic capital of the Southeast can be quite a change. Cleveland, OH, and Atlanta, GA, are both rich in history and culture, but it won’t take long to notice what sets them apart.

Pick up tips on what to expect living in Georgia’s capital city and discover an affordable option for hassle-free long-distance moving!

Stock up on breathable fabrics and sunscreen

There’s no need to haul your winter gear from Cleveland. Instead of managing 54 inches of snow per year along the banks of Lake Erie, you’ll have only about an inch of it in Atlanta! Summers can be hot and muggy, but there’s a trade-off in its mild winters.

Also, the city’s average annual climate (217 days of sunshine and 51 inches of rain) is perfect for hardwood trees, which is why Atlanta is known as a “city in a forest.” A great way to experience it is by exploring the city’s many green spaces.

Expect to pay a bit more to live in Atlanta

While Atlanta and Cleveland are comparable in overall cost of living, housing costs in the ATL are higher by about 30 percent. This is to be expected when you consider the steady growth of greater Atlanta’s population (now north of 5 million). The median price for a three-bedroom, two-bath home in the Atlanta metro area is $464,000 compared to $335,00 in Cleveland.

Gridlock is a fact of life

According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, which analyzes mobility data within the world’s most congested areas, Atlanta ranks No. 28 worldwide (between Houston, TX and Turin, Italy). That report revealed that Atlanta drivers spent more than 70 hours stuck in traffic in 2022. In comparison, Cleveland is ranked No. 442, so pack your patience for navigating the busy Atlanta metro area.

The primary public transit choice is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which offers rail and bus service, as well as the Atlanta Streetcar, another option for in-town commutes.

Dive into Southern culture

There’s so much to see and do in Atlanta that it can be hard to know where to start. Of course, it all depends on your interests. Here are some world-class attractions that should be on your short list:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
  • Margaret Mitchell House and Museum
  • Georgia Aquarium (the second-largest aquarium in the world)
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Fox Theatre
  • Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
  • College Football Hall of Fame

You’re sure to work up an appetite while exploring, so take advantage of Atlanta’s dynamic food scene. Indulge in local favorites like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, barbecue, pralines, peach cobbler and, of course, sweet tea!

Did you know? Atlanta is the only American city with two Nobel Peace Prizes on display. One is at the King Center, and the other is at the Carter Center.

Let U-Pack navigate your long-distance move

Worried about maneuvering a bulky rental truck from Cleveland to Atlanta? Travel stress-free on your own while U-Pack® does the driving! We’ll get your belongings to your new home in less than a week — all you need to do is pack and load. Connect with a local service center for details and a free quote.