A steel town, a port city and a healthcare giant, Cleveland is the multifaceted metropolis of Northeast Ohio. Founded in 1796 on the banks of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, Cleveland grew into a major hub for manufacturing and trade, thanks to the railroad and the construction of the Erie Canal. Early institutions of higher education like Cleveland State University and what would become Case Western Reserve have given the city deep roots, helping it to weather some serious economic storms.
But it’s no secret that Cleveland is still a city with struggles. Its population of 362,656 has fallen by more than 30,000 since 2010, making its prosperous sister cities of Cincinnati and Columbus look more and more like distant relatives. And it doesn’t help the city’s reputation to have (once again) made the U.S. News & World Report list of the Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. But that should be taken with a grain of salt, as Cleveland’s in pretty cool company on that list, right up there with Minneapolis, Denver and Myrtle Beach.
Besides, there are so many great things about this Great Lakes city. First, the beaches. The freshwater seas of the Midwest are sprawling and inviting, with nary a shark in sight. Then, there are sports. In addition to Division I athletics at CSU, there are the Cavaliers, the Browns, the Monsters and the Guardians to root for in “the Land,” as Clevelanders say. There are big attractions, like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and little ones, like the house from A Christmas Story. There are Fortune 500s like Sherwin-Williams and research leaders like the Cleveland Clinic.
If you’re looking for a city with a low cost of living, great amenities and a laid-back, urban lifestyle, Cleveland may be the spot for you. Planning and preparation are key to any move, though. Learn more in our moving guide below about Cleveland’s climate, job market, public transportation and attractions, and glimpse the city you’ll soon call your own.
We’ll give you helpful resources for moving to Cleveland, whether you have a chance to visit the city before moving here or not.
Cleveland’s weather is actually mild. Like all cities on the Great Lakes, Cleveland’s climate is affected substantially by Lake Erie, which can punish the city with precipitation thanks to the Lake Effect. But accumulations rarely reach Buffalonian quantities in this Midwestern city — the average annual snowfall in Cleveland is a respectable 47.6 inches, and the most the city has seen in a single winter of late is 86.1 inches. Winter temps aren’t so bad, either, with lows averaging in the low 20s F and highs averaging in the mid-thirties. This makes it cold enough for ice fishing and ice skating but not so cold that you won’t want to pop your head out until spring. A winter emergency kit for your car is never a bad idea — keep a blanket, flashlight, energy bars and other essentials in your trunk just in case.
Cleveland’s summers do get hot and humid, but highs in July and August average only in the low 80s F and occasionally spiking past the 90-degree mark. Cool off on the beaches or catch the breeze jet skiing on the lake.
With four true seasons, spring and fall are Cleveland’s true charmers. The dazzling waters reflect the changing leaves and spring flowers, but there’s no better place to take in the crisp air of this majestic landscape than in the Cuyahoga River Valley. Temperatures stay in the Goldilocks zone in this transitional season — above freezing and below 75 F from mid-March to May and September to November, giving you lots of time to get out and explore.
Real estate is cheap in Cleveland. Cleveland’s low cost of living will come as a shock to anyone on the coasts and a lot of Americans in between. Residential real estate prices are rock-bottom here, with the median home value averaging a mere $87,400 between 2018 and 2022 and rents averaging only $850/mo.
But this is likely cold comfort for many of Cleveland’s own. Thanks to extremely low-income levels — Cleveland’s households average just $37,271 a year — more than 30% of city residents live below the poverty line. This rate is far higher than in either Columbus or Cincinnati, where rates are also elevated, and nearly three times the national rate. These realities may help explain why the homeownership level in the city is comparable to cities with a higher cost of living, and many homes and commercial buildings stand vacant and remain in disrepair.
Some of Cleveland’s greatest assets are its colleges and universities. Ranked #53 by U.S. News & World Report, Case Western Reserve University is one of two major institutions in the city that make Cleveland a hub for research and higher education. Cleveland State University is the other, and the 14,000 CSU students on its downtown campus infuse Cleveland with a lively, youthful vibe. Other area colleges include the Cleveland Institute of Art and Cuyahoga Community College, along with institutions in nearby Akron like Kent State University and the University of Akron.
Cleveland has a diverse job market. Steel is still big business in this historic port city, and Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel company on the continent. But despite this manufacturer’s prominence — it’s one of many Fortune 500s in the Cleveland-Northeast Ohio region — education and healthcare are now the dominant industry in the area.
That’s, in part, thanks to the Cleveland Clinic. Now past its centenary, this healthcare giant sees more than 6 million patients each year at its 200+ worldwide locations, but it’s still based right here. Area colleges further boost this sector’s employment numbers above the 210,000 mark. 187,000 people work in trade, transportation and utilities, 153,000 in professional and business services and 118,000 in manufacturing, a sector that accounts for more than 10% of the nonfarm, civilian workforce in the Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor area.
Though most industry sectors held steady between April of 2023 and 2024, unemployment in Cleveland has made a steep climb since November of 2023, jumping from 2.8% to 4.1%, just above the national average.
Hourly wages in Cleveland fall shy of national rates, and Clevelanders’ average hourly wage is $30.37/hour. Annual income shows even greater disparities, with Cleveland households bringing home nearly $100,000 less each year than their statewide counterparts.
Cleveland is reinventing itself as a walkable, bikeable hub. Cleveland has a faster commute than most major U.S. cities, and residents spend just under 22 minutes, on average, to get to work. The vast majority of residents rely on their cars for this daily trek, but nearly 10% of them carpool. 7% of residents use public transportation to commute, 6% walk, and fewer than 1% bike. The convenience of major highways like I-90, which shadows Lake Erie, I-71 and I-77 that travel south, and the 480 and 271 beltways make getting around by car fast and easy.
And this is a shame because, for a city of Cleveland’s size, its public transit system is robust. The RTA has four lines of light rail, bus rapid transit (BRT), local buses and free trolleys downtown, as well as a commuter rail line. Standard, single-ride fares are $2.50, a daily pass is $5, and a monthly pass is $95.
Cleveland has long dedicated itself to becoming a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly city, and the increased number of dedicated bike lanes, bike-n-ride public transit, and scooter and bike-share programs are a testament to this. Cyclists looking for wheels for a steal should head to OCBC, the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op. Bike the Cleveland Metroparks for a quick escape or hop on the Ohio & Erie Trail to travel from the Land to Cincy.
Cleveland’s best-kept secret is outdoors. When you think of Cleveland, hiking likely isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, but once you move here, it will be. From waterfall-hunting to ice fishing to summer festivals, Cleveland’s outdoor scene rocks every bit as hard as its Hall of Famers.
First, the Cleveland Metroparks system is hard to beat. These natural wonderlands have 100+ hiking trails, 9 golf courses and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. You’ll find places for quirky, fair-weather activities like footgolf at Bedford Reservation and winter fun like tobogganing at Mill Stream Run, where you can also hit the ropes course and zip lines. Ice fishers and mountain bikers, archers and rock climbers, all will find beautiful spots to do their favorite things.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a testament to the powers of environmental activism. You may be too young to remember when the Cuyahoga caught on fire, but whatever age you are now is the right one to enjoy this special place. Deer, bald eagles and crafty beavers may greet you along the Towpath trail, but if you want a break from physical exertion, just flag down the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad — literally by waving your arms, as the authorities will tell you — to see the sights the easy way.
Lake Erie is a destination all year round, but the waterfront shines brightest in the summer. Kayakers and picnickers will want to check out Hunting Reservation or Lakefront Reservation, where you can paddle around the historic Coast Guard Station. The fun really kicks in at Cedar Point Beach, where amusement park rides, giant beach Jenga and panning for gold are just a few of the family-friendly diversions that await you.
But summer’s also a great time for outdoor entertainment. See the Rock ‘n Roll capital move to a different beat at the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland — now in its 45th year — or eat your way through the Cleveland Pickle Fest. Speaking of dining, the West Side Market is one of Cleveland’s best traditions, offering patrons a chance to shop from 70+ local vendors in the hallowed Market Hall, with its crowned 137-foot clock tower. Stuff yourself at the Pierogi Palace, savor the sticky rice with Chinese sausage from Kim Se or indulge in a nut crispy from Vera’s Bakery.
Cleveland’s cultural scene is no slouch. Downtown Cleveland’s major attractions are fun for residents and tourists, so if you’re trying to get the family to visit you this year, it shouldn’t be a hard sell to get yourself out of another annual road trip.
Your natural first stop is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This monument to America’s music legends is fun for fans of everything from Buddy Holly to Public Enemy. Stand in awe beneath The Wall, Pink Floyd’s that is, or put on a family jam in the Garage.
Music isn’t the only art form to take center stage in Cleveland. At the Cleveland Museum of Art, you’ll find everything from ancient Nubian crowns to works by Ohio native artist Ann Hamilton. The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, or moCa, has been a beacon for creatives for the last 50 years. See delightfully weird works by Erykah Townsend or experience a playful apocalyptic installation by Ruben Ulises Rodriguez Montoya.
If performing arts are more your speed, take in a classical concert by the Cleveland Orchestra or a musical at the Cleveland Theatre, which is putting on fan faves like Back to the Future and Bluey’s Big Play as well as hosting Cirque Du Solei.
And, don’t forget educational fun, either. Find your new pet rock from the 41,000 mineral specimens at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Or, play in the International Tape Station at the Great Lakes Science Center, where they’ve created installations made of ordinary packing tape! Situations could get sticky…
For most Clevelanders, sports are like a second religion. NBA fans worship the Cleveland Cavaliers who finished the 2023-24 season in a very respectable 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
Baseball devotees show up mightily for the Guardians, who held an easy lead in the ALC at the 2024 mid-season. But the team still hasn’t taken home a World Series win since 1948, despite several near-victories in more recent decades.
Nobody weathers a Cleveland winter better than the Monsters. This AHL team is a feeder for the Columbus Blue Jackets and 2024 turned out to be a banner year for the beasts, with 6 wins under their belt by June.
Cleveland Browns Stadium underwent a massive overhaul in 2013 to make this beloved field more accessible and fun. But, so far, the improvements haven’t provided any Super Bowl luck for the hometown team. Perhaps you’ll be the new fans who tip the ball in their favor.
Are you ready to make the CLE your new home? If so, now’s the time to choose a professional moving company and simplify your relocation.
Get a moving quote now for Cleveland.
As America’s #1 Mover®, United Van Lines’ trustworthy team can move you to Cleveland from anywhere in the country. Our full-service moving packages make for a seamless moving experience, from the first box packed to the last unloaded.
Moving cross-country? We can handle all your needs with custom moving packages that can include storage, shipping your car, packing & unpacking, debris removal and more. Moving locally in Cleveland or Ohio? United Van Lines’ interstate Cleveland, Ohio movers can provide local moving services in the greater Cleveland/Northeast Ohio region independently under their businesses and brands.
But don’t wait for moving day to arrive. Start planning for other parts of the move now. We’ll help you understand what’s included in a moving quote and things to watch out for. United Van Lines’ step-by-step guide to moving long-distance can keep you a step ahead of the game. And, use our digital Home Key magazine to get our top tips for packing, the best way to move to another city or state and how to avoid the 7 most common moving mistakes.