Moving to Cleveland

How to make the move easier, from comparing electric rates in Cleveland, Ohio, to deciding if you’re an East Sider or West Sider

Most of the U.S. knows Cleveland as the perpetual underdog city, and many Clevelanders can relate. When others wonder why the city is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Clevelanders will rattle off names like The Black Keys, The O’Jays and Rascal Flatts. When folks talk about the city’s sports curse, Clevelanders will give you all the comeback highlights from the Cleveland Cavaliers 2016 Championship season.

Maybe most of all, if you ask about its burning river, Clevelanders will point to the more than 40 species of fish that swim through the Cuyahoga River’s waters, including steelhead trout and northern pike, which live in clean water exclusively.

Clevelanders are also quick to tell you that being an underdog city has its privileges, like affordable living. Cleveland’s cost of living is almost 7 percent less than the national average and those pricier ZIP codes. 

The Greater Cleveland Metro area, which includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties, is the 28^th largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with more than 2 million residents, 379,000 living in Cleveland proper, and the second largest city in Ohio, after Columbus. Job seekers can explore opportunities with more than 37% of Fortune 500 companies, all of whom have headquarters or divisions located in and near the city, including Sherwin-Williams and Parker.

Major industries in Cleveland include healthcare, financial services and education. Cleveland Clinic is the region’s largest employer, followed by University Hospitals. Progressive Insurance and KeyCorp stand near the top, as well. Case Western Reserve University and Cuyahoga Community College bookend the city’s diverse educational offerings.

Thinking about making the move? Here’s everything you need to know to make the transition easier, from finding a Cleveland, Ohio, electric company or healthcare provider, to getting to know the neighbors.

The ability to choose your energy company is a big benefit for those moving to Cleveland. Whether you’re coming from out of state or moving from one part of Ohio to Northeast Ohio, you’ll want to include this opportunity on your to do list.

Ohio is an Energy Choice state, which means residents have the freedom to compare electric and natural gas providers and choose the electricity supplier and plan that best fits their individual situation, whether that’s choosing a fixed-rate plan to make monthly budgeting more predictable, or selecting a supplier that offers environmentally friendly clean energy. 

If you live in Greater Cleveland, you can choose your supplier, sometimes called your Competitive Retail Electric Service, or CRES, supplier. CRES suppliers are certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and offer alternative competitive prices, clean energy options and other services or incentives. Energy Harbor, for example, is a CRES supplier. It is also an energy generation company.

Comparing and choosing an energy provider is simple. Cleveland residents still receive the same bill from their local utility company, making the transition even easier. Electric utility companies in Ohio include AEP Ohio, AES Ohio, Duke Energy, The Illuminating Company, OhioEdison and ToledoEdison.

From picking an electric company in Cleveland to visiting the BMV, getting a jump start on move-in tasks will make the transition to The Forest City even easier.

1. Inform your insurance provider: Talk to your insurance company to discuss both homeowner’s and auto policy options. Laws governing how insurance providers operate vary state to state, so moving to Cleveland may require updated policies – and maybe a new insurance provider.
2. Set up home energy services: Don’t forget to compare energy solutions before connecting with your gas and electric utility. You might miss out on competitive fixed-rate plans that can help eliminate rate surprises on your electricity bill. If you want to save even more, consider other ways to lower your energy bill.
3. Forward your mail and update your address online: Set up mail forwarding before you hop in the moving van. It’s as simple as filling out a Change of Address e-form at USPS.com. Then update your shipping address with online stores, subscription services, like Dollar Shave Club, and delivery apps. Nothing’s worse than having DoorDash deliver your move-in meal to your old address.
4. Turn on cable and internet: Not as vital as electric power, but find time before your move to choose a communications provider and establish internet and WiFi services. With WiFi up and running on Day 1, you can unwind with your favorite streaming show or knock out some remote work on Day 2.
5. Visit the BMV: Soon after you’re settled, find the closest Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch and take time to register your vehicle and get a new license. Visit the Ohio BMV’s website to choose a branch, review BMV services and learn more about Ohio traffic laws. 

The more you learn about Cleveland, the more you’re surprised by this Great Lake city. Here are four of fascinating facts about your new home town:

If you’re making the move to Cleveland, take some time to compare power options at Energy Harbor. A simple fixed-rate electric plan can help residents avoid seasonal utility hikes by paying a predictable rate for the full length of the plan.

You don’t have to move to make a choice, however. If you are already a Cleveland resident – or call any Ohio town home – compare energy rates today and make the switch.