Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta, GA: What to Know About This Busy Southside Corridor

Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta, GA is a major east–west corridor on the south side of the city, running through parts of South Atlanta, Lakewood Heights, and into East Point. If you live nearby, commute through the area, or plan to visit, it helps to understand how Cleveland Avenue fits into the local street grid, what services are nearby, and how to get around safely and efficiently.

This guide focuses on practical information about Cleveland Avenue in and around Atlanta, Georgia—how to navigate it, what’s nearby, and useful local resources.

Where Cleveland Avenue Is and How It Connects

Cleveland Avenue runs roughly east–west and serves as a connector for several south Atlanta neighborhoods.

Key stretches of Cleveland Avenue

• East–West orientation: Cleveland Avenue generally runs from the Moreland Avenue SE area on the east toward Springdale Road and beyond into East Point on the west.
• City vs. East Point:
  • The eastern and central portions are associated with Atlanta (City of Atlanta, Fulton County).
  • The western portion, especially past I‑75/85, transitions into the City of East Point.

Major roads and highways it connects to

Cleveland Avenue is important because it links into several heavily used routes:

• I‑75 / I‑85 (Downtown Connector):
  • Cleveland Avenue has an interchange with I‑75/85 on the south side of Atlanta.
  • This makes it a common entry and exit point for drivers heading into neighborhoods like Lakewood Heights, Joyland, and South Atlanta.
• Moreland Avenue SE (US‑23):
  • On the eastern side, Cleveland Avenue intersects Moreland Avenue, another major north–south corridor that runs toward Little Five Points and I‑20.
• Metropolitan Parkway SW (US‑19/41):
  • Cleveland Avenue crosses or runs close to Metropolitan Parkway, which heads north toward downtown and south toward Hapeville and College Park.
• Jonesboro Road SE (GA‑54):
  • A commonly used route for people heading southeast toward the Forest Park and Jonesboro areas.

For many Atlanta residents, Cleveland Avenue acts as a cut‑through between the highway and residential streets, as well as a route to grocery stores, schools, apartments, and neighborhood services.

Neighborhoods and Areas Around Cleveland Avenue

While the exact feel of Cleveland Avenue can change block by block, several recognizable Atlanta neighborhoods and nearby cities are closely connected to it.

Atlanta neighborhoods near Cleveland Avenue

Commonly associated areas include:

• Lakewood Heights / Lakewood
  • North of some sections of Cleveland Avenue.
  • Mix of older homes, new construction, and industrial/warehouse spaces nearby.
• South Atlanta
  • East of I‑75/85.
  • Historic neighborhood with single‑family homes and local churches.
• Joyland and Betmar LaVilla
  • Neighborhoods near the I‑75/85 and Cleveland Avenue interchange.
• Perkerson and Sylvan Hills (nearby)
  • Slightly to the west/northwest of the Cleveland Avenue corridor, accessible via local streets.

East Point side of Cleveland Avenue

On the western end, Cleveland Avenue continues into the City of East Point, with a mix of:

• Smaller single‑family houses
• Apartment communities
• Local businesses, gas stations, and convenience stores

When you see “Cleveland Ave, East Point, GA” on an address, you are still in the Greater Atlanta area, but within the East Point city limits rather than the City of Atlanta.

Transportation: Driving, Traffic, and MARTA on Cleveland Avenue

Because of its location near I‑75/85 and several neighborhoods, Cleveland Avenue sees steady local traffic.

Driving on Cleveland Avenue

Things local drivers commonly watch out for:

• Heavy rush-hour traffic:
  • Especially around the I‑75/85 interchange and key intersections with Metropolitan Parkway and Moreland Avenue.
• Frequent turning traffic:
  • Many small side streets, apartment entrances, and business driveways feed into Cleveland Avenue, so left turns and turning vehicles can slow things down.
• Speed enforcement:
  • Speed limits may change along the corridor, and there can be law enforcement presence monitoring for speeding, seatbelts, and other violations.
• Pedestrians and bus riders:
  • Bus stops along Cleveland Avenue mean frequent pedestrian crossings, sometimes away from signalized intersections.

If you commute on Cleveland Avenue regularly, it’s helpful to allow extra travel time during peak hours and stay aware of changing traffic patterns near schools and busier shopping areas.

MARTA bus and rail access

MARTA serves the Cleveland Avenue area primarily through bus routes that connect to rail stations.

Typical options include:

• MARTA Bus Service along Cleveland Avenue
  • Several routes run on or near Cleveland Avenue, linking East Point, South Atlanta, and other southside neighborhoods.
  • These routes commonly connect riders to rail stations like:
    • East Point MARTA Station – 2848 East Main St, East Point, GA 30344
    • Lakewood/Fort McPherson MARTA Station – 2024 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
• Rail access to downtown and airport
  • From nearby stations, you can reach Downtown Atlanta or Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport by rail on the Red or Gold lines.

📝 Tip: If you rely on MARTA, check current bus route numbers and schedules through official channels before planning a trip, as routes and timetables can be modified over time.

Everyday Services and Landmarks Near Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is lined with various local businesses and community services that residents regularly use, including:

• Grocery and convenience stores
• Gas stations
• Fast‑casual and carry‑out restaurants
• Pharmacies (in some sections, especially closer to larger shopping nodes)
• Community churches and small storefront services

Because businesses change over time, it’s best to verify current store names and hours using recent local listings or by calling ahead.

Safety, Road Conditions, and Local Concerns

Like many busy urban corridors, Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta has areas with heavy traffic, pedestrian activity, and varying road conditions.

Common themes residents pay attention to:

• Traffic safety
  • Watching for pedestrians crossing outside crosswalks, especially near bus stops.
  • Extra caution at night due to lighting and visibility differences.
• Road maintenance
  • Potholes and uneven pavement can develop; these issues can often be reported to the City of Atlanta (for areas within city limits) or City of East Point (on the western stretches).
• Neighborhood watch and community groups
  • Some blocks may have informal neighborhood watches, local meetings, or community initiatives focused on lighting, cleanliness, and safety.

If you notice a streetlight outage, traffic signal issue, or dangerous roadway condition along Cleveland Avenue in the City of Atlanta, you can typically report it to:

• City of Atlanta 311 (ATL311)
  • Phone: 3‑1‑1 (inside city limits) or (404) 546‑0311 (outside city limits)
  • Can help route requests for pothole repair, signage, and other city‑maintained issues.

For issues on sections clearly within East Point:

• City of East Point
  • Main line: (404) 270‑7000
  • You can ask to be directed to Public Works for street and infrastructure concerns.

Housing and Living on or Near Cleveland Avenue

If you are considering living near Cleveland Avenue in Atlanta or East Point, here are a few things locals typically consider:

Types of housing you might see

• Older single‑family homes
  • Many houses in nearby neighborhoods date back several decades and may be renovated or in varying states of repair.
• Smaller apartment complexes and duplexes
  • Common along or just off the main corridor.
• Larger apartment communities
  • Often set slightly back from the road, with private drives leading to leasing offices and parking areas.

What residents often factor into decisions

• Proximity to work or school
  • Being close to I‑75/85 and MARTA bus routes can be convenient for people working downtown, at the airport, or in nearby commercial areas.
• Noise and traffic
  • Living directly on Cleveland Avenue can mean more traffic noise, sirens, and activity than side streets a block or two away.
• Walkability to services
  • Some stretches have sidewalks, bus stops, and nearby stores, which can be helpful if you rely on walking or transit.

For a clearer sense of a specific block, many Atlanta renters and homebuyers will:

1. Visit at different times of day (morning rush, evening commute, late evening).
2. Check access to MARTA, grocery stores, and main roads.
3. Talk with neighbors or local businesses to get a feel for the immediate area.

Schools, Parks, and Community Resources Around Cleveland Avenue

Schools near the Cleveland Avenue corridor

School zones can vary by exact address, but nearby Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County schools can include:

• Elementary and middle schools serving South Atlanta and East Point neighborhoods
• High schools accessible via local bus routes or short drives

Because school assignments change over time, parents usually confirm with:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  • Main line: (404) 802‑3500
  • Service area includes much of Cleveland Avenue within the City of Atlanta.
• Fulton County Schools
  • Main line: (470) 254‑3600
  • May apply to addresses farther into East Point or unincorporated areas.

Parks and recreation

While Cleveland Avenue itself is mostly lined with homes, businesses, and streets, nearby recreation areas and facilities can include:

• Local neighborhood parks off the main corridor
• Recreation centers within a short drive in South Atlanta and East Point
• Southside trails and planned greenway connections (depending on project timelines)

To locate specific parks or recreation centers near your exact Cleveland Avenue address, you can check:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation – for parks in Atlanta city limits
• City of East Point Parks and Recreation – for parks on the East Point side of Cleveland Avenue

Quick Reference: Key Cleveland Avenue Connections and Resources

How to Figure Out Which “Cleveland Avenue” Details Apply to You

Because Cleveland Avenue crosses city lines and multiple neighborhoods, what applies to you depends on your exact address.

To get precise local information:

1. Check the full mailing address
   • Look for “Atlanta, GA” vs. “East Point, GA” and your ZIP code.
2. Identify your city services
   • If your address is Atlanta, GA 30315 (for example), many services run through the City of Atlanta.
   • If your address is East Point, GA 30344 or similar, many services run through the City of East Point.
3. Confirm your school zone and voting district
   • Use official school district look‑up tools or call the district offices listed above.
4. Verify transit options
   • Check MARTA’s current route maps and timetables for buses serving Cleveland Avenue and nearby rail stations.

By understanding how Cleveland Avenue fits into Atlanta’s southside layout—its neighborhoods, transit links, and city services—you can more confidently navigate daily life, commuting, or a visit to this busy corridor.