New to Somerville? Start Here.

Moving season is here, and the City of Somerville is welcoming new and returning residents with a guide to getting settled, finding City services, and becoming part of the community.

“Somerville is a very special place to call home, so we want to help people not just navigate moving in but feel a part of the community, ” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “The Year of the Neighbor reminds us that a strong city is built on connection and looking out for one another. I’m excited to see all the ways our new residents will contribute to the community and make Somerville their own.”

Your First Stop: Somerville 311

Have a question about City services and aren’t sure where to begin? Start with 311.

Somerville 311 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer City-related questions, address service requests, or connect you with the right department. It’s also the place to turn for many moving essentials, including reserving curb space for a moving van, arranging mattress or box-spring pickup, and requesting extra trash collection.

Contact 311 by:

• Calling or texting 3-1-1 from within Somerville or 617-666-3311 from elsewhere or on cellphones
• Emailing 311requests@somervillema.gov
• Visiting somervillema.gov/311 for online requests and live chat
• Downloading the 311 Somerville app for iOS or Android
• Messaging on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky 

Getting Settled

A little advance planning can help make you a local in no time. Here’s where you can get started:

• Parking and moving permits: Somerville is a dense city where curb space is limited. Visit somervillema.gov/parking for information about reserving space for a moving van or container, applying for a resident parking permit, obtaining visitor passes, and understanding street sweeping and snow emergency rules.
• Trash and recycling: Find your collection day, learn how to dispose of moving boxes and other items, and search the City’s Waste Wizard at somervillema.gov/trash for info on how to dispose of or recycle just about anything. 
• Utilities and City services: Visit somervillema.gov/water for water and sewer information and somervillema.gov/dpw for information about trash, recycling, streets, trees, and other public works services. Visit somervillema.gov/moving for information on electricity, gas, and telecom providers.
• Explore your neighborhood: Find your ward, elected officials, nearby City facilities, and other local information through MySomerville. Residents can also find City Council contact information at somervillema.gov/citycouncil and School Committee information at somerville.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee. Connect with Mayor Wilson via somervillema.gov/mayor. 
• Housing support: The Office of Housing Stability offers information and assistance for renters at somervillema.gov/OHS. Residents can contact 311 for help with unsafe housing conditions or questions for Inspectional Services.
• Join the Year of the Neighbor: Throughout 2026, the City is highlighting programs, events, and simple ways residents can build stronger connections with the people around them. Learn more and get involved at somervillema.gov/neighbor.

“Engaged, diverse, and intelligent people are what make Somerville such an exciting and interesting place to live,” said Ward Six Councilor and City Council President Lance Davis. “I love the energy that new folks bring into the city and I encourage everyone to find their community and get involved.”

Stay in the Know about City News + Updates

• The easiest way to keep up with everything happening across Somerville is to sign up for City updates.
• At somervillema.gov/subscribe, residents can subscribe to the main City newsletter for a weekly overview as well as newsletters focused on topics such as construction, climate action, events, public meetings, and neighborhood news.
• Residents should also register for City Alerts at somervillema.gov/alerts to receive urgent information about general emergencies, snow emergencies, construction, water interruptions, and other important issues by text, email, or phone. Alerts are available in multiple languages.
• To find official City, department, library, and multilingual social media accounts, visit somervillema.gov/socialmedia. Residents are also encouraged to seek out and support Somerville’s independent local news outlets.

“Welcome to Somerville! Our public schools are a place where high-quality education meets a deep commitment to celebrating every unique learner,” said School Committee Chair Emily Ackman. “We are thrilled to welcome your family to our public school community, and we hope to see you soon as a student, caregiver, or volunteer.”

Get Involved and Mark Your Calendar

• Don’t miss Civic Day, Thursday, September 10, 5-7 p.m. at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.: Learn about your local government and services at this annual science fair meets fun fair style event with City info, family-friendly activities, small giveaways, and food. Tour City Hall, meet elected officials and staff from across City departments, learn about or access services, and enjoy games, activities, food, and small giveaways.
• Plan to attend the City Hall Community Meeting in your ward this fall: Sign up for the City newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/subscribe to get the schedule. These are a great way to meet your electeds and neighbors while exploring local projects and issues in a casual walk-about event with free pizza. 
• Don’t just live in Somerville, Be Somerville: Find ways to get involved on the Be Somerville page somervillema.gov/besomerville and the online City calendar somervillema.gov/calendar. There are many ways to be a part of civic life: Join a commission, take a survey, attend a community meeting or discussion, and more. 

Whether you need help navigating move-in day, want to learn what’s happening on your block, or are ready to get involved in the community, Somerville 311 and somervillema.gov are here to help. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.