If you just moved to Bedford, Ohio, welcome to the neighborhood!

Moving to a new community comes with plenty of questions. Who do you call when you have a question about city services? How does trash and recycling work? Do you need a permit for that project you’re planning? Where can you find activities and events?

Whether you’ve moved across Northeast Ohio or across the country, this new resident guide can help you get settled and start getting to know Bedford.

Start With Bedford’s New Resident Welcome Packet

One of your first stops should be the City of Bedford’s New Resident Welcome Packet.

The City offers an online form specifically for new residents. Simply provide your name and Bedford address to request a packet.

Request a New Resident Welcome Packet from the City of Bedford

It’s an easy first step toward getting acquainted with your new hometown.

Save Bedford City Hall’s Number

When you’re new to town, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually have a question and won’t know which City department you need.

Keep Bedford City Hall’s contact information handy:

City of Bedford
165 Center Road
Bedford, OH 44146
440-232-1600

City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with public counter hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The City’s website also maintains information for individual departments, services, forms and frequently asked questions.

Learn How Trash, Recycling and Other City Services Work

Every community handles these services a little differently, so learning Bedford’s procedures early can save some confusion.

The City’s Service Department provides information about refuse and recycling collection as well as other community services, including seasonal brush and chipper collection.

Bedford Service Department: 440-735-6583

Before putting an unusual item, large amount of brush or other material at the curb, check the City’s current guidelines. Requirements and collection information can change, so the City’s website is the best place to check the latest instructions.

Don’t Forget About Municipal Income Tax

This is one of those moving tasks that’s easy to overlook.

The Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) administers the City of Bedford’s municipal income taxes.

Bedford residents over age 18 are required to file a municipal income tax return even when no tax is due, although the City lists certain exceptions. New residents should take some time to determine what requirements apply to them rather than waiting until tax season.

RITA can be reached at 800-860-7482, and registration, filing and additional information are available through RITA.

Planning Work on Your New Home? Check About Permits First

Bought a Bedford house that needs a little work? Before jumping into that first project, find out whether a permit is required.

According to the City, most construction, alteration or repair work requires a permit, although there are exceptions.

If you’re uncertain whether your particular project requires one, check with Bedford’s Building Department before beginning the work. That’s especially worth remembering when you’re new to the community and may not yet be familiar with local requirements.

Get to Know Ellenwood Center

Getting settled isn’t all paperwork and utilities.

Ellenwood Center, 124 Ellenwood Avenue, is home to Bedford’s Parks & Recreation Department and is a good resource to discover early.

Bedford offers recreational opportunities and programming for different ages throughout the year. The City’s facilities also include the Bedford Municipal Pool at 26 Ellenwood Avenue, which typically operates from June through August.

Checking Bedford Parks & Recreation periodically is an easy way to find activities, programs and opportunities to get out into the community.

Explore Bedford

Once the boxes are unpacked and the practical matters are taken care of, give yourself some time to discover your new hometown.

Take a walk through Historic Downtown Bedford. Visit a local restaurant or business. Explore Bedford’s parks and nearby Cleveland Metroparks. Look for the public art around town. Attend a community event. Learn some local history.

Most importantly, don’t feel as though you need to discover everything at once. Part of the fun of moving somewhere new is gradually finding the places, traditions and people that make it feel like home.

Stay Connected With What’s Happening in Bedford

Knowing how your city works is important. Knowing what’s happening in your community is, too.

The Bedford Tribune is Bedford’s free online community newspaper. We cover local government, Bedford City Schools, police and fire activity, community organizations, events, businesses, history, sports and the people who call Bedford home.

You can also check our Bedford Events Calendar to find upcoming activities around the community.

And remember: community news often starts with residents.

If your neighborhood is doing something interesting, your child received an award, your organization is planning an event, a neighbor deserves some recognition or there’s simply something happening in Bedford you think people should know about, we’d love to hear from you.

Welcome Home

Moving somewhere new takes time. You don’t have to learn everything about Bedford during your first week—or even your first year.

Start with the basics. Request your welcome packet. Learn how City services work. Explore your surroundings. Meet your neighbors. Keep up with what’s happening around town.

Before long, Bedford won’t feel like the city you just moved to.

It’ll simply feel like home.

Welcome to Bedford.

This week’s Do You Know Bedford? answer: Rico Pallotta.