New To Union City? Your First‑30‑Days Setup Checklist

Just got the keys to your new place in Union City? Those first 30 days can fly by, and a simple plan will save you time, money, and stress. You want utilities on, parking sorted, and your everyday life set up so you can enjoy your new neighborhood. This step-by-step guide gives you the essentials, trusted local resources, and a printable 30-day checklist to keep you on track. Let’s dive in.

Your first week: quick wins

• Start electricity and gas with PG&E and create your online account. Use PG&E’s Start, Stop or Transfer page and note your move-in meter reading.
• Start water service with Alameda County Water District. Set up ACWD online at least one business day before your start date.
• Confirm trash, recycling, and organics pickup. Check cart sizes, set-out rules, and bulky-item allowances using StopWaste’s curbside details for Union City.
• File your change of address with USPS. Forwarding can take up to 1–2 weeks to fully kick in. See USPS guidance.
• Save local non-emergency and utility numbers in your phone. Find key contacts in the City of Union City phone directory.

Utilities and waste: how to get started

Electricity and gas: PG&E

Set up service online through PG&E’s portal. Create your account, choose a start date, and enroll in paperless billing or autopay if you like. If you have questions about rate plans, ask PG&E to confirm your residential option early.

• Start here: PG&E Start, Stop or Transfer
• Tip: Keep a photo of your move-in meter reading for your records.

Water: Alameda County Water District

ACWD serves Union City, Newark, and Fremont. You can start or stop service online or by phone. Accounts are typically billed every two months, and a one-time account establishment fee may appear on your first bill.

• Start here: ACWD Starting & Stopping Service
• Tip: Learn where your water meter is and keep ACWD’s emergency contact handy.

Sewer basics

Union Sanitary District serves Union City. Sewer charges often appear on your property tax bill or as a separate utility. Check how it is assessed for your property and watch for any mailed rate notices.

Trash, recycling, and organics

Curbside service is provided locally by Republic Services for garbage and Tri-CED Community Recycling for recycling and organics. Look up your pickup day, cart options, and how to schedule bulky-item pickup using the regional curbside tool:

• Check details: StopWaste curbside information

Internet and mobile

AT&T and Xfinity are common providers in the East Bay, with availability depending on your exact address. Schedule installations early since lead times vary.

City admin: permits, parking, DMV, voting

Parking near the station

If you plan to park near Union City BART often, review Area S permits and city lot rules. Permit and meter rules vary by lot and block, so read the FAQs before you commit.

• Learn the rules: Union City Parking FAQs and Area S permits

DMV: license and registration

If you moved from out of state or need a Real ID, book an appointment and gather your identity and residency documents in advance. The Fremont DMV is the nearest major field office.

• Nearest office: Fremont DMV field office

Voter registration

New to Alameda County? Update your voter registration so you receive the correct ballot and polling information.

• Start here: Alameda County Registrar of Voters guidance

Property taxes and billing

Confirm who pays the next installment, how sewer charges are billed, and how to access your parcel information online. This is especially important if your home just closed.

• Explore county resources: Alameda County property tax and records

Pets and licensing

Dogs 4 months and older must be licensed. Review Union City’s Animal Services information for licensing steps, local shelter contacts, and animal pickup procedures.

Transportation and commuting in Union City

• BART and buses: Union City BART connects you to the East Bay and San Francisco. Local routes are served by Union City Transit and AC Transit, and the Dumbarton Express connects to the Peninsula on weekdays.
• Driving: I‑880, Mission Boulevard, and Paseo Padre Parkway are main corridors. Use real-time apps to plan around peak-hour slowdowns.
• Biking: Consider secure lockers or BikeLink storage at the station for multimodal commutes.

Family and community resources

Schools and childcare

Public K–12 schools are served primarily by New Haven Unified School District. If you have school-age children, start enrollment early and gather proof-of-residency and immunization records.

Libraries and lifelong learning

Alameda County Library operates a Union City branch with cards, digital resources, and homework help. New Haven Adult School offers adult education, ESL, and citizenship classes.

Parks and the outdoors

East Bay Regional Parks nearby include Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, with trails, picnic areas, and open space. Explore Union City’s local parks and recreation center for classes and field access.

Healthcare

Identify a nearby primary care clinic and dentist in the Tri-City area and confirm your insurance network. Keep urgent care and after-hours options saved in your phone.

Pets and vets

Register pets, confirm licensing, and pick a local vet. Keep after-hours emergency vet options noted for peace of mind.

Home and property housekeeping

Permits for projects

Many improvements require permits, including electrical, plumbing, roofing, and ADUs. Work without permits can create insurance and resale issues, so check first.

• Start here: Union City Building Division

Bulky or hazardous items

Know your bulky-item pickup allowances and how to schedule them. For hazardous waste, use county-approved drop-off locations and events. The StopWaste curbside tool lists local options and contacts.

Safety and disaster readiness

Union City is in earthquake country. Locate your water, gas, and electric shutoffs, assemble a 72-hour kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Keep key numbers from the City phone directory in your phone.

Your 30-day checklist

Days 0–3

• File your USPS change of address and set mail forwarding. USPS guidance
• Start PG&E service and record meter readings. PG&E setup
• Start ACWD water service and note your start date. ACWD setup
• Confirm trash, recycling, and organics pickup day. Curbside details
• Save police non-emergency, fire, and utility contacts. City phone directory

Days 4–14

• Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration if needed. Fremont DMV
• Register to vote with Alameda County. ACVOTE guidance
• Apply for Area S parking if you commute near the station. Parking FAQs
• Start school enrollment and childcare research.
• Get a library card and explore digital resources.

Days 15–30

• Plan any home projects and confirm permit needs. Building Division
• Review property tax and sewer billing responsibilities. County resources
• Choose local primary care, dentist, and vet. Start pet licensing if needed.

Ready to settle in like a local?

If you want a smooth landing and a smart plan for your home’s next steps, you’re our kind of neighbor. Whether you just bought or you’re planning improvements to boost value, Minna Real Estate can help you prioritize projects and connect you with vetted pros.

FAQs

How do I set up PG&E service in Union City?

• Go to PG&E’s Start, Stop or Transfer page, create an account, choose your start date, and record your move-in meter reading for reference.

How do I start water service with ACWD for a Union City address?

• Submit a start request online or by phone at least one business day before your move-in date, then watch for your first bimonthly bill and account setup fee.

Where do I find Union City parking rules and Area S permits?

• Review the City of Union City Parking FAQs for Area S permits, meter rules, and lot-specific guidance near the BART station.

What should new Union City homeowners know about property taxes and sewer charges?

• Confirm who pays the next tax installment and check whether sewer charges appear on your property tax bill or on a separate utility account.

How do I register to vote after moving to Union City?

• Update your voter registration with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters so you receive the correct ballot and vote center information.