Is there grass in somerville? (Boston, Arlington: houses, theater, landlord)

[OuttaFlorida]

Is somerville a good spot to have a dog? Any grass along the sidewalks or nearby parks within residential areas?

[goyguy]

The main issue in Somerville would be finding a dog-friendly landlord, but that shouldn't be a big deal. Although the city is densely populated and most houses only have small front yards to go with the grassy strip between sidewalk and street, Prospect Hill and Powderhouse Parks - to name two - are canine-friendly spaces. I see people turning their pooches loose there all the time.
Know in advance that pooper-scooper laws are in effect. People are quick to say something if you go out without a baggie and Rover does his business after which you just keep walking. As a car-free urbanite and cat owner, I'm one of those people.

[eevee]

there's no grass in the city of Somerville; the entire area was salted decades ago and it's completely devoid of any plant life

okay, seriously, there is Foss Park, which is huge, but I can't vouch for the safety around that area (that part of Somerville has had some issues in the past, and some bad stuff have happened in the park, but not sure what the recent stats are. however, I have family around there that claim it's safe). there may be a few other arks scattered about, but not many. your question made me realize that Somerville really doesn't have that much green space at all. there are people w/ dogs living there, but I think the dogs either do w/o the grassy areas or hang out in the backyard

[Boston Bill]

Jamaica Plain is the place you want to be. Check out the Frederick Olmsted designed Emerald Necklace. Head and shoulders improvement over Somerville. I love to visit "Slummerville" for Davis Square, Redbones, Somerville Theater, etc. but then I like to go home to JP! I've been here with my pooch for 16 years - and we meet up with tons of dog owners every night and morning to let the pooches play in the Southwest Corridor. They even let dogs in some of the bars here! Shhhh. Don't tell.

[FashionD]

It's so funny you ask this question. I'm planning my move to Boston in Sept, and while on a recent trip there, I noticed a dog pooping on the sidewalk!! It dawned on me that the area I was in didn't have the strip of grass between the sidewalk and street, which is something you don't even think twice about where I'm from from in So Cal. It got me feeling sorry for the dog and realized my dog would never poop on cement. He needs his grass! That's actually something I'll be looking for when I am looking for places to live. Never thought I'd be that odd and have to look for that feature of all things! I feel your concern!

[eevee]

Originally Posted by FashionD

It's so funny you ask this question. I'm planning my move to Boston in Sept, and while on a recent trip there, I noticed a dog pooping on the sidewalk!! It dawned on me that the area I was in didn't have the strip of grass between the sidewalk and street, which is something you don't even think twice about where I'm from from in So Cal. It got me feeling sorry for the dog and realized my dog would never poop on cement. He needs his grass! That's actually something I'll be looking for when I am looking for places to live. Never thought I'd be that odd and have to look for that feature of all things! I feel your concern!

dogs don't need to poop on grass. in fact, I trained my dog to poop on on the sidewalk b/c it's easier to pick up the poop from the sidewalk and my landlord didn't want my dog peeing and pooping on the grass (didn't want the "burnt" grass). IMO, it's better to teach your dog to eliminate on a variety of surfaces in case grass isn't available

[Braunwyn]

I lived in Somerville for years and there isn't much grass but it's way better than down town Boston. There is no grass in the city. There are a few parks but I think Arlington or Belmont would be better for a pooch.

[FashionD]

I prefer my dog to deficate on grass.

[miu]

Originally Posted by FashionD

I prefer my dog to deficate on grass.

Why? What difference is it to you? I'm sure those families who go to a park play and sit on the grass don't want to think about your dog pooing on the greenery. My dogs tend to poo along a fence. I think their preference is to go on dry leaves or pine needles but they have no problems pooping on cement or dirt.

[holden125]

Originally Posted by FashionD

I prefer my dog to deficate on grass.

Then don't live in Somerville???

I was struck by the comment that you felt sorry for the dog going on the sidewalk in Boston. I don't think I've run across a Boston dog yet who went through life bummed out because dogs in San Diego have grass strips to do their business on.