Living in Redmond Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Redmond Washington Like?
Redmond, Washington, is a vibrant city located approximately 16 miles east of Seattle in King County. With a population of roughly 71,000, Redmond is a fast-growing city known for its picturesque natural surroundings, vibrant technology industry, and strong economy.
Redmond has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, including the popular Marymoor Park, which features an off-leash dog area, sports fields, and a concert venue. The city is also near the beautiful Cascade Mountains, which offer numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and camping.
The city's strong economy and numerous job opportunities make it an attractive place to live for those in the technology industry and beyond. One of Redmond's most notable attractions is the Microsoft campus in the city's heart. Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond is a significant employer in the area and has been credited with helping to fuel the city's growth and prosperity. In addition to Microsoft, Redmond is home to numerous other technology companies, including Nintendo of America, Concur, and SpaceX.
Redmond has a high cost of living compared to other cities in the United States, with housing being one of the most significant expenses. However, the city's strong economy and high-paying jobs help to offset these costs, making it an attractive option for those who can afford it. Despite the high cost of living, Redmond offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, abundant parks and outdoor spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene.
If you're looking for a vibrant city with abundant recreational opportunities, a thriving technology industry, and a strong economy, then living in Redmond, Washington, might be the right choice for you and your family. Read on to learn more about living in Redmond, including info on Redmond neighborhoods, schools, cost of living in Redmond, and pros and cons of living in Redmond, to see if moving to and living in Redmond, Washington, is the right decision for you!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Redmond Washington Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Redmond Washington?
3. Living in Redmond Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Best Neighborhoods in Redmond Washington
5. Public Schools in Redmond Washington
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Redmond Washington
The Moving to Redmond Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Redmond, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Redmond, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Redmond Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Redmond, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Redmond, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Redmond, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $55,000 a year. To live in Redmond, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $101,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Redmond Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
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WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Redmond Washington
Redmond, Washington, is a bustling city with many neighborhoods. Each neighborhood in Redmond has its unique character and attractions, making it essential to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Here are five neighborhoods you should consider if moving to Redmond, Washington:
Education Hill
Education Hill is a family-friendly neighborhood in Redmond that offers a good mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. It's a great place to raise a family, with many parks and playgrounds in and around the neighborhood. One of the best attractions is Marymoor Park, a popular outdoor spot for hiking, biking, and kayaking. Several restaurants and shops are nearby, including Tipsy Cow Burger Bar, Redmond's Bar and Grill, and Soulfood Coffeehouse. Schools in the area are Redmond Elementary and Mann Elementary, Redmond Middle School, and Redmond High School. If living in Redmond, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Overlake
Overlake is a bustling neighborhood located near Microsoft's headquarters. The area is known for its high-end shopping and dining options and proximity to Lake Sammamish State Park. Overlake is home to single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. The neighborhood is also close to several major highways, making it easy to get around. Some of the top restaurants in Overlake include Bento Box, Sages Restaurant, and The Stone House. The neighborhood is also home to the upscale Bellevue Square shopping center, which features over 200 stores. The schools in Overlake include Benjamin Rush Elementary and Audubon Elementary, Rose Hill Middle School, and Lake Washington High School. If living in Redmond, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Grass Lawn
Grass Lawn is a quiet residential neighborhood in the eastern part of Redmond. It's known for its tree-lined streets and large, well-manicured lawns. The neighborhood is home to a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. Grass Lawn Park is a popular spot for residents, with its playground, tennis courts, and soccer fields. Some top restaurants near the Grass Lawn neighborhood include Tipsy Cow Burger Bar, Thai Ginger, and Mod Pizza. The neighborhood is also close to the popular Redmond Town Center shopping mall. Schools in Grass Lawn include Grass Lawn Elementary and Norman Rockwell Elementary, Redmond Middle School, and Redmond High School. If living in Redmond, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Downtown Redmond
Downtown Redmond is a vibrant urban neighborhood with residential and commercial properties. The area is known for its many restaurants and bars and its thriving arts scene. Some of the top restaurants in Downtown Redmond include The Stone House, The Matador, and Tipsy Cow Burger Bar. Downtown Redmond is also home to the popular Redmond Farmers Market, which occurs on Saturdays during the summer. The neighborhood has several parks, including Anderson Park and Redmond Central Park. If you have school-aged kids, Redmond Elementary and Einstein Elementary, Redmond Middle School, and Redmond High School are the schools they would likely attend. If living in Redmond, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Rose Hill
Rose Hill is a suburban neighborhood located just south of Kirkland. The area is known for its beautiful parks and quiet residential streets. The neighborhood is home to a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. It's a great place to raise a family, with several parks and playgrounds nearby. One of the main attractions in the Rose Hill neighborhood is Grass Lawn Park, a 31-acre park that offers plenty of open space for recreational activities, including soccer and softball fields, basketball courts, a playground, and a picnic area. Other notable parks include Anderson Park and Perrigo Park, which offer playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. Some top restaurants near the Rose Hill neighborhood include Cactus, Woodblock, and Vovito. The neighborhood is close to several shopping centers, including the popular Kirkland Urban.
Kids in Rose Hill attend Rose Hill Elementary School, Rose Hill Middle School, and Lake Washington High School. If you live in Redmond, Washington, confirm with the Lake Washington School District which schools your kids will attend.
If moving to Redmond, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Redmond, Washington.
Public Schools in Redmond Washington
Redmond, Washington is home to one of the best public school districts in the state. The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) serves over 30,000 students in the area, including those in Redmond. According to Niche.com, LWSD is ranked the #3 school district in Washington and received an overall grade of A+. With an on-time graduation rate of 92%, LWSD far outpaces the state average. And the district consistently outperform state and national averages on standardized tests.
Redmond students typically attend one of six elementary schools within LWSD, including Audubon, Dickinson, Einstein, Mann, Redmond, and Rockwell. Middle school students in Redmond attend either Redmond Middle School or Rose Hill Middle School, which are highly regarded in the district. Redmond high school students attend either Redmond High School or Tesla STEM High School, depending on their academic interests and goals. Both schools offer a rigorous curriculum and various extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music programs, and clubs. If you live in Redmond, Washington, your kids will attend public school in a fantastic school district an receive a first class education!
Top Destinations & Attractions in Redmond Washington
Moving to Redmond, Washington, and wondering what there is to do? Quite a bit! Below is a list of some of the more popular destinations, attractions, and events you'll want to put on the to-do list if you live in Redmond, Washington:
Redmond Town Center: This outdoor shopping center offers a wide range of shopping and dining options and a movie theater and events throughout the year.
Marymoor Park: This 640-acre park is one of the largest and most popular parks in King County. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Redmond Saturday Market: This outdoor market is held every Saturday from May through October and features local vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food.
Microsoft Visitor Center: Microsoft's headquarters are located in Redmond, and the Visitor Center offers a fascinating look at the history and future of one of the world's largest tech companies.
Bike Trails: Redmond has a network of over 50 miles of bike trails, including the Sammamish River Trail and the Redmond Connector Trail, that offer beautiful views of the area and a great way to get outside and enjoy the city.
Farrel-McWhirter Park: This park offers a petting zoo, horseback riding, and a variety of other outdoor activities for families and animal lovers.
Redmond Lights Festival: This annual festival held in December features a tree lighting ceremony, live music, food trucks, and a light display throughout downtown Redmond.
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery: Located just outside of Redmond, this winery offers tastings, tours, and live music events throughout the year.
Redmond Arts Festival: Held every summer, this festival showcases local artists and musicians and offers a variety of hands-on activities and workshops for all ages.
Redmond Watershed Preserve: This nature preserve offers miles of hiking trails, stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, and a chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Redmond Chalkfest: An annual event that celebrates the art of street painting. This two-day festival, typically held in September, brings together artists from around the region to create beautiful and colorful works of art on the pavement.
Pros and Cons of Living in Redmond Washington
Strong Economy: Redmond is home to several major tech companies, including Microsoft and Nintendo, which provide a strong and stable economic base for the city.
Outdoor Recreation: Redmond offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and biking trails, parks, and lakes. The city is also located near the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound, providing access to many outdoor activities.
Top-Ranked Schools: The Lake Washington School District, which serves Redmond, is one of the best in the state, with high graduation rates and strong academic programs.
Cultural Diversity: Redmond is a diverse city, with a rich history and culture that celebrates its Native American roots and welcomes people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the city's food, festivals, and arts scene.
Transit Options: Redmond has a robust transit system, with buses and trains that connect residents to other parts of the region. The city is also home to a bike-share program and has bike-friendly infrastructure.
Family-Friendly: Redmond is a great place to raise a family, with plenty of parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly events throughout the year. The city also has a low crime rate and is known for its safety.
Tech Hub: As home to several major tech companies, Redmond is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, making it a great place for tech professionals to live and work.
Living in Redmond Washington Cons
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Redmond is much higher than the national average. Housing, transportation, and food costs can be quite expensive.
Traffic: Like many cities in the region, Redmond can have heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. Commutes can be long and frustrating, and public transportation options are limited in some areas.
Rainy Weather: Redmond and the surrounding areas experience a lot of rain and gray skies for much of the year. While this may not be a problem for everyone, it can be challenging for those who prefer sunny or warm weather.
Crowded Cities: While Redmond has many beautiful natural areas, it is still part of the Seattle metropolitan area, which can be crowded and busy, making it challenging to find parking, navigate traffic, or find quiet places to relax.
Ants: Redmond is known for having a lot of ants, particularly during the summer months.
Windy Weather: Redmond can be quite windy, particularly during the spring and fall, making it challenging to spend time outside or enjoy outdoor activities.
FAQs About Living in Redmond Washington
What is Redmond known for?
Redmond, Washington, is most known for being the home of Microsoft Corporation, one of the world's largest and most successful technology companies. Microsoft's headquarters is located in Redmond, and the company has a significant presence in the area, with over 50,000 employees. As a result, Redmond has become a hub for technology and innovation, attracting a talented workforce from around the world. The city is also known for its vibrant and growing downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
What cities are nearby Redmond, Washington?
There are a number of great cities within a 20 mile radius of Redmond, Washington: Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Issaquah, Seattle, Everett, Lynnwood, Renton, and Kent.
What is the weather like in Redmond?
Living in Redmond, Washington, you can expect mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 42°F to 49°F, and the average low temperatures range from 31°F to 35°F. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F and occasional heatwaves where temperatures can reach the 90s. The city receives an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually, but it is rare for it to accumulate heavily. Living in Redmond, you can expect to get around 41 inches of rain annually, with most rainfall in the fall and winter months. The spring and summer months are typically drier, with occasional thunderstorms.
Does Redmond Washington have good public schools?
Living in Redmond, Washington, your kids will attend great schools. The Lake Washington School District is highly regarded and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. During the most recent school year, 92% of students graduated, which is well above the state average. The district was ranked #3 out of the 247 school districts in Washington for school year 2023-24.
Who are some large employers in Redmond Washington?
If living in Redmond, Washington, the top employers are: Microsoft, with over 50,000 employees, Nintendo of America, with over 1,200 employees, AT&T, with over 1,000 employees, SpaceX, with over 600 employees, and Genie Industries, with over 400 employees.
Is Redmond Washington safe?
Living in Redmond, Washington, you will find it's extremely safe. Crime figures back that up. Redmond, Washington's, property and violent crime rates are lower than the state and national average.
I want to relocate to Redmond. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Redmond Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Redmond area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Redmond is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.
Video's About Moving and Living in Redmond Washington
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