Discovering Redmond, WA
Known worldwide as the home of Microsoft, Redmond is a budding tech center with an evolving downtown core, and plenty of options for outdoor recreation.
Living in Redmond
Redmond has long been a top choice for families in the area to call home, but over recent years has evolved to be one of the Eastside’s up and coming spots for young professionals as well. For those that prefer to be somewhat removed from the bigger city scene, while maintaining ease of access to amenities and recreation Redmond makes a fabulous home. The city’s focus on transformation of it’s two urban centers – the Downtown core and Overlake area (near Microsoft’s main campus) – has ushered in a new era of dining and culture that adds considerable quality of life. As Sound Transit completes the East Link Light Rail in upcoming years, traffic-free access to and from Redmond will only add to the appeal of living in this wonderful city.
If you’re just getting to know Seattle’s Eastside, check out parts One, Two, and Three of our Eastside Cities Comparison series for more information on things like climate, landscape, demographics and more.
Redmond in Numbers
16.9
square miles
14
miles from Seattle
71k+
residents
Redmond Fast Facts
Major Employers
Microsoft, Nintendo, Honeywell, Lake Washington School District, and AT&T are some of the largest employers located in Redmond.
Housing
As of September 2020, average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Redmond was $2,180 per month according to apartments.com.
Education
Most homes in Redmond are serviced by the Lake Washington School District, with some of Redmond’s Northern territory falling within Northshore District.
Crime
Crime rates in Redmond in 2018 were 1.6 times lower than the National average according to city-data.com.
Top Attractions in Redmond
Marymoor Park King County’s Marymoor Park contains over 600 acres of trails, fields, playgrounds, and event space, in addition to the largest off-leash dog park in the area.
Cleveland Street Explore unique restaurants, happy hours, and a new Downtown Park, in Redmond’s recently renovated Cleveland Street area.
Sammamish River Trail The 11 mile Sammamish River Trail runs from Marymoor Park in Redmond, all the way to Bothell, offering a paved route to bike, run, or walk your way through the scenic Eastside.
More Things to Do in Redmond
Restaurants: A growing restaurant scene offers multi-cultural gems such as Kanishka’s Cuisine of India, Dough Zone Dumpling House and Oto Sushi. Woodblock, Spark Pizza, and Molly Moon’s Ice Cream offer modern gourmet classics. Italian “hole in the wall” favorite Tropea Ristorante Italiano is a must-try.
Parks and Trails: There’s plenty to explore at one of Redmond’s 45+ parks or on their 49 (and growing) miles of trails. Outdoor activity is a highlight of life in Redmond, and a plethora of recreation programs are offered by the local Parks and Recreation Department.
Events: Through out the year Redmond’s Marymoor Park plays host to a variety of outdoor movies and concerts, the areas largest beer festival, and a collection of running and cycling endurance events. Redmond also hosts a thriving Farmers Market, and large summer and winter festivals put on by the City of Redmond Events Department.
Moving to Redmond
Ready to call Redmond home? Check out the below resources to help you get started!
Helpful Links
Check out these helpful links for getting started on your move to Redmond:
Facebook Groups to Join
Getting plugged-in to your new community doesn’t have to be hard. Make new connections, find childcare resources, and ask questions of current residents in these active local Facebook groups:
Discover the Eastside 