Get ready to start living in Redmond WA! Indigenous people lived in Redmond for over 10,000 years before the arrival of European settlers in the 1870s. They set up a community called “Salmonberg,” which got its name from the local salmon streams. The community was renamed Redmond in 1883 after Luke McRedmond, one of the first European settlers in the area. People started moving to Redmond Washington in mass numbers during the late 1800s due to the forests and streams. It became a large logging and fishing hub with hundreds of residents.
The state government incorporated Redmond as a city in 1912. Redmond experienced an economic downturn after its incorporation, but it rebounded after World War II. Over the last 50 years, it’s become a major business hub.
What is Redmond Washington known for? Redmond is best known today for being home to the headquarters for Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Meta. Redmond’s nickname is the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,” as it contains extensive hiking and biking trails and Washington’s only velodrome.
But is Redmond Washington a good place to live? Yes, Redmond is a great place to live with great businesses, top schools, and upscale homes for sale. But before you start moving to Redmond Washington, you should get some more details about this special city. Here’s a comprehensive guide on living in Redmond WA.
Where Is Redmond Washington?
Where is Redmond Washington, and what county is Redmond WA in? Redmond is in King County, inside the Seattle metro area. Redmond is a suburb of Seattle and it is 14.3 miles from Redmond to Seattle. Redmond borders Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, Union Hill-Novelty Hill, and Cottage Lake. The city borders Lake Sammamish, and the Sammamish River runs through the center of town.
The community contains many parks and nature preserves, including the Redmond Watershed Preserve. Many people living in Redmond WA participate in outdoor recreation, including recreational activities like tennis and horseback riding.
Go Redmond provides bus services with routes that stop in all Redmond neighborhoods, including Downtown Redmond. You can use the Go Redmond transit map to see where routes and stops are. Go Redmond also offers carpooling services so you can start carpooling to Redmond jobs and attractions while living in Redmond WA. You can bike to work using bike trails and lanes on public roads.
If you prefer to drive while living in Redmond WA, you can drive on routes throughout the city, including State Route 520. State Route 520 provides access to Downtown Seattle and the best neighborhoods in Seattle.
Redmond Population and Demographics
According to the Census Bureau, the Redmond population is 73,256. The population rose by 35.3% between 2010 and 2020, and the population doubled between 1990 and 2020. Redfin named Redmond the fastest-growing city in Washington State in 2022, stating that Redmond’s top parks and restaurants encourage people to start living in Redmond WA.
The Redmond population density is 4,630 people per square mile, over 40 times higher than the state density. The density will increase as more people start moving to Redmond Washington, and living in Redmond WA.
Notable people from Redmond include Carrie Brownstein, Michael Conforto, and James Doohan. Redmond demographics include:
- 52.2% male, 47.8% female
- Median age of residents living in Redmond WA: 35.4
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Redmond WA: 50.6% White (47.1% non-Hispanic), 38.3% Asian, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 6.0% two or more races, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
- Median household income: $155,287 (roughly 1.7 times higher than the state median household income)
- Educational attainment: 97.2% of residents living in Redmond WA over the age of 25 have graduated high school, 73.2% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 42.9%
Redmond is a hub for the Asian communities in Washington. The rate of Asian residents living in Redmond WA is nearly four times higher than the state rate. It also has one of the highest rates of foreign-born residents of any city in Washington State. Nearly 8,000 residents currently living in Redmond WA were born in India, 2,000 were born in China, and 1,800 were born in Mexico.
Redmond is a relatively safe community, especially if you compare it to other cities in Washington. Here are its latest crime rates according to the FBI:
- Overall crime rate: 3,292 offenses per 100,000 people living in Redmond WA (40.1% lower than the Seattle crime rate, 11.8% lower than the state rate, 41.6% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 118 crimes per 100,000 people living in Redmond WA (68.6% lower than the state rate, 68.1% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 3,174 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Redmond WA (5.4% lower than the Washington rate, 62.4% higher than the national average)
Most people never experience crime while living in Redmond WA. The Redmond Police Department employs 88 police officers who respond to all emergencies in Redmond.
Redmond Washington Cost of Living
Is Redmond WA expensive? You can use Seattle cost of living statistics to estimate the Redmond Washington cost of living. The Seattle cost of living index compares the cost of items in Seattle to the cost of the same items nationwide. The Seattle cost of living index is 144.6, so items in the area cost 44.6% more than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $133,473 a year to cover the cost of living in the Seattle metro area. Housing is the largest expense, at $29,460 a year, so you can maintain an affordable cost of living in Redmond WA by renting Redmond real estate. Even if you’re buying a house while living in Redmond WA, you can apply for high-paying Redmond jobs.
Redmond real estate can be pricey, though you also have options for more affordable homes and apartments. If you’re visiting Redmond to explore neighborhoods before buying, check out available Redmond stays via Smartours, a way to live like a local while you decide where to settle. According to Redfin, Redmond homes for sale have a median price of $1,225,646 with an average price per square foot of $639.
Homeowners furnishing upscale properties can use white glove delivery on the Eastside for careful transportation, indoor placement, and protection of delicate or high-value furniture.
The average home price in Redmond WA can vary significantly from month to month. You can use first-time homebuyer programs in Washington to apply for affordable mortgages and loans.
According to RentCafe, Redmond apartments have an average price of $2,624 a month. The average rent in Redmond Washington is lower than the average rent in Seattle and other cities near Seattle.
Typical Redmond Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.00
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $6.59
- 1 pound of oranges: $2.24
- 1 pound of onions: $1.30
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.39
- Average price of Redmond utilities per month: $218.08
- 1 pair of jeans: $52.50
Source: Numbeo
Redmond Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Redmond
Redmond has 10 official neighborhoods. These neighborhoods give you plenty of options for living in Redmond WA, but it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Here are just a few of the best places to live in Redmond.
Downtown Redmond | Best Redmond Neighborhood for Jobs and Multifamily Homes
Downtown Redmond is the Redmond town center and the hub for businesses in Redmond. The neighborhood is home to nearly 6,000 residents and over 10,000 jobs in various sectors. Developers are currently constructing mixed-use buildings and multifamily homes in the neighborhood, so you’ll have plenty of options for moving to Redmond Washington.
Education Hill | Best Redmond Neighborhood for Students
Education Hill is another neighborhood close to the Redmond town center. It’s one of the largest neighborhoods in Redmond, giving you plenty of options for Redmond homes for sale. As the name suggests, Education Hill is a hub for Redmond schools. The neighborhood contains two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Education Hill is also home to The Madrone School, one of the best schools in Redmond for students with autism.
Redmond Weather and Climate
The Redmond WA climate type is Mediterranean, meaning the city has warm and sunny summers and overcast and cool winters. July and August are the hottest months of the year, with an average temperature of 66 degrees and an average high of 77. Temperatures decline throughout the fall. December is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 41 degrees and an average low of 37. You can experience freezing temperatures while living in Redmond WA during the winter, but they are not as common as in other areas.
The Pacific Northwest is well known for its cloudy weather, and Redmond weather year round can be very cloudy. Over 70% of days in the winter are overcast and mostly cloudy. However, Redmond weather clears up in the summertime, with nearly 70% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days in July and August. Redmond receives an average of 51.5 inches of rain annually.
Does it snow in Redmond Washington? Yes, the community receives 4.1 inches of snow annually. You should expect to experience snow while living in Redmond WA.
Redmond can experience extreme heat during the summer. You can also experience strong rainstorms while living in Redmond WA that can cause flooding in low-lying areas near Lake Sammamish. Try to find Redmond homes for sale located away from bodies of water. Check the Redmond weather forecast and prepare for rainstorms by buying umbrellas and rain jackets.
August is the best month to visit Redmond. It’s one of the warmest and clearest months of the year, with low precipitation and humidity levels. The temperatures are mild enough that you can enjoy outdoor activities wearing a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
Things to Do in Redmond
You can enjoy so many things to do in Redmond while living in Redmond WA, including top hiking trails and bicycling destinations. Ask someone living in Redmond WA what to do in Redmond, and they’ll encourage you to go shopping. You can also go shopping in Redmond’s Downtown and other areas around town.
The Redmond Town Center is the top shopping mall in the city, with over 100 stores. Top grocery stores in Redmond include H Mart Redmond and Fred Meyer. Redmond Saturday Market is the top farmers’ market in the city.
Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park is the largest park in Richmond and King County. The downtown park contains a 40-acre off-leash dog park, a 400-meter velodrome, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, and other fun amenities.
6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast, Redmond, WA, 98052, 206-477-7275
Bear Creek Park
Bear Creek Park covers 4.5 acres. The park contains wide open spaces you can use for strolling, picnicking, and bicycling. The park is connected to the Bear and Evans Creek Trail system, which gives you access to parks and trails in the bicycle-friendly community.
Sammamish River Trail, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-556-2311
Arena Sports Redmond
Arena Sports Redmond is an indoor and kid-friendly sports facility. It’s home to leagues for young children, teens, and adults, including soccer clinics. Your kids can also enjoy playing in an indoor inflatable course with bouncy slides and bouncy castles.
9040 Willows Road Northeast, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-885-4881
Additional Things to Do in Redmond
The Redmond Parks and Recreation Department maintains all trails, parks, and public spaces for all residents living in Redmond WA. The department also plans special events like Redmond Lights, an annual Christmas lights and art show in December. You can use the City of Redmond calendar to see when upcoming events are taking place while living in Redmond WA.
Redmond Restaurants
The Pacific Northwest is well known for its diverse cuisines, and Redmond Washington is no exception. While living in Redmond WA, you can enjoy a wide range of unique, cool, and romantic Redmond restaurants with food from all over the world.
Tipsy Cow Redmond
Tipsy Cow Redmond is a casual burger bar with ingredients from local vendors and farmers. Tipsy Cow is one of the best restaurants in Redmond for beer and wine. It serves beers, cocktails, and wines from over two dozen different microbreweries and distilleries.
16325 Cleveland Street, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-896-8716
Woodblock
Woodblock Redmond is a New American restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, happy hour, late-night meals and snacks, and weekend brunch. You can enjoy burgers, salads, seafood dishes, and other unique dishes, along with a wide range of cocktails and beers. Woodblock is one of the most romantic restaurants in Redmond and is perfect for dates.
16175 Cleveland Street #109, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-285-9458
Pomegranate Bistro
Pomegranate Bistro offers seasonal menus inspired by Southern comfort food. Pomegranate Bistro is well known for its breakfast and brunch menus, including cinnamon rolls and chicken and waffles. You can also stop by Pomegranate for drinks, including discounted wine on weekdays.
18005 Northeast 68th Street A-150, Redmond, WA, 98052, 425-556-5972
Jobs in Redmond WA
Redmond has a vibrant and lucrative job market. 39,676 people living in Redmond WA have jobs in Redmond WA, up by 33.4% since 2013. Professional services is the single largest job sector in Redmond, accounting for nearly 40% of all Redmond jobs. Professional services jobs have median earnings of over $300,000 a year. Retail trade is the second-largest job sector, while manufacturing is the third-largest. According to Payscale, Redmond jobs have an average annual salary of $102,000 and an average base salary of $28.25.
Redmond is well known for its high tech companies. Many people living in Redmond WA work in the technology industry. Microsoft is the largest employer in Redmond, providing over 40,000 jobs. Lake Washington School District, Amazon, and Meta are also major employers. You can apply for jobs in Redmond WA, using Indeed, and you can apply for City of Redmond jobs on the Redmond government website.
Redmond Schools
Lake Washington School District is the main Redmond school district. You can use the Lake Washington School District school boundary maps to find where your children living in Redmond WA will go to school. The district contains 34 elementary schools, 45 middle schools, and 11 Redmond high schools, most of which are located in or near Redmond.
US News ranks Rosa Parks Elementary School as the best elementary school in Redmond. It also ranks the school in the top 20 elementary schools in Washington State. 90% of students at Rosa Parks Elementary School test at or above the proficiency levels in reading and mathematics.
US News ranks Stella Schola Middle School in Redmond as the second-best middle school in Washington. 98% of Stella Schola students test at or above the proficiency levels in reading and mathematics.
US News ranks Tesla STEM High School in Redmond as the third-best high school in the United States. 100% of Tesla STEM High School students living in Redmond WA take AP exams. The school is home to dozens of extracurricular programs, including speech and debate, Future Business Leaders of America, and women in STEM.
There are a few private schools in Redmond. Global Idea School is a bilingual school that teaches K-5 students living in Redmond WA Spanish, social-emotional skills, and cross-disciplinary classes. DigiPen Institute of Technology is the only college in Redmond that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science, game design, and music. The Redmond Library is the official public library in Redmond Washington.
Redmond Statistics and Information
- County: King County
- Redmond area: 17.24 square miles
- Redmond zip code: 98033, 98052, 98053, 98073, 98074
- Redmond area code: 425
- Redmond elevation: 43 feet
- Redmond time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Redmond: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 22.7 miles from Redmond
Redmond Map
You can use this Redmond map to find public schools, public walking trails, basketball courts, and other amenities in Redmond.
Living in Redmond WA is right for you! Young professionals will enjoy the great attractions, including live music events and abundant parks. You won’t pay a high cost of living, even if you’re buying a house, and you can find a lucrative job in no time.
Moving to Redmond Washington isn’t tricky either.
Customers transporting artwork, antiques, pianos, oversized furniture, or other difficult belongings can work with specialty movers on the Eastside for additional handling and protection.
All Ready Moving has the best Redmond movers with decades of experience. Call 360-507-2447 for a free estimate now.
