Redmond has evolved from a quiet Eastside suburb into the undisputed tech capital of the Pacific Northwest. When Microsoft established its headquarters here in 1986, it set the stage for decades of innovation that would transform this once-rural farming community into a global technology powerhouse. Today, Redmond represents the perfect fusion of cutting-edge innovation and Pacific Northwest lifestyle.
What's It Like Living in Redmond?
Living in Redmond means being at the epicenter of Pacific Northwest tech culture. The city pulses with innovation energy during the week as thousands commute to Microsoft's sprawling campus, Nintendo of America's headquarters, and hundreds of startups. But come evening and weekends, the pace shifts dramatically—residents trade keyboards for hiking boots, cycling gear, and kayak paddles.
The community feels notably international, with large populations from India, China, and Eastern Europe drawn by tech opportunities. This diversity translates to exceptional dining options and cultural events. The Redmond Saturday Market and Redmond Town Center serve as community gathering spots where you might overhear conversations in a dozen different languages.
Unlike Seattle's urban density, Redmond offers more space—larger lots, quieter streets, and easier parking. The trade-off is a more car-dependent lifestyle, though the recently completed East Link Light Rail is changing that equation significantly.
"Redmond gives you the career opportunities of Silicon Valley with the quality of life that tech workers actually want—nature access, great schools, and a community that values work-life balance."
// source: Education Hill resident, 8 yearsCost of Living Analysis
Redmond is expensive by national standards but competitive for a tech hub of its caliber. The median home price hovers around $1.3 million, slightly below neighboring Bellevue but above most other Eastside cities. Entry-level condos start around $450K, while single-family homes in desirable neighborhoods like Education Hill or Bear Creek regularly exceed $2M.
The silver lining? Washington has no state income tax, and Redmond tech salaries are among the highest in the nation. A senior software engineer at Microsoft can expect total compensation of $200K-$400K+, which significantly offsets housing costs.
Best Neighborhoods in Redmond
Downtown Redmond
URBAN$500K - $1.5M | Walkable Urban Core
The heart of Redmond's transformation. New mixed-use developments, light rail station access, restaurants, and Redmond Town Center. Perfect for young professionals who want to minimize car dependence. Walk Score: 75+.
Education Hill
FAMILIES$1.2M - $2.5M | Top Schools
Named for the area's exceptional schools, this neighborhood draws families seeking the best education options. Larger lots, established trees, community feel. Home to Redmond Elementary and Einstein Middle School, among the district's highest-rated.
Overlake
TECH HUB$800K - $1.8M | Near Microsoft Campus
Adjacent to Microsoft's main campus, Overlake is ground zero for tech workers wanting minimal commutes. Mix of newer construction, apartments, and condos. Overlake Transit Center provides excellent connectivity. Increasingly urban with new development.
Idylwood
QUIET$1M - $2M | Established Residential
A peaceful, established neighborhood with mature landscaping and a suburban feel. Close to 520 for Seattle commutes. Good mix of original homes and tasteful renovations. Community oriented with active neighborhood association.
Grass Lawn
VALUE$900K - $1.6M | Central Location
Central Redmond location offering relatively good value. Close to Grass Lawn Park, community center, and Redmond pool. Popular with growing families who want Redmond schools without the premium of Education Hill or Bear Creek.
Bear Creek
LUXURY$1.5M - $4M+ | Estate Living
Redmond's premier luxury neighborhood featuring large lots, custom homes, and nature preserve access. Many properties back to protected green spaces. Home to executives and tech leaders seeking privacy and space while remaining close to campus.
The Tech Hub Advantage
Redmond's identity is inseparable from technology. Microsoft alone employs over 50,000 people locally, and its campus spans 500+ acres—essentially a city within a city complete with sports fields, cafeterias, and its own transit system.
But Microsoft is just the beginning. Nintendo of America calls Redmond home, as does gaming giant Valve Corporation (creators of Steam, Half-Life, Portal). Hundreds of startups fill the gaps, many founded by former Microsoft employees. This creates an ecosystem where job opportunities abound and career mobility is high.
Major Employers
- Microsoft (50,000+ employees)
- Nintendo of America HQ
- Valve Corporation
- Spacelabs Healthcare
- AT&T Mobility
- Hundreds of startups
Tech Industry Stats
- Avg tech salary: $165,000+
- Senior engineer: $250K-$400K TC
- Unemployment rate: 2.8%
- Job growth: 3.2% annually
- Remote work flexibility: High
- Startup density: Top 15 US
Schools in Redmond
Redmond is served by the Lake Washington School District, one of Washington's highest-performing districts with a 95%+ graduation rate. The district benefits enormously from the community's educated, engaged parent population and strong tax base.
- - Redmond Elementary (9/10)
- - Einstein Elementary (9/10)
- - Rockwell Elementary (8/10)
- - Rosa Parks Elementary (9/10)
- - Redmond Middle School (8/10)
- - Evergreen Middle School (8/10)
- - Rose Hill Middle School (9/10)
- - Redmond High School (8/10) - STEM focus
- - Tesla STEM High School (10/10) - Specialty
- - Eastlake High School (8/10)
- - The Overlake School (college prep)
- - Eastside Catholic School
- - The Bush School (Seattle)
Commuting from Redmond
Redmond's commute situation improved dramatically with the East Link Light Rail extension, connecting Redmond to Bellevue, Seattle, and eventually Lynnwood. For many tech workers, however, commuting means a short drive (or bike ride) to Microsoft's campus.
// COMMUTE_TIMES
Light Rail
East Link connects Redmond Technology Station to Seattle. Runs every 8-10 minutes during peak hours. No traffic variability.
Cycling
Redmond is the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" with 50+ miles of trails including the Sammamish River Trail connecting to Burke-Gilman.
Things to Do in Redmond
Parks & Recreation
- Marymoor Park (640 acres)
- Sammamish River Trail
- Lake Sammamish State Park
- Idylwood Beach Park
- Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park
Dining & Entertainment
- Redmond Town Center
- Woodblock (craft cocktails)
- Pomegranate Bistro
- Matt's Rotisserie
- Redmond Saturday Market
Outdoor Activities
- Velodrome at Marymoor (cycling)
- Rock climbing at Marymoor
- Kayaking on Lake Sammamish
- Dog parks (multiple off-leash)
- Concerts at Marymoor
Events & Culture
- Redmond Derby Days (July)
- Marymoor Concert Series
- Taste of Redmond
- Redmond Lights (December)
- Food truck rallies
Pros and Cons
// PROS
- World-class tech job market with high salaries
- Excellent Lake Washington School District
- Outstanding parks and outdoor access
- No state income tax
- New light rail connectivity
- Very low crime rate
- Diverse, international community
// CONS
- High cost of living and home prices
- Traffic congestion on SR-520
- Gray, rainy winters (Oct-April)
- Limited nightlife and urban energy
- Can feel tech-monoculture
- Car-dependent outside downtown
- Competitive housing market
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redmond WA expensive to live in?
Yes, Redmond is expensive with a median home price around $1.3M and median rent for a 2BR apartment at $2,500-$3,200. However, Washington has no state income tax, and tech salaries in Redmond are among the highest in the nation (senior engineers often earn $250K-$400K+ total compensation), which helps offset the cost of living.
How far is Redmond from Seattle?
Redmond is approximately 15 miles east of Seattle. Without traffic, the drive takes 20-25 minutes via SR-520. During rush hour, expect 45-75 minutes. The East Link Light Rail now connects Redmond to Seattle in about 45-55 minutes with no traffic variability.
Is Redmond a good place to raise a family?
Absolutely. Redmond is excellent for families with top-rated schools in the Lake Washington School District, numerous parks including 640-acre Marymoor Park, Redmond Town Center for shopping and dining, very low crime rates, and a family-friendly community atmosphere centered around tech innovation and outdoor activities.
What companies are headquartered in Redmond?
Redmond is home to Microsoft's global headquarters (employing 50,000+ locally), Nintendo of America headquarters, Valve Corporation (Steam, Half-Life, Portal), Spacelabs Healthcare, and hundreds of tech startups. It's the definitive tech hub of the Pacific Northwest.
What are the best neighborhoods in Redmond?
Top Redmond neighborhoods include Downtown Redmond (urban, walkable, light rail access), Education Hill (family-friendly with the best schools), Overlake (closest to Microsoft campus), Idylwood (quiet, established), Grass Lawn (central location, good value), and Bear Creek (luxury estates with nature access).
Does Redmond have good public transportation?
Yes, Redmond's transit has improved significantly with the East Link Light Rail extension connecting to Seattle. King County Metro buses serve the area, and Microsoft operates its own extensive shuttle system. The city also has 50+ miles of bike trails, earning it the title "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest."
