Is Redmond a Good
Place to Live?
The ultimate guide to living in Washington's tech hub. Home to Microsoft, world-class parks, and a thriving suburban community.
The Short Answer
Yes, Redmond is an excellent place to live, especially for tech professionals and families. As Microsoft's global headquarters and home to Nintendo of America, it offers unparalleled tech job opportunities. The Lake Washington School District is consistently rated among Washington's best. Add in 516-acre Marymoor Park, the Sammamish River Trail, and a charming downtown, and you have a complete package. The catch? It's expensive - expect $1.2M+ for homes and $150K+ income needed to live comfortably.
Population
Median Home
School Rating
Acres of Parks
Microsoft & Tech Culture
Redmond isn't just home to tech companies - it's defined by tech culture.
The Microsoft Effect
Microsoft's global headquarters spans 500+ acres in Redmond with over 50,000 employees. This creates a unique ecosystem where tech professionals can walk to work, enjoy campus amenities, and build careers without leaving the city.
Beyond Microsoft, Redmond hosts Nintendo of America, Facebook Reality Labs, and hundreds of startups. The tech influence shapes everything from coffee shop conversations to local school STEM programs.
Microsoft HQ
50,000+ employees, 500+ acre campus
Nintendo of America
North American headquarters
Meta Reality Labs
VR/AR development center
Redmond Pros & Cons
An honest look at what makes Redmond great and where it falls short.
Pros
- Tech Job Paradise - Microsoft HQ, Nintendo, Meta and hundreds of startups; unmatched career opportunities
- Exceptional Schools - Lake Washington SD ranks top 5 in WA; schools like Redmond High and Einstein Elementary score 9-10/10
- Marymoor Park - 516 acres with off-leash dog park, velodrome, concerts, and Sammamish River Trail access
- Very Safe - Crime rate 50% below national average; one of WA's safest cities
- Bike-Friendly - Known as "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" with 40+ miles of trails
- Downtown Revival - Charming downtown with local restaurants, breweries, and weekend farmers market
- Family-Oriented - Excellent parks, youth sports, and family-focused community events
Cons
- High Cost of Living - Median home ~$1.2M; need $150K+ household income to live comfortably
- Traffic Congestion - SR-520 and I-405 gridlock during rush hour; commutes can double
- Tech Monoculture - Conversations often revolve around tech; can feel one-dimensional
- Limited Nightlife - Most restaurants close by 10pm; no real bar or club scene
- Suburban Feel - Some areas feel sprawling and car-dependent
- Gray Winters - 150+ rainy days; seasonal affective disorder is common
- Wealth Bubble - High-income environment can feel disconnected from broader reality
Redmond by the Numbers
Data-driven ratings across key quality of life categories.
Quality of Life Radar
Category Breakdown
Cost of Living Comparison
Best Redmond Neighborhoods
Each area offers a unique lifestyle - swipe to explore.
Education Hill
Redmond's most sought-after family neighborhood. Home to top-rated schools including Einstein Elementary (10/10) and Redmond High. Tree-lined streets, large lots, and strong community feel.
Downtown Redmond
Charming walkable core with local restaurants, breweries, and the Saturday farmers market. New mixed-use developments bring modern apartments. Access to trails and parks.
Overlake
The tech corridor - home to Microsoft's main campus and many tech offices. Convenient for work, good transit access, and nearby shopping at Redmond Town Center. More urban feel.
Grass Lawn
Established neighborhood with mature trees and well-maintained mid-century homes. Great parks, community center, and strong neighborhood association. More affordable entry point.
Willows/Rose Hill
Upscale area bordering Kirkland with larger lots and newer construction. Excellent schools, quiet streets, and quick access to both Redmond and Kirkland amenities.
Marymoor Park & Outdoor Access
Redmond's crown jewel is its exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Marymoor Park - 516 Acres of Adventure
King County's largest park offers something for everyone: the largest off-leash dog park in the region, a climbing wall, velodrome for cycling, concert venue hosting major acts, and the western trailhead for the Sammamish River Trail.
40-Acre Dog Park
Largest off-leash area in WA
Velodrome
Olympic-style cycling track
Concert Venue
Major summer concerts
Trail Access
11-mile Sammamish Trail
Sammamish River Trail
The 11-mile paved trail connects Redmond to Bothell, perfect for commuting, running, or leisurely rides. Part of why Redmond earned its "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" title. The trail connects to the Burke-Gilman, creating 40+ miles of continuous paths.
Who Should Move to Redmond?
Redmond is an excellent fit for specific lifestyles and priorities.
Tech Professionals
Microsoft employees can walk or bike to campus. Easy access to other tech employers. High salaries support the cost of living. Strong professional network.
Families with Children
Lake Washington schools are exceptional. Safe neighborhoods. Abundant parks and youth activities. Family-oriented community events and programs.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Marymoor Park, Sammamish Trail, and close mountain access. Biking culture built into the city's DNA. Year-round outdoor activities.
Dog Owners
40-acre off-leash dog park at Marymoor is unmatched. Dog-friendly trails and neighborhoods. Strong pet community.
Nightlife Seekers
Limited late-night options. Most venues close by 10pm. For bars and clubs, you'll need to head to Seattle or Bellevue.
Budget-Conscious
High housing costs require $150K+ income. Limited affordable options. Consider Renton, Kent, or Lynnwood for lower costs.
Our Verdict
Redmond is an exceptional place to live for tech professionals, families, and outdoor enthusiasts who can afford it. The combination of Microsoft's presence, top-tier Lake Washington schools, and unmatched parks like Marymoor creates a quality of life that's hard to beat on the Eastside.
The main considerations are cost (plan for $150K+ household income), the tech-centric culture (conversations often revolve around work), and limited nightlife. If you're seeking vibrant urban energy, look to Seattle. But if you want safe streets, excellent schools, and weekend hikes starting from your backyard, Redmond delivers.
Bottom line: If you work in tech, have kids (or plan to), and value outdoor recreation over nightlife, Redmond might be your perfect match. The "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" earns its reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Redmond a good place to live?
Yes, Redmond is an excellent place to live, especially for tech professionals and families. It offers Microsoft headquarters with 50,000+ jobs, top-rated Lake Washington schools (9/10 average), Marymoor Park's 516 acres, and the Sammamish River Trail. It's very safe with crime rates 50% below national average. The main consideration is cost - you'll need $150K+ household income.
Is Redmond WA expensive?
Yes, Redmond is expensive. The median home price is approximately $1.2M, and 2-bedroom apartments average $2,500/month. To live comfortably, you'll need a household income of $150,000 or more. However, tech salaries at Microsoft, Nintendo, and other employers typically support this cost of living.
What is Redmond WA known for?
Redmond is known as the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" and home to Microsoft's global headquarters (500+ acres, 50,000+ employees). It's also home to Nintendo of America, the 516-acre Marymoor Park with the region's largest off-leash dog area, the Sammamish River Trail, and excellent Lake Washington School District schools.
Is Redmond safer than Seattle?
Yes, Redmond is significantly safer than Seattle. Redmond's violent crime rate is approximately 1.2 per 1,000 residents compared to Seattle's 6.5 per 1,000. Property crime is also substantially lower. Redmond consistently ranks among the safest cities in Washington State.
What are the best neighborhoods in Redmond?
The best neighborhoods depend on your priorities: Education Hill for families (top schools, $1.4M median); Downtown Redmond for walkability and dining ($950K); Overlake for Microsoft proximity ($1.1M); Grass Lawn for value and community ($1.0M); Willows/Rose Hill for luxury ($1.6M).
How are the schools in Redmond?
Redmond schools are excellent. Lake Washington School District consistently ranks in Washington's top 5. Einstein Elementary and Redmond Elementary score 10/10 on GreatSchools. Redmond High School and Redmond Middle School score 9/10. Strong STEM programs reflect the tech community's influence.
Make Redmond Your New Home
Our expert movers know every Redmond neighborhood - from Education Hill to Overlake. Get a free quote and let us handle your relocation to the tech hub.