Living in Redmond, Washington
Home to Microsoft and Nintendo of America, Redmond is a prosperous, trail-laced tech hub known as the 'Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,' with excellent schools and a freshly reinvented downtown.
Redmond, WA homes have a median price around $760,000 (about $442/sq ft), with a typical commute of about 5 minutes to Microsoft (Redmond) and roughly 40 minutes to downtown Seattle.
It's the shortest possible commute to one of the world's largest employers, wrapped in a green, active, family-oriented community with light rail now reaching downtown.
Lifestyle & amenities
Saturday mornings at Redmond Town Center, summer concerts and cyclocross at Marymoor, and miles of the Sammamish River Trail. A large international tech community gives it a worldly, low-drama suburban feel.
The housing market
Strong, steady demand from Microsoft talent keeps values high. Newer townhomes near downtown appeal to first-timers; Education Hill and Grass Lawn draw families.
Best for: Microsoft/tech families who want a short commute and great schools.
Popular Redmond neighborhoods
Schools
Served primarily by:
Lake Washington School District
Commute to work
- Microsoft (Redmond)~5m
- Nintendo of America~6m
- Downtown Seattle~30m
Approximate off-peak drive times.
Parks & outdoors
- Marymoor Park
- Sammamish River Trail
- Idylwood Beach Park
Redmond home-buying FAQ
How far is Redmond from downtown Seattle?
Redmond is roughly 40 minutes from downtown Seattle by car in typical morning traffic. Closer-in job centers include Microsoft (Redmond) (about 5 minutes) and Nintendo of America (about 6 minutes).
Which school district serves Redmond?
Redmond is served primarily by Lake Washington School District.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Redmond?
Buyers most often shop Education Hill, Grass Lawn, Downtown Redmond, Idylwood.
What is the housing market like in Redmond?
Strong, steady demand from Microsoft talent keeps values high. Newer townhomes near downtown appeal to first-timers; Education Hill and Grass Lawn draw families.
What are property taxes like in Redmond?
Redmond is in King County, where the effective property-tax rate is about 0.92% of assessed value — roughly $6,900 a year on a $750,000 home.
What is there to do outdoors in Redmond?
Local favorites include Marymoor Park, Sammamish River Trail, Idylwood Beach Park.
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