Living in Redmond

Are you moving to Redmond, WA? Make sure you know these seven things before deciding to live in Redmond!

An excellent place to live, Redmond, Washington, is a beautiful city in King County located just 15 miles east of Seattle. Considered one of the best places to live in Washington, Redmond has a growing population of over 76,000. Offering its residents a mixture of urban and suburban living, Redmond is recognized as a suburb of Seattle with a quiet and laid-back way of life.

Most famous as the home of Microsoft Corporation and other large tech companies, including Nintendo of America, many young professionals and families move here for its abundance of job opportunities. With a diverse and eclectic culture, Redmond is full of local events, attractions, shopping, and dining options that can not be found anywhere else.

Ranked as one of the best places to retire in Washington by Niche.com, there are nearly 10% of Redmond residents over the age of 65. With access to top doctors and recreational activities, it is no wonder that Redmond is named one of the best cities in the nation for retirement.

This guide is for you if you are moving to Washington and considering Redmond as your new home. We have compiled a list of the top things you should know about living in Redmond to help make your moving decision easier. Keep reading to learn more!

Here are the seven things to know about life in Redmond!

Cost of Living

The cost of living is one of the most critical factors when relocating to a new city since the cost of living is the amount an individual needs to cover basic expenses such as food, housing, taxes, and healthcare. Slightly cheaper than living in Seattle but still considered to have a high cost of living, Redmond has a cost of living that is 52% higher than the national average.

Housing expenses in Redmond are 101% higher than the national average, transportation expenses are 35% higher than the national average, and utility expenses are 8% higher than the national average. The median household income for an individual living in Redmond is $79,890, and the median household income is $132,188. To live comfortably in Redmond, a good salary is over $81,000.

Though Washington state does not have a personal or corporate income tax that helps high-income earners save more money, Washington sales taxes are extremely high at 9.29%, the fourth highest in the nation.

Data sourced from Payscale.

Job Market and Economy

Best known as the home of Mircosoft and Nintendo of America, Redmond is the location of many businesses, from small start-ups to large corporations. As a center of technology, aerospace, and biomedical companies, Redmond is often referred to as the "Tech Capital" of Washington state since numerous software, and high-tech companies operate out of Redmond, including Accenture, Aerojet, and Honeywell International Inc.

With an unemployment rate of 2.30%, which is lower than the national average unemployment rate of 3.55%, Redmond has seen a job market increase by 2.6% over the last year. Over the next ten years, future job growth in Redmond is predicted to be 44.2%, higher than the national average of 33.5%.

The median household income in Redmond is $99,586 a year, and the average income of a Redmond resident is $50,787 a year. Some of the best companies to work for in Redmond include Facebook, Lake Washington School District, Pactera Technologies Inc, Eurest Dining Systems, and MSN.

Climate

With a climate classified as warm and temperate, the summers in Redmond are short, warm, and partly cloudy, while the winters are very cold, wet, and overcast. Temperatures generally range between 37 degrees Fahrenheit and 78 degrees Fahrenheit over a year. Temperatures rarely rise above 88 degrees Fahrenheit and rarely dip below 26 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. The most comfortable months in Redmond are July, August, and September, when the temperatures are the most pleasant.

The warm season lasts from June to September, with an average daily high temperature above 72 degrees Fahrenheit. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, the cold season lasts from November to March, with an average daily high temperature below 52 degrees Fahrenheit. December is the coldest month of the year, with an average high temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

On average, Redmond receives 41 inches of rain annually, with 7.1% more rainy days than Seattle. Redmond only has 155 sunny days per year, while the United States average is 205 sunny days. Current residents and individuals considering moving to Redmond should always have an umbrella and raincoat.

Receiving an average of four inches of snow per year, the snowy period in Redmond lasts from 1.6 months, from December to January. The most snowfall in Redmond generally occurs in January.

Crime Rate

Unfortunately, Redmond is not one of the safest places to live in the country. With a crime rate of one in 40, Redmond has a crime rate higher than 68% of other cities in Washington state. The crime rate in Redmond is 4% higher than the national average. On the plus side, violent crimes are 74% lower in Redmond than the national average, and crime in Redmond has decreased by 11% over the past few years. Make sure to refer to our Living Alone: Home Safety Checklist for tips on how to stay safe.

Outdoor Recreation

Offering beautiful views and some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, Redmond is a lovely place to live for nature lovers and explorers. Known for its extensive park and trail system throughout the city and King County, there are 47 parks in Redmond with 1,351 acres of land and up to 59 miles of public walking trails that residents can take advantage of. Great for all ages, interests, and abilities, Redmond residents can spend time outdoors hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and playing recreational sports.

For those interested in recreational activities and classes throughout the year, indoor and outdoor opportunities are offered throughout the city's parks and community facilities. Classes include tennis, yoga, cycling, Tai Chi, and horseback riding. For more information about signing up for Redmond recreation activities, visit the Redmond Parks and Recreation website.

Visit these favorite local parks and natural areas in Redmond, WA:

• Marymoor Park: Found on the North end of Lake Sammamish, this is the largest, oldest, and most popular public park in King County. This 640-acre park features a climbing wall, walking trails, soccer fields, and an off-leash dog area, attracting more than three million annual visitors. There is also an open-air concert series that is held here.
• Idylwood Park: This waterfront park on Lake Sammamish is great for picnics, relaxing on the beach, boating, and swimming. Canoe rentals are available.
• Perrigo Park: Great for the whole family, this community park features a playground, plenty of green space, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
• Lake Sammamish: Located eight miles east of Seattle, this large freshwater lake is seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide with a maximum depth of 105 feet. There are two large swim beaches, a large sandy beach, outdoor shower facilities, playground areas, and kayak and paddleboard rentals.
• Evans Creek Preserve: Featuring wetlands, meadows, and steep terrain, this 179-acre natural area is perfect for hiking and walking the dog.
• Bridle Trails State Park: With up to 28 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, this 489-acre state park is a beautiful, peaceful place to spend time outdoors.

Dining

There is no better place to discover great food than in Redmond, Washington. Redmond is home to various highly-rated restaurants serving multiple cuisines, from five-star dining establishments to family-owned local eateries. Known for its bold flavors and ethnic influences due to the city's diverse culture, most restaurants in Redmond focus on using local, fresh ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes that satisfy any craving.

Whether you are in the mood for a gourmet meal or homemade comfort food, Redmond is home to some of the best dining experiences in all of Washington state. Since Redmond is located near the coast and only 15 miles east of Seattle, the city is also known to specialize in fresh-caught seafood.

Dine at these top-rated restaurants in Redmond, WA:

• Sages Restaurant: Named one of the best Italian restaurants in Redmond, this quiet eatery is known for its Gnocchi, pasta, and rustic Italian dishes.
• Woodblock: Enjoy New American fare and outstanding service in a relaxed, modern space. Offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options.
• Matts' Rotisserie and Oyster Lounge: Order steak and seafood dishes at this welcoming restaurant with an outdoor patio.
• Pomegranate Bistro: As one of Redmond's most famous neighborhood eateries, this is a must-visit for upscale American comfort food with Southern influences. Offering seasonal menus that frequently rotate along with an award-winning wine list and cocktail menu.
• Blu Sardinia: This beloved Italian eatery offers a Sardinian-inspired menu made with seasonal ingredients served in a modern, upscale space.

Events

One of the best ways to get to know Redmond is to participate in its many community events held throughout the year. Offering two signature events each year, including Derby Days and Redmond Lights, free and open to the public, there is always something fun to do with the whole family without having to venture far from home. The fun never ends in Redmond, from live music events to holiday celebrations.

For more information about upcoming events and how to host your own event in one of the city's public spaces, visit the Redmond events website.

Attend these unique and fun events in Redmond, WA:

• Derby Days: This free summer event celebrates the Redmond community with live music from local artists and an urban craft marketplace with local vendors.
• Redmond Lights: Get ready for the holidays at this month-long celebration of light and art in Redmond's Downtown Park.
• Rockin' on the River: This free summer concert series begins at 6 PM on the lawn at Redmond City Hall in August.
• Beat the Bunny 5K: This fun, family-friendly 5K race occurs each Spring in Redmond, where participates against the bunny mascot.
• Spooktacular: Carve pumpkins and trick or treat with farm animals at this family-friendly event at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Redmond

Pros:

• Located close to Seattle
• No state income tax
• Low crime rate
• Top-rated education
• Low poverty rate
• Thriving job market
• Mild temperatures
• Delicious restaurants
• Community events
• Suburban way of life
• Beautiful natural areas and outdoor recreation

Cons:

• High cost of living
• Lack of nightlife
• Expensive housing

Are you ready to move to Redmond, WA?

Whether you are moving to Redmond for work or simply for a change in scenery, there is no denying that Redmond is a wonderful place to live in Washington state. Full of beautiful parks, delicious restaurants, and community events, there is always something to do in Redmond, no matter your age or interest.

Due to its proximity to Seattle, many families and individuals choose to move here for its quiet suburban living and high safety rating. Offering many opportunities to walk and bike throughout town, Redmond is truly an outdoor lover paradise outside a large city center.

If you or anyone you may know is interested in homes for sale in Redmond, make sure to contact us here at UpHomes to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable and friendly Real Estate Specialists. No matter your price point, location, or property type preferences, we are here to help you through every step of the home-buying process.

Search single-family homes for sale in Redmond and luxury homes for sale in Redmond today!

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