Moving to Redmond, WA?
A Complete Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods & Lifestyle
Is Redmond, WA a good place to live?
Yes — Redmond, Washington is one of the most desirable places to live on Seattle’s Eastside, especially for buyers looking for strong schools, tech proximity, and a balance of suburban comfort with urban convenience.
Known as the home of Microsoft, Redmond offers:
- Top-rated schools (Lake Washington School District)
- A strong job market driven by tech
- Master-planned neighborhoods and newer construction
- Access to parks, trails, and outdoor lifestyle
- Easy commuting to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle
For many buyers, Redmond hits the “sweet spot” between lifestyle, location, and long-term home value.
Where is Redmond, WA?
Redmond is located about 15 miles northeast of Seattle, between Bellevue and Woodinville.
Commute times:
- Bellevue: ~10–15 minutes
- Kirkland: ~10–20 minutes
- Seattle: ~20–35 minutes (traffic dependent)
Major employers nearby include:
- Microsoft (headquartered in Redmond)
- Amazon (Bellevue)
- Meta (Bellevue)
What is Redmond known for?
Redmond is best known for being:
- The global headquarters of Microsoft
- One of the most bike-friendly cities in Washington
- Home to Marymoor Park (one of the largest parks in King County)
- A hub for tech professionals and relocating buyers
The city has evolved significantly, with Downtown Redmond becoming more walkable, modern, and lifestyle-driven.
Redmond Neighborhood Guide
Education Hill (Family Favorite)
- Highly sought-after for families
- Close to top-rated schools
- Mix of 1980s–1990s homes + updated properties
- Quiet, residential feel
Typical Price: $1.2M – $2.2M+
Downtown Redmond (Urban Living)
- Walkable, modern, and rapidly growing
- Condos, townhomes, and new construction
- Light rail expansion adding long-term value
- Restaurants, shops, and nightlife
💰 Typical Price: $600K – $1.5M+
Sammamish Valley / Ames Lake (Space & Privacy)
- Larger lots, acreage, and estate-style homes
- More rural feel while still close to tech hubs
- Popular with move-up and luxury buyers
💰 Typical Price: $1.5M – $4M+
Overlake / Microsoft Area (Tech Hub Living)
- Ideal for Microsoft and tech employees
- Newer townhomes and condos
- Strong rental and resale demand
💰 Typical Price: $700K – $1.6M+
North Redmond (Growth + New Construction)
- Master-planned communities (like Redmond Ridge)
- Newer homes with modern layouts
- More space for the price vs. closer-in areas
💰 Typical Price: $1.2M – $2.5M+
What types of homes are in Redmond?
Redmond offers a wide range of housing options:
- Condos and townhomes (Downtown + Overlake)
- Traditional single-family homes (Education Hill)
- New construction communities (North Redmond)
- Luxury homes and acreage (Sammamish Valley)
This diversity makes Redmond appealing to:
- First-time buyers
- Relocating tech professionals
- Move-up buyers
- Luxury and lifestyle-focused buyers
Schools in Redmond, WA
Most of Redmond is served by the Lake Washington School District, one of the top-rated districts in Washington.
Highly regarded schools include:
- Redmond High School
- Tesla STEM High School
- Evergreen Middle School
Strong schools are a major driver of home values and demand in the area.
Cost of Living & Home Prices in Redmond
Redmond is considered a high-cost housing market, but relative to Bellevue, it often provides better value.
General price ranges:
- Condos: $500K – $1M+
- Townhomes: $700K – $1.5M+
- Single-family homes: $1.2M – $2.5M+
- Luxury / acreage: $2M – $4M+
Prices vary significantly by neighborhood, condition, and proximity to tech campuses.
Pros and Cons of Living in Redmond
Pros
- Strong job market (Microsoft + tech corridor)
- Excellent schools
- Safe, clean, and well-planned city
- Great outdoor lifestyle (parks, trails, biking)
- Long-term real estate stability
Cons
- Higher home prices
- Traffic during peak commute hours
- Competitive market for desirable homes
- Less nightlife than Seattle
Who Should Move to Redmond?
Redmond is ideal for:
- Tech professionals working in Redmond/Bellevue
- Families prioritizing schools and safety
- Buyers looking for long-term appreciation
- Relocating buyers wanting a balance of lifestyle + investment
Moving to Redmond vs Nearby Cities
- Kirkland → More character, waterfront, slightly higher pricing in prime areas
- Bellevue → More urban + luxury, higher price point
- Woodinville → More space, wine country, less density
Redmond sits right in the middle — offering balance, value, and growth potential.
Bottom Line: Is Redmond a good place to live?
Yes — Redmond is one of the smartest places to buy on the Eastside if you’re looking for:
- Strong long-term value
- Proximity to tech jobs
- Excellent schools
- A livable, balanced lifestyle
It’s not just a place people move to — it’s a place people stay.
Thinking About Moving to Redmond?
If you're considering a move to Redmond or anywhere on Seattle’s Eastside (Kirkland, Bellevue, Woodinville), I can help you:
- Identify the right neighborhoods for your lifestyle
- Understand pricing and value differences
- Navigate competitive situations strategically
Jeff Harrison is a real estate broker with The Reese Team at Compass, specializing in the Greater Eastside market, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville.
Complete Guide to Living on Seattle’s Eastside
Moving to Bellevue Living in Bellevue
Moving to Kirkland Living in Kirkland
Moving to Woodinville Living in Woodinville
Moving to Redmond Living in Redmond
Jeff Harrison
Eastside Real Estate Broker
The Reese Team | Compass
