Redmond is known around the world as the home of Microsoft, but there is much more to living here than the technology industry. Located on Seattle's Eastside, Redmond offers a mix of established residential neighborhoods, parks and trails, a growing downtown and convenient access to some of the region's biggest employment centers.

Think technology, tree-lined neighborhoods and miles of trails — Redmond combines one of the Eastside's strongest employment centers with an active, outdoorsy lifestyle and a downtown that continues to evolve.

Redmond at a Glance

Location: Seattle's Eastside, east of Bellevue and north of Lake Sammamish
Known for: Technology, Microsoft, parks, trails and outdoor recreation
Vibe: Active, educated, outdoorsy and increasingly urban
Housing: Single-family homes, townhomes, condos and newer apartments
Commute: Strong access to Bellevue and Seattle, with major Eastside employment nearby

🏙 The Redmond Vibe

Redmond feels like a city that has grown around both innovation and the outdoors. The technology industry is a major part of its identity, but so are the wooded parks, cycling routes and trails that run throughout the area.

Downtown Redmond has become more urban in recent years, with new residential development, restaurants, shops and transit connections, while much of the surrounding city still feels distinctly suburban. That combination gives Redmond a different personality from Bellevue's larger city feel or Kirkland's waterfront lifestyle.

For many people, living in Redmond means being close to major employers without giving up easy access to green space and outdoor recreation.

🧭 Location & History

Redmond is located on Seattle's Eastside, northeast of Bellevue and between Kirkland and Sammamish. Its location places residents close to major employment centers throughout the Eastside while also providing relatively easy access to Seattle.

Originally a small agricultural and logging community, Redmond grew steadily throughout the twentieth century. Its transformation accelerated with the growth of the technology industry, particularly after Microsoft established its headquarters in the area.

Today, Redmond is one of the Eastside's most important employment and technology hubs. At the same time, the city has worked to develop a more connected and walkable downtown while preserving many of the parks, trails and natural areas that remain a major part of its appeal.

🍃 Things to Do in redmond

Redmond has plenty to offer if you enjoy getting outside, exploring the Eastside or spending time in a growing downtown.

• Explore Marymoor Park — One of the region's best-known parks, with open space, trails, sports facilities and year-round events.

• Walk or cycle the Sammamish River Trail — A popular route connecting Redmond with nearby Eastside communities.

• Explore Downtown Redmond — Discover restaurants, coffee shops, local businesses and an increasingly walkable city center.

• Enjoy Redmond's parks and trails — The city has an extensive network of green spaces and trails woven throughout its neighborhoods.

• Visit the Redmond Saturday Market — A popular seasonal destination for local food, produce and crafts.

• Take advantage of Lake Sammamish nearby — Parks, waterfront recreation and outdoor activities are just a short drive away.

🚗 Commute & Walkability

Redmond is one of the Eastside's major employment centers, making it especially convenient for people who work in technology or other industries based in the area.

Downtown Redmond is becoming increasingly walkable, particularly around its newer residential and commercial development. However, like many Eastside communities, walkability varies significantly depending on where you live. Many residential neighborhoods are quieter and more car-dependent.

Redmond has strong road connections to Bellevue, Kirkland and other Eastside communities, while transit improvements have also made commuting without a car increasingly practical for some residents.

Seattle is accessible via SR-520, although commute times can vary considerably depending on traffic and where you're traveling from.

🏡 Real Estate Snapshot

Redmond real estate offers a broad range of housing options, from established single-family neighborhoods to newer townhomes, condos and apartment developments closer to downtown.

Buyers looking for more space may find traditional homes in established neighborhoods, while those wanting a more urban and low-maintenance lifestyle can explore newer developments around Downtown Redmond.

Like much of Seattle's Eastside, Redmond is a desirable and competitive real estate market. Its proximity to major employers, strong amenities, outdoor recreation and highly regarded schools continue to make it attractive to a wide range of buyers.

Housing styles and prices can vary considerably depending on the neighborhood, proximity to downtown and the type of property.

🎯 Is redmond Right for You?

✅ You’ll love Redmond if:

• You want to live close to major Eastside employers

• You enjoy parks, cycling, walking and outdoor recreation

• You like the idea of an increasingly urban downtown without the scale of Bellevue

• You want a mix of established neighborhoods and newer housing options

• You value access to Bellevue, Kirkland, Lake Sammamish and Seattle

❌ Redmond may not be for you if:

• You want a dense, big-city lifestyle

• You prefer to walk everywhere and avoid driving

• You are looking for Seattle's historic urban neighborhoods

• You want a waterfront-focused lifestyle like Kirkland or Mercer Island

• You are looking for the most affordable housing options in the region

Living in Redmond

Redmond offers a distinctly Eastside version of Seattle-area living: career opportunities, established neighborhoods and a strong connection to the outdoors. Its technology roots remain a major part of the city's identity, but Redmond is also evolving into a more complete and connected city in its own right.

Whether you're drawn by the proximity to major employers, the growing downtown, the parks and trails or the variety of housing options, Redmond offers a lifestyle that balances work, recreation and everyday convenience.

📞Thinking about buying or selling in Redmond? Let's chat →

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