10 Things You Should Know About Living in Redmond, Washington

If you’re thinking about moving to Redmond, Washington, you probably know a few things already. For example, it’s the home of Microsoft. And it’s also home to Nintendo. Those are some pretty hefty tech shops. Being so close to Seattle, that’s not necessarily surprising, but there’s more to this town than that.

Here are 10 facts about Redmond that you’ll learn more about once you’ve settled in and started enjoying the mild climate and outdoor-centric community.

#1: If You’re Looking for a Small Town, it’s Hard to Beat

Money magazine apparently loves this city, since it ranked Redmond as the 5th Best Small Town in America in 2012. Using independent research and FBI reports as their basis, Safewise says that it’s also one of the safest. Redmond has a crime rate that’s “two times less than that of the rest of the state.”

#2: Redmond Attracts the Young and the Young at Heart

Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages love this city. The largest part of the population is between the ages of 25 and 44, with an average of about 35. But ages 45 and up make a close second. That’s why Niche.com ranks Redmond as one of the best towns in Washington in which to retire. Nearly 10 percent of residents are over 65, and it ranks high on access to doctors, recreation, restaurants and more.

#3: Cost of Living is High

Living in Redmond doesn’t come cheap, but few towns in the Pacific Northwest are, at least not ones that have as much to offer. Compared to the rest of the country, Spirling’s Best Places says this town’s cost of living is 68.6 percent higher. The median home price is about $505,200.

#4: Unemployment is Quite Low

If the cost of living didn’t make you flinch, then you’ll love the unemployment rate. Spirling’s says that it’s about half that of the national average – 3.40 percent. Job growth is also a good thing, as jobs in the area have increased by about 2.64 percent.

Fast and competitive or slow meandering, you’ve got plenty of bicycling options.

#5: It’s the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest!

This is a bona fide claim to fame. Redmond is so fond of its bicycles that you’ll discover both low-key bicycle paths and competitive cycling events. On-street bicycle lanes are everywhere, and trails abound. Many residents commute to work and travel to neighboring towns via bike. According to the City of Redmond, Washington website, where you’ll also find bicycling maps, it has earned the League of American Bicyclists designation, “Bicycle Friendly Community.”

#6: Logging was a First Industry

If you’ve ever wondered how Redmond got its start, look no further than the logging. When pioneers, Warren Wentworth Perrigo and Captain Luke McRedmond, first started clearing the land in the late 1800s, there was no equipment made that could handle it. The abundance of giant trees led to what would become the town’s “first economic boom,” according to Experience Redmond.

#7: It’s Got a Bridge that Floats

To cross a body of water, typically you’d float on a boat or take a bridge. In Redmond, you do both at the same time. The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, also known as the 520 Bridge, is the longest floating bridge in the world. It gets its buoyancy from “water-tight concrete pontoons,” says the Washington State Department of Transportation. Washington State is the floating bridge capital of the world.

#8: Redmond is a Great Film Location

Bustin’ Loose (1981) with Richard Pryor was partly filmed in Redmond. So was From Dusk till Dawn (1996), the TV series Northern Exposure and Donkey Kong Country: Exposed (1994). See more films and TV shows filmed in Redmond at IMDB.

#9: You’ll Find Plenty of Culture

If you’re looking for culture and activities, you’ll find it here. There’s wine tasting/wine country, poetry readings, theater, music, performance art in the summer, says Experience Redmond. You’ll find art galleries, the Redmond Performing Arts Center, Vala Art Center, Eastside Symphony, and the SecondStory Repertory Theater, which features musicals and other productions year-round.

#10: There’s a Star Trek Connection

The original Star Trek’s Chief Engineer, Montgomery “Scotty” Scott – James Doohan – might have been born in Vancouver, British Columbia. But after his Star Trek years, he lived in Redmond, Washington until he boldly went on in 2005.

Living In Redmond WA

Is Redmond WA a good place to live? Whether you’re moving from one of the surrounding cities or you’re moving to Redmond WA from out of state, this article will enlighten you as to what living in Redmond WA is actually like. 

Everything from things to do, cost of living, real estate, and kid-friendly Redmond activities is covered in the following sections. 

Continue reading to learn more about living in Redmond Washington or get in touch with On The Go Moving to enlist our moving professionals for your relocation needs. 

Living in Redmond WA: General Information 

Let’s take a rapid look at some of the most frequently asked questions and general information that people who are relocating to Redmond WA should know. 

• Population of Redmond Washington: 65,558 as of 2019. 
• Redmond WA demographics: the median age for residents in Redmond is 34.5 years old with a median household income of around $125,000. 
• Redmond Washington climate: the climate is much the same as Seattle and Bellevue, seeing an average of 155 days of sunshine per year and an average of 162 days of precipitation annually. 
• Commuting from Redmond WA: the distance between Seattle and Redmond is 15 miles and the average commuting time is 22 minutes. Bellevue is slightly closer at just eight miles away and usually takes 15-18 minutes to commute to from Redmond.  

Cost Of Living Redmond WA

The next important factor to consider before relocating is the average Redmond WA cost of living. 

The average cost of living in Redmond WA takes into account a number of factors. These include: 

• Average home price in Redmond WA: according to Zillow, the average home price in Redmond WA is $982,874. 
• Cost of utilities in Redmond WA: the average cost of basic utilities (electricity, water, garbage, and heating) in Redmond is $132 according to Numbeo.com. 
• Cost of groceries in Redmond Washington: the average cost of a loaf of bread will run you around $2.70 while a gallon of milk will cost you about $3. A dozen eggs will set you back $2.60 and a bottle of wine will cost you around $15. 
• Cost of public transportation in Redmond: local transportation costs around $2.75 for a one-way ticket. 

Things To Do In Redmond WA

What are some of the best Redmond WA attractions and fun things to do in Redmond WA? Fortunately for soon-to-be residents, there is no shortage of Redmond places to visit. 

Redmond Washington boasts good food, friendly people, abundant coffee shops, and great shopping opportunities. 

Continue reading for our list of tops places to visit in and around Redmond. 

Places To Visit Near Redmond WA

• Redmond City Center. Redmond Town Center is a shopping mall with abundant department stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. 
• Redmond WA City Hall. Redmond’s City Hall often hosts events during the summer months, so make sure to check City Hall’s events calendar to keep up with what’s going on in the community. 
• Redmond WA farmers market. Redmond Saturday Market is a weekly farmers’ market that runs every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
• Redmond WA coffee shops. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, visit SoulFood CoffeeHouse, Mercurys Coffee Co., and Down Pour Coffee Bar to get a taste of Redmond’s coffee scene. 
• Redmond nightlife. Some of the best Redmond nightlife options include Three Lions Pub, Eastside Beerworks, and Malt and Vine. 

Things To Do In Redmond WA With Kids

If you are relocating to the Redmond area with kiddos, here are four suggestions for things to do with kids:

1. K1 Speed (indoor activities such as go-karts).
2. Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park
3. Marymoor Park
4. FLEE Escape Game

Real Estate Redmond Washington

When it comes to Redmond WA real estate, there are a variety of different sites that list both apartments and houses for rent or sale. 

Some of the places to look for apartments or homes include:

• Zillow 
• Apartments.com 
• Apartmentfinder.com 
• Redfin.com 
• Realtor.com 
• Trulia.com 
• Elevation apartments Redmond WA

Relocating To Redmond WA Soon?

If you’re planning your relocation to Redmond WA, get the moving assistance that you deserve by contacting On The Go Moving today. 

Our moving professionals offer a wide range of relocation services including packing, labor-only services, transportation, and storage. 

To learn more about our relocation services in Redmond WA, get in touch with On The Go Moving today. 

Bonus: Redmond is Home to On the Go Moving and Storage

If you’re moving, you’ll need someone to handle your household with care, but without breaking the bank. That’s what On the Go Moving and Storage is all about.

Started in Bellevue in 2006, and now serving Seattle and the surrounding area, we have many years of combined experience in the industry. We’ve earned a reputation for putting you – the customer – first. If you need professional and courteous moving or Redmond storage services, request a quote today.