Welcome to Redmond
A friendly, flourishing community with a bright future
A 15-mile drive from downtown Seattle leads to Redmond, Washington, the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.” This friendly community underwent an expansion in the ‘90s and has continued to boom well into the 21st century with the addition of several new retail centers. Residents of Redmond benefit from close proximity to inner Seattle, scenic mountains and forests of the Pacific Northwest, parks, golf courses, and many lakes. Despite being so close to the wild and free great outdoors, locals enjoy modern conveniences such as a bustling Town Center and many large name-brand stores located close by.
According to local archaeologists, Native Americans lived in Redmond as far back as 10,000 years ago, with the first European settlers arriving toward the end of the 19th century. The great forests and nearby waters created a high number of fishing and logging jobs. A hundred years later, Redmond developed into a flourishing Seattle suburb experiencing rapid growth and high popularity. Microsoft moved its headquarters to the region in 1986 and is still the largest employer in town, providing locals with secure, high-paying jobs. With the ever-growing expansion of technology, community, and amenities, the future in Redmond is very bright.
What to Love
- Redmond has recently experienced rapid growth, with the addition of several majorly convenient shopping centers and larger, nationally-recognized brands setting up locations in town
- Redmond is also not far from the staggering beauty of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and many large national forests
- Redmond is home to a number of major tech companies, like Microsoft and Nintendo
- Downtown Seattle is just 15 miles away, making commutes to the city easy
Local Lifestyle
Most Redmond residents would simply say their lives are convenient and comfortable. Redmond Town Center, situated in the heart of downtown, is a lively gathering spot containing over 110 shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, and more. Most errands can be taken care of without having to stray too far away from home. For more leisurely days off, locals enjoy spending time at Marymoor Park. With an off-leash area for dogs, this sprawling 684-acre compound features rock climbing walls, soccer fields, and hosts seasonal concerts and drive-in movie nights. Other relaxing days around town can be spent on the golf course or exploring one of northwestern Washington’s many trails or biking paths.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Redmond Town Center is one of greater Seattle’s most popular destinations for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Consisting of over 110 different establishments, the Town Center also hosts various events throughout the year like visits with Santa, live street mural paintings, and classic car shows.
One of Redmond Town Center’s most popular eateries can be found at Zio Sal. The owner and head chef was born and raised in Italy, then moved to the United States in 1986, where he realized his passion to bring authentic Italian cuisine stateside. He opened his first restaurant in 1991, then Zio Sal in 2019. Since then, Zio Sal has been serving up casual and comforting favorites, like tortellini, calamari, and Margherita pizza. Most of their ingredients are imported from Italy, including their extensive offering of vintage wines.
There is much more to Redmond than the Town Center. Locals enjoy spending time in the scenic, great outdoors and The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge is one of the best places to do just that. This pristine 18-hole championship course was designed by celebrated golf course architect Gary Panks. Practice greens and lessons are also available, along with fine dining at Crooked Spoon, the club’s on-site restaurant.
Things To Do
Residents of the greater Seattle area have access to some of the best PNW produce, and Redmond’s Saturday Market is one of the most popular places to find the freshest options available. Every May-October since 1976, visitors have flocked to the market for just-picked fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and jellies, arts and crafts, home decor, flowers, candles, and so much more. Other popular summer activities are held at Marymoor Park. Old-fashioned drive-in movies are popular, along with their annual seasonal concert series. Some recent headlining acts include The Barenaked Ladies, Gin Blossoms, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, and Kacey Musgraves.
Schools
Redmond residents are afforded some of the best educational opportunities in the city. One top campus in the neighborhood can be found at:
- Cascadia Elementary School, kindergarten-5th grade; CES is an HCC (Highly Capable Cohort) campus, providing resources for high-performing students in 1st-5th grades
