Redmond, Washington is a city located in King County and is known for its beautiful scenery and proximity to Seattle. With a population of over 72,000 people, Redmond is a diverse and welcoming community that offers many amenities for families. However, the question remains: is Redmond, Washington good for families?

According to Niche, Redmond is ranked as one of the best places to live in Washington. The city received an A+ rating for being good for families, as well as an A rating for diversity. Additionally, Redmond offers a variety of public schools that have received high grades from Niche. These factors make Redmond an attractive option for families looking to settle down in the Seattle area. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Family-Friendly Environment

Redmond, Washington is a great place for families to live and grow. The city offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of families. Here are some of the reasons why Redmond is considered a family-friendly environment.

Safety

Safety is a top priority for families, and Redmond takes this seriously. The city has a low crime rate, and the police department is responsive to community needs. Redmond also has an emergency management team that is prepared to handle any crisis that may arise. This gives families peace of mind knowing that they are living in a safe environment.

Education System

Redmond has an excellent education system that provides children with quality education. The Lake Washington School District serves the city, and it has received high ratings for its academic programs. The district has also implemented various programs that support the social and emotional well-being of students. This includes counseling services, mental health resources, and extracurricular activities.

Healthcare Facilities

Redmond has several healthcare facilities that cater to the needs of families. Overlake Medical Center is a leading hospital that provides a wide range of medical services. The hospital has a dedicated pediatric unit that specializes in the care of children. Additionally, Redmond has several clinics and medical offices that offer primary care services.

Overall, Redmond is a family-friendly environment that offers a safe community, excellent education system, and quality healthcare facilities. Families can enjoy a high quality of life in this city.

Recreation and Activities

Parks and Playgrounds

Redmond is a family-friendly city with plenty of parks and playgrounds for children to enjoy. One of the most popular parks in Redmond is Marymoor Park, which offers a wide range of activities for families, including walking trails, bike paths, a playground, and a large off-leash dog park. Another great park for families is Farrel-McWhirter Park, which has a petting zoo, pony rides, and a playground.

Family Events

Redmond hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Redmond Lights festival, which takes place in December and features light displays, live entertainment, and food vendors. Another popular event is Derby Days, a summer festival that includes a parade, carnival rides, and a soapbox derby.

Outdoor Activities

Redmond is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities. Families can enjoy hiking and biking on the Sammamish River Trail, which runs through Redmond and connects to other trails in the area. For a more adventurous experience, families can visit the Redmond Watershed Preserve, which has over 800 acres of forest and offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails.

Overall, Redmond offers a variety of recreational activities for families to enjoy. With its parks, playgrounds, family events, and outdoor activities, Redmond is a great place for families to live and visit.

Cost of Living

Redmond, Washington is a beautiful city with a high cost of living. Families who are considering moving to Redmond must be aware of the high expenses in the city. In this section, we will discuss the cost of living in Redmond, Washington, and provide information on housing, groceries, and transportation.

Housing

Housing is the biggest expense in Redmond, Washington. The cost of housing in Redmond is 150% above the national average, at a median home price of $1,395,942. The average sales price per square foot is $464. Most homes sell for a significant amount over ask—around 3.7%. Families should expect to pay a premium for a home in Redmond. However, there are many beautiful neighborhoods in Redmond that are perfect for families.

Groceries

Groceries are another expense that families must consider when moving to Redmond. According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, groceries make up 11% of the cost of living in Redmond. Families should expect to pay slightly higher prices for groceries in Redmond, but there are many grocery stores to choose from. Families can save money by shopping at discount stores or buying in bulk.

Transportation

Transportation is another expense that families must consider when moving to Redmond. According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, transportation makes up 16% of the cost of living in Redmond. Families should expect to pay more for gas, insurance, and maintenance in Redmond. However, Redmond has excellent public transportation options, including buses and light rail. Families can save money by using public transportation or carpooling.

Overall, families who are considering moving to Redmond, Washington must be aware of the high cost of living in the city. Housing, groceries, and transportation are all more expensive in Redmond than in other cities. However, Redmond is a beautiful city with excellent schools and many amenities for families.

Community and Culture

Diversity

Redmond is a culturally diverse community, with over 46% of residents speaking a language other than English. This diversity is reflected in the city’s many restaurants, shops, and festivals. Families can enjoy a wide variety of cultural experiences, including music, dance, and food from around the world.

Community Events

Redmond offers many community events throughout the year, making it easy for families to get involved and meet new people. The city hosts a weekly farmers market during the summer, where families can buy fresh produce and enjoy live music. In addition, Redmond has several annual festivals, including the Redmond Arts Festival and the Derby Days celebration. These events provide opportunities for families to connect with their neighbors and learn more about their community.

Overall, Redmond’s community and culture make it a great place for families to live. The city’s diversity and community events provide opportunities for families to learn about and experience different cultures, while also connecting with their neighbors.

Career Opportunities

Redmond, Washington is home to some of the biggest tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Nintendo of America. This makes it a hub for technology and innovation, providing plenty of job opportunities for residents. In fact, there are over 35,000 job openings in Redmond as of 2023, with an average salary of $84,000.

Microsoft is the largest employer in Redmond, with over 50,000 employees working in the company’s headquarters. The company offers a wide range of job opportunities, including software engineering, program management, and marketing. Amazon also has a significant presence in Redmond, with over 5,000 employees working in the company’s cloud computing division.

Apart from the tech giants, Redmond also has a thriving small business community, with over 1,000 registered businesses in the city. These businesses provide a range of job opportunities, from retail and hospitality to healthcare and education.

Redmond is also home to Lake Washington Institute of Technology, which offers a variety of technical and vocational programs. The college has partnerships with local businesses, providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience and job opportunities after graduation.

Overall, Redmond offers a diverse range of career opportunities for residents, from entry-level positions to senior-level management roles. With its thriving tech industry and small business community, Redmond is an ideal place for those looking to start or advance their careers in various fields.

Conclusion

Overall, Redmond, Washington is a great place for families to live. With its diverse and welcoming community, great schools, and access to green spaces and entertainment, it offers a high quality of life for residents.

One of the standout features of Redmond is its excellent schools. The city is served by the Lake Washington School District, which consistently ranks among the top districts in the state. This means that families can be confident that their children will receive a quality education.

In addition to its top-notch schools, Redmond also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city is home to a number of parks and trails, including the popular Marymoor Park, which offers 640 acres of open space, sports fields, and a velodrome.

Another advantage of living in Redmond is its proximity to Seattle. While Redmond itself has a more suburban feel, it’s just a short drive or bus ride to the city, where families can enjoy world-class museums, restaurants, and cultural events.

Of course, like any city, Redmond has its drawbacks. The cost of living is higher than the national average, and housing can be expensive. However, for families who can afford it, Redmond offers an excellent quality of life that is hard to beat.