About Redmond

Redmond is the eighth most populous city in King County and the seventeenth most populous city in the State of Washington, with a residential population of approximately 77,490 in 2023 (Source: Office of Financial Management). It encompasses an area of over 17.14 square miles and is located less than 20 miles east of downtown Seattle at the north end of Lake Sammamish. The city prides itself for its high quality of life with good schools, a healthy economic base, a parks system that provides a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities, diverse offerings for shopping and dining, safe neighborhoods, and an emphasis on quality development and protection of the natural environment. 

Park System

Redmond’s park system consists of 37 developed and 10 undeveloped parks on over 1,358 acres and 39 miles of developed trails. Facilities range from community, neighborhood, and resource parks to undeveloped open space, beautification areas, and gathering places. They include a waterfront park on Lake Sammamish (Idylwood), a wildlife preserve known as the Redmond Watershed, and a farm with equestrian facilities at Farrel-McWhirter Park. Recreation programs provide learning, socializing, and entertainment opportunities for preschoolers through senior adults and an active cultural arts scene. Facilities include a teen center, a community center, and two log cabins at Anderson Park, as well as a new senior and community center anticipated to open in mid-2024. In addition, King County operates numerous trail connections with Redmond’s system and points beyond.

Center of Technology

The city is well known as a center of technology and the location for a number of nationally known high-tech companies. Among these are Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Amazon Kuiper, Meta, Astronics, and Stryker. Redmond Town Center, a large Downtown, open-air retail center, offers numerous shops, restaurants, movie theaters, special events, and live performances by a repertory theatre company and other arts-related groups.  

Increasing Diversity

As Redmond continues to evolve into a thriving city of increasing diversity, it seeks to promote its sense of community through programs designed to celebrate its heritage, enhance its neighborhoods, and preserve its historical and natural treasures. 

Education

With 57 schools and more than 30,000 students, Lake Washington School District, the school district for the cities of Redmond, Kirkland and about half of the city of Sammamish, is the second largest school district in the state. It is also a reflection of the community it serves, generally upper middle class and technology-comfortable. Student scores on standardized tests are well-above the state average in all areas. The district’s vision is “Every student future ready: Prepared for college; Prepared for the global workplace; Prepared for personal success.”