Redmond, WA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Redmond, WA: What You Need to Know

Redmond, located in northwestern Washington, would have remained a Seattle suburb in most people’s minds if not for Microsoft putting the city on the map in 1986. 

Job Opportunities

Redmond is a small city (population: 71,929) that packs a big economic punch, thanks to the presence of a number of technology, aerospace, and biomedical companies. Microsoft, worth $1 trillion, is the city’s largest company with 38,657 employees. Other top employers include Terex Washington & USA (2,136 employees), Lake Washington School District (1,512 employees), and Nintendo of America (953 employees), which established its headquarters in 1982.

Local History

Redmond was originally called Salmonberg upon its establishment in 1871 for the abundant salmon in the Sammamish River. The name was changed to Melrose in 1881 after Melrose House, the inn owned by Warren Perrigo, one of the area’s early settlers. Luke McRedmond, another early settler, petitioned to have the name changed to Redmond in 1883 after he became the town’s first postmaster. Redmond thrived as an agricultural, fishing, and logging area. By the 1920s, virgin forests were exhausted, ending the logging heyday.

Cost of Living

Economic opportunities abound in Redmond, but it’s not a cheap place to live. Its cost of living rate is 35.6% higher than the national average. Food and housing costs are also steep – 8% and 34.1% higher than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Redmond is $1,855. New to Washington? The good news is, it has no personal income tax. The bad news, its sales tax rate of 7% to 10.5% is among the highest in the country.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Redmond, just 14 miles northeast of downtown Seattle, is known for its excellent schools and first-class amenities. 50% of city residents rent. Other Seattle suburbs that are attracting a lot of newcomers include Bellevue and Sammamish, both with superb schools. Residents praise the beautiful scenery and strong sense of community in Sammamish. Bellevue gets kudos for its clean and safe environment.

Local Culture

When you enter Redmond, there’s a sign touting the city as The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest. It’s partly because of a long-standing annual bicycle race called Derby Days, dating back to 1939.  Today the race is held every July in conjunction with a Bike Decorating Parade, a 5K race, and an art show. Redmond has bike lanes on both sides of the road in about 33 miles of streets, and it celebrates an annual Bike-to-Work Day.