Considering a relocation to a peaceful city in the San Francisco Bay area? You should think about moving to Redwood City, CA. Redwood City is a city on the San Francisco peninsula in the heart of Silicon Valley. It was originally inhabited by the Ohlone Native American tribe, who used it as a lumber port.
It gets its name from the Redwood trees that grow in the area. It was later settled by the Spanish, who built missions in the area, and it was officially incorporated in 1867, making it the first official city in San Mateo County. Today, Redwood City is a good place to live, offering amazing weather, a central location, and plenty of job opportunities.
Table of Contents
Where Is Redwood City?
Redwood City, CA is in San Mateo County in Northern California, situated south of San Francisco but northwest of San Jose. It is also the county seat of San Mateo County and is located directly on the San Francisco Bay. Surrounding communities include North Fair Oak, Atherton, Woodside, Emerald Hills, and San Carlos. El Camino Real and US Route 101 run through the city, and I-280 is close by, offering easy access to the surrounding cities and other parts of the state.
Redwood City is 26 miles or a 40-minute drive from San Francisco and 23 miles or a 34-minute drive from San Jose.
Redwood City Population & Demographics
The population of Redwood City is 84,292, according to the 2020 census. It’s a small city with a unique culture and thriving downtown that attracts residents from all over, and the population has grown by 9.2% since 2010. It offers a good mix of urban and suburban living with a population density of 4,359.3 residents per square mile. In fact, it’s attracted a large number of famous residents, including actor Bela Lugosi and NFL wide receiver Davante Adams.
It’s a very diverse community with a foreign-born population of 31.5%, which is 20% higher than the rest of California but on par with the rest of the Bay area. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 50.9% white (41.1% non-Hispanic), 35.3% Hispanic, 16.3% Asian, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American or Pacific Islander, and 11.2% two or more races.
Other Redwood City Demographics
- The median age is 37.6 years old
- The population is 51% male and 49% female
- The median household income is $145,128 (52% higher than the statewide average)
- The average commute time is 25.7 minutes, which is 25% lower than the rest of the Bay area
Redwood City is very safe. The total crime rate is 1,927 incidents per 100,000 residents. That makes it 25.3% safer than the rest of California and 17.9% lower than the rest of the United States. The violent crime rate is even lower at 215 crimes per 100,000 people, meaning it is 51.4% safer than other areas of California and 44.6% safer than the rest of the country. Even property crime is fairly low at 1,712 incidents per 100,000 residents, or 20% lower than the state and 12.6% lower than the country.
View this post on Instagram
Cost of Living in Redwood City
Being in the Bay Area, living in Redwood City, CA is not exactly the most affordable, but it does offer a high quality of life for your money. The cost of living index shows how expensive an area is compared to the national average, which is represented by 100. The COLI for the San Francisco-Redwood City metro area is 194.1. That means the Redwood City, CA, cost of living is 94.1% more expensive than the rest of the United States.
Another good way to understand the cost of living in Redwood City, CA is to use the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute. It states that the average family of four with two adults and two children would require an income of $172,888 to afford to live comfortably in Redwood City. So moving to Redwood City, CA, is not cheap, but it does offer economic opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, and the buying power of the average resident is also higher than other places.
Typical Redwood City Living Expenses
- Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: $125
- Imported beer: $7
- Cappuccino: $5.17
- Loaf of bread: $1.99
- Monthly metro pass: $74.00
- Average Redwood City monthly utility bill: $249
Source: Numbeo
The high value of Redwood City, CA real estate significantly contributes to the cost of living. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Redwood City is $1.95 million. The average price per square foot of houses for sale in Redwood City is $1,050, which is up by 5.7% since last year.
Tenants will also find plenty of options as about 55% of Redwood City real estate is owner-occupied while tenants occupy 45%. The average rent in Redwood City, CA, is $3,447 per month. Prices start at $2,000 for a studio and go up to $6,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Redwood City Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Redwood City
Moving to Redwood City, CA, means you will have your pick of many fantastic neighborhoods ranging from spacious suburban cul-de-sacs to hip, urban enclaves. Here are the best places to live in Redwood City.
Redwood Shores | An Upscale Redwood City Neighborhood on the Bay
Redwood Shores is a prestigious neighborhood located on a small peninsula directly on the San Francisco Bay. Several technology startups are headquartered in the neighborhood, and it offers breathtaking views and plenty of parks and walking trails.
Mount Carmel | A Walkable Redwood City Neighborhood in a Central Location
Situated in El Camino Real in the heart of Redwood City, Mount Carmel is a walkable suburban neighborhood offering great schools and easy access to downtown.
Edgewood Park | A Peaceful Neighborhood with Ample Green Space
Edgewood Park is a small residential neighborhood straddling the eponymous 476-acre park that is home to some of Redwood City’s largest and most sought-after homes.
View this post on Instagram
Redwood City, CA Weather
Another advantage of moving to Redwood City, CA is the amazing weather. Redwood, CA weather never gets too hot or too cold thanks to its location on the San Francisco Bay. According to the Koppen climate classification system, the Redwood City, CA climate is mild Mediterranean, indicating warm, dry summers and cool winters. The temperature typically ranges from 78°F to 43°F, although it can get down to 36°F and as hot as 89°F.
The best time to visit Redwood City is late June to late September. The warm climate means there is no snow. But it gets a fair amount of rain and averages about 23 inches of rainfall annually. So anyone planning on moving to Redwood City, CA should bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Redwood City
Residents will find many fun things to do in Redwood City, CA, from museums to nature preserves. You can head down to the Marketplace at Redwood Shores, Marsh Manor Shopping Center, or Peninsula Boardwalk for shopping. Beyond shopping, here are a few other Redwood City attractions.
Edgewood National Park and Nature Preserve
The Edgewood National Park and Nature Preserve is a popular destination with 467 acres of land to explore that offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and educational programs.
10 Old Stage Coach Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062 (650) 368-6283
San Mateo County History Museum
The San Mateo County History Museum is an institution dedicated to telling the complete story of the Peninsula. It features artifacts and exhibits on everything from the earliest inhabitants to the founding of Silicon Valley.
2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 299-0104
View this post on Instagram
Fox Theatre
Fox Theater is a historic event space and concert venue that opened in 1928. With a wide variety of musical acts and special events, it’s one of the best things to do in Redwood City, CA on a weekend.
2215 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 369-7770
More Redwood City Attractions
Redwood City, CA Restaurants
Redwood City also has an amazing culinary scene with everything from upscale steakhouses to Mediterranean cuisine. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Redwood City, CA.
Vino Santo
Vino Santo is a relaxed Italian eatery serving classic dishes like Salmon Piccata and Risotto in a refined setting with an extensive wine list.
2030 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 780-0793
Harry’s Hofbrau
Harry’s Hofbrau is a small northern California chain serving traditional American food in a welcoming setting. If you’re looking for classic diner food like a pastrami sandwich on rye or rotisserie chicken with steamed vegetables cooked to perfection, it’s one of the top Redwood City CA restaurants.
1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 366-3733
View this post on Instagram
Timber and Salt
Timber and Salt is a popular steakhouse in the heart of downtown, serving comfort food and craft cocktails, making it the best Redwood City restaurant for a night on the town.
881 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 362-3777
Jobs in Redwood City
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, residents will find plenty of high-paying jobs in Redwood City, CA. Several technology startups are headquartered in the city, including Oracle, Electronic Arts, Evernote, Box and Informatica, GoFundMe, Shutterfly, and more.
The City of Redwood City 2020 Financial Report indicates that the largest employers in Redwood City are:
- Oracle Corporation: 5,184 employees
- County of San Mateo: 2,470 employees
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics: 2,300 employees
- Box.com, INC: 1,685 employees
- Auris Surgical Robotics: 1,533 employees
Beyond technology, residents will find plenty of high-paying Redwood City jobs in healthcare, education, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The local government also has plenty of high-paying Redwood City job opportunities as well. According to Payscale, the average salary for an employee in Redwood City is $113,000 per year.
Redwood City Schools
The middle schools and elementary schools in Redwood City CA are mainly operated by the Redwood City School District. However, The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District serves the neighborhood of Redwood Shores as well as the nearby city of Belmont. High Schools in Redwood City, CA are operated by the Sequoia Union High School District, which also covers several other communities in San Mateo County.
Sequoia High School is located in downtown Redwood City. Considered one of the best Bay Area high schools, it ranks at #44 in the San Francisco area and #231 in all of California, according to US News and World Report. Other Redwood City CA high schools include Summit Preparatory Charter High School, Everest Public High School, and the alternative school, Redwood High School.
Cañada College, a small state community college, is also located in Redwood City. Plus, you will find several private schools in Redwood City, including Wherry Academy and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. Any residents living in Redwood City, CA can also ally for a library card with the Peninsula Library System and stop by one of the three locations in the area: Downtown, Redwood Shores, and Schaberg.
Redwood City Statistics & Information
- Redwood City County: San Mateo County
- Redwood City area: 34.74 sq mi
- Redwood City CA zip code: 94059, 94061–94065
- Redwood City area code: 650
- Redwood City elevation: 20 ft
- Redwood City time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Closest airport to Redwood City: The San Francisco Airport (SFO) is 15 miles away
Redwood City Map
Explore more interesting things to do in the Redwood City zip code with this map!
Ready to relocate to this exciting city in the San Francisco Bay? Trust our experienced Redwood City movers to make your relocation effortless and efficient. Call 650-284-2931 today for a free, customized moving quote.
![Redwood City Cost of Living [2023] 💰 Redwood City Utilities, Rent, Home Prices & More (1)](https://bekinsmovingservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Redwood-City-Cost-of-Living-2023-💰-Redwood-City-Utilities-Rent-Home-Prices-More-1-300x169.jpg)
