Redwood City CA is one of the best places to consider moving to if you are looking for a peaceful city in the San Francisco Bay Area. Redwood City is a city in the heart of Silicon Valley, and home to the only deepwater port in the South Bay.
It is home to major tech employers minutes away, a lively downtown, and a range of housing options. Redwood City draws professionals, families, and anyone wanting Bay Area access without the density of San Francisco or San Jose.
Redwood City offers a strong job access to major employers like Oracle and Electronic Arts. The city also includes access to a central Peninsula location on the San Francisco Bay, and some of the most reliable weather in the entire Bay Area.
However, there are also some significant trade-offs, especially the high housing and overall living expenses compared to the national averages.
Trust our experienced Redwood City movers to make your relocation effortless and efficient. Call 650-284-2931 today for a free, customized moving quote.
Where Is Redwood City?
Redwood City, CA is a city 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, San Carlos, and neighboring Menlo Park. El Camino Real and US Highway 101 run through the city, and I-280 is close by, offering easy access to the surrounding cities and other parts of the state.
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Redwood City is 26 miles or a 40-minute drive from San Francisco and 23 miles or a 34-minute drive from San Jose.
Pros and Cons of Living in Redwood City California
The following table sums up the pros and cons of living in Redwood City California:
| Pros of Living in Redwood City | Cons of Living in Redwood City |
| Mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and little temperature extremes | Very high cost of living |
| Central Peninsula location with Caltrain, US-101, El Camino Real, and I-280 access | Median home prices around $2.0 million |
| Strong job market anchored by Oracle, Electronic Arts, Box, and other tech employers | Average apartment rent near $3,500-$4,000 per month |
| Walkable, revitalized downtown with dining, the Fox Theatre, and events | Competitive housing market with limited inventory |
| Broadly safe, with total crime below the national average | Property and traffic congestion are common |
Redwood City Population & Demographics
The population of Redwood City was 84,292, according to the 2020 census. It offers a good mix of urban and suburban living with a population density of 4,291.1 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 37.5%, which is 1.4 times higher than the rest of California but on par with the rest of the Bay area.
What Is the Racial Makeup of Redwood City, CA?
The racial and ethnic breakdown of Redwood City is 38% white, 37% Hispanic, 17% Asian, 2% Black or African American,, and 6% two or more races.
Other Redwood City Demographics
Some of the other key Redwood City demographics are:
- The median age is 37.8 years old
- The population is approximately 50% male and 50% female
- The median household income is $178,188 (well above the statewide average)
- The average commute time is 24.8 minutes, lower than the rest of the Bay Area
Source: CensusReporter
Is Redwood City Safe?
Redwood City is a relatively safe place to live. According to the most recent FBI data, the total crime rate is 2,092 incidents per 100,000 residents. That makes it 18.4% safer than the rest of California and 1.3% lower than the rest of the United States.
Violent crime include homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault while property crim in Redwood is mainly larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and, less frequently, burglary
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Redwood City Crime Rate Comparison Per 100,000 People |
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| Redwood City | California | National | |
| Overall crime rate | 2,092 | 2,564 | 2,119 |
| Violent crime rate | 472 | 486 | 359 |
| Homicide rate | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Property crime rate | 1,620 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
Local policing is handled by the Redwood City Police Department. In short, most of the crime that does occur in Redwood City is property-related, while serious violence is rare.
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What is the 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 (COLI) for the San Francisco-Redwood City metro area is 194.1. That means the cost of living in Redwood City is 94.1% more expensive than the rest of the United States.
Another good way to understand the cost of relocating to 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 annual income of $245,257 to afford to live comfortably in San Mateo County, which also includes Redwood City.
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
Redwood City Homes for Sale and Rent
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 $1.98 million, and homes typically sell after just 11 days on the market. The average price per square foot of houses for sale in Redwood City is $1,210, which is up by 5.8% since last year.
Tenants will also find plenty of options when it comes to Redwood City CA apartments for rent as about 52% of Redwood City real estate is owner-occupied while renters occupy 48%. The average rent in Redwood City, CA, is $3,787 per month. Rental 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.
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Redwood City, CA Weather
Another advantage of moving to Redwood City, CA is the amazing weather. The weather is so celebrated that the city slogan declares “Climate Best by Government Test.”
According to the Koppen climate classification system, the Redwood City, CA climate is mild Mediterranean, with roughly 255 sunny days a year 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.
Things to Do in Redwood City
Residents will find a wide array of 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 natural preserve with 467 acres of grasslands and woodlands. It is about 10 miles of trails and provides great opportunities for 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, housed in the historic county courthouse with its landmark stained-glass dome. 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
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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
What Are the Best 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
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, with especially strong demand for roles in software engineering and data science. Several technology startups are headquartered in the city, including Oracle, Electronic Arts, Evernote, Box and Informatica, GoFundMe, Shutterfly, and more. Hence, you can get many high-paying jobs within the city as well. According to Payscale, the average salary for an employee in Redwood City is about $121,000 per year or about $34.28 per hour.
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
- 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 #344 in California and #2,510 nationally, according to US News & 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!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Redwood City
Is Redwood City Expensive to Live In?
Yes. Redwood City is significantly more expensive than the national average with the cost of living estimated to be about 150% higher than the US national average. Moreover, the median home prices in Redwood City are around $2.0 million and rent can reach up to $4,000 per month.
What County Is Redwood City In?
Redwood City is the county seat of San Mateo County, California. It sits on the San Francisco Peninsula, directly on the San Francisco Bay, which is roughly 27 miles south of San Francisco and 24 miles northwest of San Jose.
Is Redwood City a Wealthy Area?
Redwood City is relatively affluent. The median household income is about $178,188, well above the California and national medians. It reflects Redwood City’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley and proximity to major tech employers like Oracle and Electronic Arts.
What Is Redwood City Known For?
Redwood City is known as the county seat of San Mateo County and a Silicon Valley tech hub. It has the headquarters of many giant corporations like Oracle, Electronic Arts, and Box. Redwood City is also recognized for its sunny climate, the historic Fox Theatre, a deepwater port on San Francisco Bay, and a lively, walkable downtown.
How Far Is Redwood City From San Francisco?
Redwood City is about 26 to 27 miles south of San Francisco, which is roughly a 40-minute drive via US-101, depending on traffic. Caltrain also connects Redwood City to both San Francisco and San Jose, which makes it a practical base for Peninsula commuters.
How Walkable Is Redwood City?
Redwood City has a Walk Score of 62, which means “somewhat walkable.” You can run many errands on foot, especially downtown and in older neighborhoods near Broadway.
Does Redwood City Have Public Transportation?
Yes. Redwood City sits on the Caltrain line, with a downtown station linking riders north to San Francisco and south to San Jose. This is a great practical setup for Peninsula commuters. SamTrans runs local and regional buses across the city and San Mateo County.
Planning Your Next Big Step? Contact Us for a Free Quote
Ready to relocate to this exciting city in the San Francisco Bay? Redwood City is one of the most sought-after Peninsula destinations for people moving to the Bay Area.
Trust our experienced Redwood City movers to make your relocation effortless. Trust our experienced Redwood City movers to make your relocation effortless and efficient. Call 650-284-2931 today for a free, customized moving quote.
