Quick answer: Redmond is an Eastside city best known as the home of Microsoft’s headquarters. It combines strong Lake Washington School District schools, large parks such as Marymoor, and Sound Transit light rail on the 2 Line. As of September 30, 2026, Zillow put the typical Redmond home value at about $1.32 million, and the median listing price was about $1.1 million (about $580 per square foot) in October 2026, a figure pulled down by the large number of downtown condos and townhomes. Detached homes in popular areas such as Education Hill and Redmond Ridge commonly sell between about $1.3 million and $2 million.
Why Redmond is in such high demand
- Employment. Microsoft’s main campus is in Redmond, along with many other tech, gaming and aerospace companies. Living close cuts commute time sharply.
- Light rail. Sound Transit’s 2 Line serves Redmond Technology, Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond stations, linking them to Bellevue.
- Schools. Most of Redmond is in the Lake Washington School District, one of Washington’s top-rated districts.
- Outdoor life. Marymoor Park (640 acres, with its well-known off-leash dog area), the Sammamish River Trail and Redmond Watershed Preserve are minutes from most neighborhoods.
- Bike-friendly. Redmond calls itself the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest” and has an extensive trail network.
Redmond home prices in 2026
| Property type | Typical 2026 range | Where you’ll find it |
|---|---|---|
| Condo | ~$450K – $850K | Downtown Redmond, Overlake |
| Townhome | ~$850K – $1.4M | Downtown, Overlake, Bear Creek area |
| Single-family home | ~$1.3M – $2M | Education Hill, Grass Lawn, Redmond Ridge |
| Larger lots and newer luxury homes | $2M+ | Rose Hill border, Union Hill, Novelty Hill |
Sources: Zillow Home Value Index (Sep 2026), RexMont city report (Oct 2026), Northwest MLS. Ranges are approximate and vary by condition and lot.
Best Redmond neighborhoods for buyers
Downtown Redmond
Walkable condos and townhomes near Redmond Town Center, Downtown Park, the Redmond Central Connector trail and the Downtown Redmond light rail station. Ideal for car-light living.
Overlake and Idylwood
Closest to the Microsoft campus, with light rail at Redmond Technology Station and access to SR-520. Idylwood Park offers a beach on Lake Sammamish. This area has a large share of condos and townhomes.
Education Hill
A popular family neighborhood above downtown with established single-family homes, parks and nearby schools. It is often the first stop for buyers moving from apartments to houses.
Redmond Ridge and Trilogy
Master-planned communities northeast of the city with newer homes, trails and HOA amenities. Trilogy is an age-restricted (55+) community. Commutes are longer, but homes are newer and lots are often larger.
Grass Lawn and Willows-Rose Hill
West Redmond neighborhoods that border Kirkland, with a mix of mid-century homes and new construction, and quick access to Microsoft and SR-520.
Tips for tech professionals buying in Redmond
- Plan your down payment from RSUs early. Selling vested shares takes time and can affect your taxes. Talk to a tax advisor about timing, and keep proceeds in cash before you write offers.
- Use the right income documentation. Lenders treat base salary, bonus and RSU income differently. Bring two years of history if you want bonus or stock income counted.
- Consider commute by light rail. Homes within walking distance of a 2 Line station may hold value well as the network expands.
- Compare HOA costs. Townhomes and planned communities often have monthly dues that change your real budget.
- Confirm the school boundary. A few east and south Redmond addresses fall outside the Lake Washington district.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a house in Redmond, WA?
Zillow’s typical Redmond home value was about $1.32 million as of September 30, 2026. Condos start around the mid-$400Ks, and most detached homes in popular neighborhoods sell between about $1.3 million and $2 million.
Is Redmond a good place to buy a home?
For buyers who work at Microsoft or nearby tech companies, Redmond offers short commutes, light rail, highly rated schools and large parks. It is expensive, but demand from local employers has historically supported values.
Which neighborhoods are closest to the Microsoft campus?
Overlake, Idylwood and Grass Lawn are closest to Microsoft’s main campus. Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village are a short light rail ride away.
Does light rail go to Redmond?
Yes. Sound Transit’s 2 Line serves Redmond Technology, Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond stations and connects Redmond with Bellevue.
Is Redmond cheaper than Bellevue?
Yes, on average. Redmond’s typical home value of about $1.32 million is well below Bellevue’s median listing price of about $1.95 million, though some newer Redmond homes are priced similarly to Bellevue’s.
Buying near Microsoft?
Satish works with many tech-sector buyers and can help you compare neighborhoods, commute options and new construction across Redmond and the Eastside. Explore Redmond, see the buyer process, or book a consultation.
This article is general information, not tax or lending advice. Figures are from public sources as of October 2026 and are approximate.
