80,512
Population
Sunny Days: 255
71100 Affordability
85100 Schools
75100 Diversity
85100 Safety
Climate best by government test (don't judge a city by it's slogan)
Redwood City, California
Ranch of the Fleas
Credit: ourtesy of nstanev - Fotolia.com
The Best Thing About Redwood City?
Location, Location, Location
It's extremely hard to beat Redwood City’s location. It’s smack dab in the middle of the peninsula so you’re roughly midway between San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south. If you commute to the south bay for work but want to be close to San Francisco this is ideal and if you need to fly a lot you’re just 15 minutes from SFO. You’re also right in between the two peninsula bridges to the east bay so heading to Oakland or the Sierra’s or Lake Tahoe is as easy as it gets from the west side of the water. You’re also right on the San Francisco Bay so water sports and views are right in your neighborhood.
One additional note about the location: Redwood City is just south of the fog belt so it’s as sunny as you can get and still be close to San Francisco.
The Worst Thing About Redwood City?
The Architecture
This is a tricky one. Many people love new homes and apartment buildings - less upkeep and repairs to wrestle with. There is however something antiseptic about cities like Redwood City where a majority of the housing was built in the last couple decades. Everything is new but that newness comes with a lack of history and architectural character. If you can look past the absence of old Victorians and gothic buildings you’ll be fine.
Lifestyle of Redwood City
While there are young professionals in Redwood City the bulk of the population is made up of families. For that community the city is pretty idyllic. For starters you have two wonderful parks: Stafford Park which is awesome, with playgrounds and sports fields and plenty of room for the doggos to play. Stafford is also host to the summer Music in the Park series with Swing, Soul, Blues and more offered every Wednesday night.
Magical Bridge Playground is the true gem though. Heralded as the most innovative and inclusive playground in the country it is designed to be provide safe and accessible play spaces for everyone, including though with physical or cognitive disabilities. You can’t do better for parks in the Bay Area.
There’s also tons of sport activities for families including the beloved La Petite Baleen swim school along with all the usual kiddo sports leagues. The area is also filled with outdoor options, especially great hiking trails including Bair island, Edgewood Park and Purisma Preserve -- all close and all unique. You’re also just a short drive to Half Moon Bay, a stunning coastal town with world-class golf and beach play.
Finally, Redwood City has a small but growing commercial district. It surrounds the Caltrain station and plays host to concerts, art shows and festivals throughout the year. There’s also a movie theater and a couple dozen good and eclectic dining choices. It isn’t a major city center but there’s enough to do to keep busy most days and nights when you don’t have the verve to get up to San Francisco or down to San Jose.
Schools of Redwood City
The Redwood City elementary school district gets a B grade on niche.com. That’s lower than many of the surrounding wealthier cities but also better than some. Several of the elementary and middle schools do get A’s so if you are particular about how your kid’s schools perform on standardized tests then just keep an eye on the neighborhood. The high schools are a different matter. They are part of the Sequoia Union High School District and they rate an A+. Redwood High School is not the highest rated among the options but Sequoia and Carlmont both get A’s and are considered among the best in the county.
Why You Should Move Here Now?
A Young Family’s Paradise
If you’re a young family with a job(s) on the peninsula you could hardly do better than Redwood City. The housing is “reasonable” by Bay Area cost standards, you get sunny days, great parks and outdoor experiences, and a small but spunky downtown social scene. Seriously, if you can afford the housing it’s a great option.
Living in Redwood City
Neighborhoods in Redwood City
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Downtown
Young Professionals/DINKs/SINKs
Downtown is the city's core. It is the center of nightlife in the area and as the Caltrain stop for the area it also is a convenient place for commuters to meet after work. Most importantly for those considering a move here, it has the best mix of apartments, condos and some smaller single family homes for those who want a walk to a night out, to your train-ride to work, and an overall feeling you haven’t given up on an active social life. Check out buildings like 201 Marshall if you want to live a short walk to the train and the local restaurant/bar scene.
Redwood Shores
Families
Redwood Shores is an upscale neighborhood, located along the eastern edge of Redwood City and right on the San Francisco Bay. It is known for its beautiful waterfront properties, including large single-family homes and fancier, amenity-filled apartment complexes. The area is more expensive than the rest of the city you there’s plenty of upper-middle-class and affluent locals crave proximity to the bay and a very quiet vibe.
North Fair Oaks
Families
North Fair Oaks is an unincorporated neighborhood just north of downtown and one of the more diverse and culturally rich areas around. NFO and the nearby area of Redwood City are often referred to by locals as Little Mexico because of the dominance of culture and community from a particular state in Mexico and the large Latino population in general. There are plenty of housing options in the area with lots of single family homes and relatively inexpensive apartment complex options. The area also has plenty of restaurants, including great Mexican, Vietnamese and Salvadoran options.
Woodside Plaza
Families
Woodside Plaza is a family-oriented neighborhood, located towards the northwest of Redwood City. It features primarily single-family homes and townhouses, making it an attractive choice for families looking for a suburban lifestyle. The neighborhood has several parks, schools, and community amenities, creating a family-friendly environment. There are some small commercial areas with shops and services serving the local residents.