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Since the 1970s, Redmond has made itself a name as Washington鈥檚 leading technology hub. As of 2025, it remains home to some of the 麻豆AV鈥檚 largest software companies, making it an attractive destination for innovators, dreamers, and young professionals. Coupled with the city鈥檚 stunning park system, vibrant downtown, and overall quality of life, it is clear why Redmond鈥檚 population continues to grow, drawing people of all ages and backgrounds.

Moreover, Redmond's small-city charm gives it a significant advantage over Washington鈥檚 larger cities and smaller towns. As the saying goes, Redmond is neither too big nor too small, but just right. If you are seeking a unique blend of urban amenities, suburban charms, and rural scenes, this Washington town should definitely be on your radar in 2025.

Washington鈥檚 Fastest Growing City

Compared to its home state, Redmond takes the lead in population growth based on speed. While the State of Washington is still growing in size as of 2024, its growth appears to be slowing down. In April 2024鈥檚 population estimates, the state鈥檚 population increased by 1.05% from the previous year, welcoming 84,550 new Washingtonians. However, compared to population data from 2010 to 2020, population growth averages are slightly lower. While there are countless factors at play, it is largely linked to a decline in birth rates since 2017. However, Washington鈥檚 largest driver of population growth (net migration) also decreased in 2024, falling over 3,000 people lower than the previous year.

Despite this deceleration, the city of Redmond is growing faster than ever. As of 2023, the United States Census Bureau estimates that Redmond has a population of approximately 80,280 residents. Looking at the population percent change from April 2020 to July 2023, the city saw a 9.6% growth. If we look back further, the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program also shows a 20.08% population increase in Redmond from 2000 to 2010. This is more than double the rate of growth for the United States during that same decade, which was 9.63%.

Redmond Before the Boom

Long before it was a fast-growing technology hub, Redmond was known for its humble homestead beginnings. The community鈥檚 first settlers named it 鈥淪almonberg鈥� in 1871 due to the Sammamish River鈥檚 thriving salmon population. Soon after, logging became the town鈥檚 central industry, allowing the town to adopt saloons, hotels, and a stagecoach office.

In 1912, the town, renamed 鈥淩edmond鈥� after postmaster Luke McRedmond in 1882, officially incorporated itself. The village of 300 came to this decision out of a desire to tax its saloons and build a modern waterworks system. Soon after, the town鈥檚 growth took off, introducing more buildings to its downtown and a two-story schoolhouse to accommodate the new population.

Redmond鈥檚 logging industry floundered in the 1920s, eventually replaced by agriculture. With many relocating in search of jobs during the Depression, the community saw little growth. Decades later, in 1963, the construction of the Evergreen Point floating bridge led to an increase in Redmond鈥檚 residential and commercial development. The following decade, Redmond's journey toward high-technology industries emerged with Microsoft and Nintendo basing their headquarters there, marking the start of the city鈥檚 most significant chapter.

Why Redmond鈥檚 Population is Growing So Quickly

Despite being just 15 miles east of bustling Seattle, Redmond is not overshadowed by the Emerald City, instead offering its own stand-out features and attractions. The city鈥檚 rapid population growth is largely linked to its blend of urban and suburban charms, a diverse job market, and overall livability. In November of 2024, the Redmond City Council even gave nod to the Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which estimates the city鈥檚 population to sit at 128,400 by 2050. The blueprint is centered on 鈥渁 community vision that emphasizes equity, inclusion, sustainability, and resiliency.鈥�

For those looking to relocate to Redmond in 2025 and onward, the city is popular with young professionals, families, and retirees alike. It is especially favored by emerging professionals due to its diverse economic sectors. Retail, for instance, is amplified by attractions like the Redmond Town Center, a two-level center with more than 120 stores and 20 restaurants. The city鈥檚 main claim to fame, however, is its reputation as a technology center. Redmond boasts some of the country鈥檚 most significant high-tech firms, such as Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Oculus, Stryker, SpaceX, and Honeywell.

For families and retirees, Redmond shines for its liveability. In 2023, SmartAsset performed a study analyzing data for 275 small cities, naming Redmond the most livable small city in the United States. Based on metrics such as healthcare, employment, entertainment, and housing, Redmond came out on top, proving that bigger does not always mean better. SmartAsset notes that smaller cities like Redmond 鈥減rovide the best of both 麻豆AVs,鈥� balancing small-town charms with big-city amenities. For Redmond, this is especially true given its top-tier park system, allowing locals to enjoy a city lifestyle without sacrificing the great outdoors.

Best Parks and Outdoor Attractions in Redmond

Idylwood Beach Park

Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Sammamish, the 17-acre Idylwood Park is one of Redmond鈥檚 top locales in the warmer months. As the only place on Lake Sammamish offering free recreational access, more than 42,000 people visit the park each summer. Locals, however, have the advantage of proximity, allowing for laid-back morning and weekday beach days with smaller crowds.

In the summertime, the park鈥檚 swimming beach takes the spotlight along with its boat launch and fishing pier. For the remainder of the year, families love to use the park for its picnic shelters and large open green spaces. The playground, unfortunately, was damaged in a windstorm in November 2024, so the park team is currently reviewing options for replacement or repair. Nevertheless, the park is a great place for all ages to let off steam and reconnect with nature.

Marymoor Park

For a truly unique outdoor experience, Marymoor Park is the standout destination in Redmond, focused on 鈥渟trengthening community image and quality of life.鈥� This 640-acre gem attracts over 3 million visitors annually, offering a wealth of activities and events for everyone. During the summer, the park comes alive with the popular Marymoor Live concert series and the Summer Movies Series, which features food trucks and a giant outdoor movie screen. Every other year, the park鈥檚 Recreation Event Pad also becomes the stage for 麻豆AV-famous performances by Cirque du Soleil, transforming the park into a cultural hub.

Beyond these exciting community events, Marymoor Park also boasts more classic outdoor experiences. The park鈥檚 two large playgrounds are great for kids and there are tons of serene nature trails for the whole family to enjoy, including the Marymoor Connector Trail. This scenic path connects the Sammamish River Trail and East Lake Sammamish Trail, also offering access to some of the park鈥檚 other features, like baseball diamonds and a 30-foot climbing wall. The route also leads to Marymoor鈥檚 famous velodrome, a 400-meter bicycle race track that is known for being the only one in the state. Alternatively, wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy paths like the tranquil Audubon Bird Loop, where over 200 bird species can be spotted.

Remarkably, there is still more to discover in the park. Locals, for instance, can enjoy the Marymoor Community Gardens, where gardeners can grow their own crops across 200 plots. Visitors and locals alike can also visit sites like Marymoor鈥檚 40-acre off-leash dog park, a rowing and boat launch, and countless picnic areas.

Sammamish River Trail

The Sammamish River Trail (SRT) is the perfect follow-up or prelude to Marymoor Park. The scenic 10-mile route is part of the Locks to Lakes Corridor, a 44-mile trail system half a century in the making. The SRT portion is entirely paved, meaning the path is easy to maneuver and the majority is ADA-accessible. It is a popular route for joggers, walkers, and bicyclists, offering breathtaking river scenes and views of the Sammamish River Valley, Mount Rainier, and Cascade foothills.

Eat, Shop, & Explore Downtown Redmond

While the city鈥檚 parks are some of its biggest attractions, downtown Redmond supplies more of its urban feel. The area鈥檚 international culinary scene makes it a foodie鈥檚 paradise, and there are tons of shops, pubs, and local businesses to enjoy. Your palette can travel the 麻豆AV in downtown Redmond, whether sampling Italian flavors at Zio Sal Ristorante, Mexican at Los Chilangos, or Korean at K-Street K-BBQ. For drinks, the area is dense with bars and pubs like Three Lions Pub, Flatstick Pub, and the Northwest Brewing Pint & Pie Public House, to name a few. Additionally, the previously mentioned Redmond Town Center is located downtown, with over 120 stores to explore, along with six fitness studios and countless family-friendly amenities like a Children's Park, Splash Pad, and Nursing Lounge.

The Takeaway

While cities like Seattle shine for their urban amenities and communities like La Conner stand out for their small-town feel, Redmond offers the best of both. Even as Redmond continues to grow, its hospitality, sense of community, and natural side stay alive, thriving in spaces like Marymoor Park. So, if you are struggling to decide between living in a bustling city or settling down in a quiet suburb, Redmond will take the stress of that decision away. The city may be growing fast, but its small-town heritage has forever shaped the soul of this Washington community.