Relocating To Redmond: A Practical Guide For Tech Professionals

Moving for a new tech role and trying to make Redmond feel familiar fast? You are not alone. Between hybrid work, changing transit, and a tight housing market, there is a lot to weigh. This guide gives you a clear picture of commutes, neighborhoods, pricing, schools, and timelines so you can make confident choices. Let’s dive in.

Why Redmond works for tech professionals

Redmond centers the Eastside tech scene with Microsoft’s corporate campus and growing transit hubs. The city is adding new homes and amenities near Link light rail stations while preserving established neighborhoods. Your first filter is simple: are you commute-first or lifestyle-first? That choice will narrow your search quickly.

Two light rail milestones matter for planning. The 2 Line to Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village opened on May 10, 2025. The final Crosslake segment that connects directly to Seattle via I‑90 is scheduled for March 28, 2026. Once the full line is live, you will have a stronger non-driving option across the lake.

Commute options at a glance

Light rail: what’s open and what’s next

• The initial Eastside service reached Redmond Technology Station in April 2024, and light rail to Downtown Redmond opened in May 2025.
• The final Crosslake segment to Seattle is scheduled for March 28, 2026. Expect frequent trains and short rides between Eastside stations. Many riders report about 10 to 15 minutes from Redmond Technology to central Bellevue once trains are running on the Eastside.

What this means for you: If you plan to rely on transit, living within a short walk or bike of Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village, Overlake Village, or Redmond Technology Station can simplify your week.

Buses and RapidRide B

King County Metro’s RapidRide B Line remains the crosstown backbone between Redmond, Overlake, and Bellevue. Local routes are being tuned to feed Link stations, so bus-to-rail transfers are getting easier. If your office is near a station or B Line stop, the bus can cover shorter hops without a car.

Driving: SR‑520 and I‑405

SR‑520 and I‑405 are the main corridors, and they get crowded during peak hours. Federal reviews point out that peak travel time reliability on such facilities is often low, which is why many tech employees choose transit or live closer to campus. If you plan to drive, budget a generous peak-time buffer and test your door-to-door commute at the hours you will actually travel. You can read more about peak reliability in FHWA’s overview.

Bike and trail commuting

Redmond is threaded with trails that connect directly to workplaces and Link stations. The regional Eastrail, Sammamish River Trail, and Redmond Central Connector make bike or bike-plus-rail a practical option. Explore connections and bike parking through Eastrail’s rider resources.

Employer commute programs and hybrid schedules

Major Eastside employers support commute programs, transit passes, and campus shuttles. Hybrid schedules also shape where you live. Recent reporting notes Microsoft’s guidance of a three day in-office baseline for many Puget Sound roles. Always confirm your team’s exact expectation before you lock in a housing radius.

Where to live in Redmond: three clear buckets

A) Established single-family neighborhoods

If you want a yard and a residential feel, focus on Education Hill, Willows–Rose Hill, and Grass Lawn. These areas have mature trees, detached homes, and a classic neighborhood rhythm. Inventory can be tight, and homes near popular school boundaries tend to draw more interest.

Price signal: Citywide, Redmond’s median was about $1.27M in December 2025, but neighborhood medians vary. Realtor.com’s snapshot at that time showed Downtown Redmond near $900k, Willows–Rose Hill closer to $1.5M, and Grass Lawn around $625k. See Realtor.com’s Redmond market overview for current figures.

B) Newer townhome and infill communities

Townhomes and cottage-style infill have grown in southern corridors and near Overlake. These homes trade private yard space for lower maintenance and closer access to transit and retail. Many buyers like the modern layouts and shorter upkeep lists.

C) Urban and transit-oriented choices

Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village, and Overlake Village concentrate mid-rise condos and rentals near stations. The city’s long-range plan aims to add more homes and amenities near these hubs, which expands options for car-light living over time. For policy context, explore the city’s growth framework in the Redmond 2050 comprehensive plan chapter.

Commute-first vs lifestyle-first: a quick decision matrix

Tip: If you are undecided, rent near your top station area for 1 to 3 months and pressure-test commutes in both directions before buying.

Family logistics: schools and enrollment basics

Most Redmond addresses are served by the Lake Washington School District. Boundaries can shift as enrollment changes, so confirm the current assignment and registration steps directly with the district. Start with the district’s boundary and committee pages on the LWSD site and then navigate to school lists and enrollment.

Private and specialty options exist across the Eastside as well. If schools are a major factor, consider touring in person and building them into your commute tests during peak hours.

Your relocation timeline: what to expect

Renting

• Lead time: a few days to a few weeks, depending on building and move-in timing.
• Strategy: focus on Downtown Redmond, Marymoor Village, or Overlake if you want fast transit access while you house-hunt.

Buying

• Typical cadence: about 2 to 4 months from pre-approval to keys in hand. Many buyers spend 2 to 8 weeks touring, then plan 30 to 45 days for escrow and closing, consistent with HomeLight’s timeline guidance.
• Competitive pockets: plan for more time in low-inventory neighborhoods or for highly specific criteria.

The popular short-term plan

Many relocating teams choose furnished housing or corporate rentals for 1 to 3 months near a Link station or Microsoft. That gives you breathing room to test commutes, tour neighborhoods on weekends, and confirm school details before you commit.

Step-by-step: a practical checklist

• Step 1: Confirm your team’s in-office schedule and any relocation support. Microsoft’s current reporting suggests three in-office days, but team rules vary.
• Step 2: If buying, get mortgage pre-approval and a firm monthly budget that includes property taxes, parking or transit costs, childcare, and tolls.
• Step 3: Test your commute both ways during peak hours. Ride the 2 Line, try the RapidRide B Line, and note door-to-door time.
• Step 4: If children are involved, verify school boundaries and enrollment dates with the Lake Washington School District.
• Step 5: Consider bike-plus-rail options using the Eastrail network. Station areas offer bike parking and easy transfers.

Budget planning: setting realistic expectations

• Home prices: As of December 2025, Realtor.com’s Redmond snapshot showed a citywide median near $1.27M, with wide neighborhood variation. Use this as a directional guide and verify current data.
• Transportation: If you drive, budget for SR‑520 tolls and parking where applicable. If you ride transit, factor in monthly passes and occasional rideshares.
• Time cost: SR‑520 and I‑405 see peak congestion. The FHWA notes that reliability can be low during peaks, so plan buffers or lean into rail and trail options.

How we help you relocate with confidence

You do not need to navigate this alone. With deep Eastside roots and formal relocation expertise, we help you compress timelines and make better decisions: curated neighborhood tours, commute tests, targeted listings, vendor introductions, and negotiation strategy. Ready to map your move to Redmond with a clear plan? Connect with The Schuler Team LLC for a private consultation.

FAQs

How does the new light rail change a Redmond commute to Seattle or Bellevue?

• The 2 Line serves Redmond Technology, Marymoor Village, and Downtown Redmond. Downtown Redmond opened May 10, 2025, and the Seattle connection is scheduled for March 28, 2026. Rides between Eastside stations are typically about 10 to 15 minutes.

What are typical home prices in Redmond and how much do they vary by neighborhood?

• As of December 2025, Realtor.com showed a city median near $1.27M, with neighborhood medians ranging roughly from the mid‑$600Ks to the mid‑$1.5Ms. Always check current data before you bid.

Is biking a realistic option to reach Microsoft or a Link station in Redmond?

• Yes. The Eastrail, Sammamish River Trail, and Redmond Central Connector create direct bike routes to campuses and stations, with bike parking available at Link stops.

I start a new role in 60 days. Should I rent first or try to buy now?

• Many hires secure a furnished rental near a Link station for 1 to 3 months, then buy after commute testing and neighborhood tours. Typical closings run 30 to 45 days after offer.

How do I confirm school boundaries and enrollment steps in Redmond?

• Check boundary information, timelines, and registration details directly with the Lake Washington School District on the LWSD website before you commit to a home.

Do I need a car if I live near a Link station in Redmond?

• Not necessarily. Many residents combine walking, biking, RapidRide B, and Link. A car can still help for regional errands or weekend trips, but daily commuting may not require it.