Nestled in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, Redwood City is the geographic and commuting center of Silicon Valley, seamlessly blending cutting-edge innovation with serene bayfront beauty. Known as the city with the “Climate Best by Government Test,” it enjoys over 260 sunny days a year, mild Mediterranean weather, and a 10-mile waterfront along its eastern edge. Home to global headquarters of Fortune 500 companies like Box and Electronic Arts (EA), it attracts tech professionals and young families with top-tier schools, a crime rate lower than 90% of U.S. cities, and a vibrant downtown. With a median household income of approximately $151,000 (top 10% nationwide), Redwood City has become one of the Peninsula’s hottest real estate markets, offering the perfect balance of career opportunity and quality of life.
HISTORY
Redwood City is one of California’s earliest port cities, founded in 1850 and once a major timber-shipping hub for the Bay Area, named after the abundant coastal redwoods that surrounded it. From the late 19th to early 20th century, it served as a key shipping and commercial center in what would later become Silicon Valley. In the 21st century, it rapidly transformed into a core tech hub, now hosting headquarters for companies like Box, Electronic Arts (EA), and Equinix, as well as Oracle’s primary Bay Area R&D campus—earning it the nickname “the true center of Silicon Valley.”
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Located on the mid-Peninsula along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Redwood City sits 25 miles north of San Jose and 25 miles south of San Francisco. It is bordered by Highway 280 and the coastal mountains to the west and a 10-mile bayfront with the resort-like Redwood Shores community to the east. Highways 101 and 84 (Dumbarton Bridge), plus Caltrain commuter rail, run through the city, making commutes exceptionally convenient.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of 2025, Redwood City has a population of approximately 83,000, with a median household income of about $150,840 (top 10% nationally). The community is diverse: roughly 38.2% White, 35.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.8% Asian (including ~10% Chinese). It is a classic hub for tech professionals and young families. Among adults 25 and older, 93% have a high school diploma or higher, and 58% hold a bachelor’s degree or above—significantly higher than national averages—reflecting the strong Silicon Valley culture of education.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Downtown Redwood City – One of the liveliest downtowns in the Bay Area, featuring the historic Fox Theatre, Thursday-night Music on the Square concerts, summer food festivals, and a bustling farmers’ market.
Redwood Shores – A waterfront resort-style neighborhood with marinas, lagoons, bay trails, and protected wetlands.
Hiller Aviation Museum – Showcasing over 50 rare aircraft and helicopters, complete with interactive flight simulators and an invention workshop—an ideal destination for aviation and tech exploration.
Pulgas Water Temple – A stunning 1934 classical stone monument commemorating the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct; a peaceful outdoor oasis and popular photo spot.
Bay Trail & kayaking/paddleboarding experiences.
Annual Art on the Square, Halloween parade, and Día de los Muertos celebrations.
SCHOOL RATINGS
Redwood City is served by the highly regarded Sequoia Union High School District and several top elementary districts:
Elementary Schools - North Star Academy (Grades 3–8): Ranked in the top 1% statewide, GreatSchools 9/10, over 95% proficiency in math and reading—one of the strongest magnet schools in the Bay Area Orion Alternative (K–5): GreatSchools 7/10, focused on whole-child education and a warm, supportive community
Middle Schools (Grades 6–8) - North Star Academy: Middle-school continuation of its elite elementary program, top 1% statewide—far surpassing typical middle schools John F. Kennedy Middle School: GreatSchools 8/10, Niche B, resource-rich with steady academic growth
High Schools - Sequoia High School: Top 30% in California, Niche A, renowned for its strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program Design Tech High School: Niche A, recipient of multiple architecture and education awards, a pioneer in design-thinking and innovative education
HOUSING MARKET
In 2025, the overall median sale price in Redwood City is approximately $1.8M, with single-family homes ranging $2.0M–$2.2M and townhomes/condos $1.3M–$1.7M. Over the past 12 months, sale prices fell about 7.7% year-over-year, while home values rose a modest 0.1%. Inventory remains low, with homes selling in an average of just 15 days. Current trends signal increased buyer opportunities—ideal for tech professionals and families. DW Homes offers modern, high-end residences throughout the Bay Area and invites you to explore new-home opportunities on the nearby Peninsula.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re a tech leader, a growing young family, or someone seeking the ultimate Bay Area lifestyle, Redwood City delivers the perfect combination of Silicon Valley access, the best climate, a vibrant downtown, and waterfront serenity—making it one of the most desirable cities on the San Francisco Peninsula. Welcome to Redwood City—where limitless career possibilities meet the true meaning of home.
DW Homes warmly invites you to experience the Redwood City lifestyle.
