Welcome to Redwood City
Redwood City, the county seat of San Mateo County, is a major Silicon Valley hub just 27 miles south of San Francisco and 24 miles northwest of San Jose. This bustling city has a lively downtown area full of independent stores and restaurants. Located on the shores of the San Francisco Bay, Redwood City has an abundance of outdoor space, and special events are held here throughout the year.
Neighborhoods in Redwood City vary greatly, and the housing options are numerous. The eastern portion of the city tends to have more tract-like neighborhoods of single-family homes. Neighborhoods to the west typically have larger properties surrounded by greenery. The city has grown considerably in step with the expansion of the Silicon Valley tech economy, and there are many stylish modern condominiums close to downtown.
What to Love
- Independent shopping
- Excellent restaurants
- Varied neighborhoods
- Community events
People & Lifestyle
Redwood City is a diverse city with 87,000 residents. Many have lived here for several generations, while others are recent transplants drawn in by the Bay Area’s ever-expanding tech scene. The large
Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center is another major local employer. Redwood City neighborhoods are friendly and welcoming, with civic pride being encouraged through the many community-focused events that occur year-round.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Redwood City is one of the Bay Area’s most enticing and eclectic dining destinations. Restaurants range from casual hole-in-the-wall spots serving authentic ethnic cuisine to upscale fine dining establishments with chef-driven menus of outstanding quality. Feast on the sublime Indian dishes, paired with a great selection of wine and craft beer, at
Broadway Masala, creative cocktails and Mexican-style seafood at
Quinto Sol or
Milagros, and American farm-to-table fare at
The Courthouse 2021. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza on the patio at
Vesta or grab a state-of-the-art brunch at
Timber & Salt. Shopping is just as varied, with all manner of specialty retailers sharing downtown streets with more well-known brands, such as Whole Foods Market.
Things to Do
Redwood City’s bayfront area stages spectacular holiday events. The
Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza and the
Christmas Lighted Boat Contest are family-friendly events enjoyed by all. Another seasonal favorite is
Hometown Holidays at Courthouse Square in the downtown area, which features a carnival and tree-lighting ceremony. Courthouse Square also hosts live music performances and art installations throughout the summer, along with an Oktoberfest in September. Take advantage of the water-based recreational opportunities, including sailing and kayaking on San Francisco Bay or within the narrow waterways of the Redwood Shores neighborhood. In addition, there are a number of local parks and green spaces to enjoy, including
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve and
Stulsaft Park.
Schools
Redwood City neighborhoods fall within the boundaries of the Redwood City Elementary School District, Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District, and Sequoia Union High School District.
- Redwood Shores Elementary School, Public, K–5
- Sandpiper Elementary School, Public, K-6
- Roy Cloud E
- Elementary School, Public, K–8
- North Star Academy, Public, Magnet, 3–8
- Sequoia High School, Public, 9–12
- Summit Preparatory High School, Public, Charter, 9–12