Redmond, WA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Redmond is a city and a suburb of Seattle, located in Western Washington. The city is filled with greenery while also featuring plenty of shopping and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for retirees. Those who enjoy outdoor recreation and bustling city life will appreciate all that Redmond has to offer.

Climate & Geography

Being in the pacific northwest, Redmond experiences less sunny days than average and more rainfall. The Seattle metropolitan area rarely receives snow, and temperatures typically do not dip below freezing. The rainiest months are November through January.

Redmond is located on hilly land, northeast of Seattle and Bellevue. Sammamish River and Bear Creek run through Redmond, and the city is located near Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. The Cascade Mountain Range is located east of Redmond.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

The city features plenty of outdoor parks that offer a wide range of activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and swimming. Marymoor Park is a popular destination for locals, as it features live music during the summer months. Those feeling more adventurous can take a day trip to any of the mountain ranges located west of the city.

Redmond Town Center is the city’s local mall that provides shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Redmond also offers locals a seasonal farmers market that has existed for decades, as well as plenty of events and festivals for the community to enjoy. The Microsoft Visitor Center is located in Redmond, which allows visitors to learn about Microsoft’s history and future plans, while engaging in plenty of interactive activities.

Those looking for the big city experience can visit Seattle, located just a short drive away from Redmond.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Redmond is higher than both the state and national averages. Housing plays the biggest part in raising the overall cost of living, as the median home cost in Redmond is significantly higher than the state and national averages. Utility, health, and grocery costs in Redmond are all at or below the national average.

The state of Washington has no income tax, which makes it quite tax friendly to retirees since Social Security benefits and all other forms of retirement income are untaxed at the state level. Property taxes in Washington are generally about average, and there is also a property tax exemption for residents who are 61+ and meet certain income requirements. Sales tax in Redmond is higher than the national average, at 10.0 percent. 

Health Care

Swedish Medical Center-Swedish Redmond Campus is a hospital that is located within Redmond. EvergreenHealth Medical Center, located in nearby Kirkland, is ranked as the No. 3 hospital in the state according to U.S. News, and is rated high performing in three specialities. University of Washington Medical Center, located in Seattle, is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in the state, and is nationally ranked in six specialties.