Redwood City is a multi-faceted community located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Situated halfway between the metropolitan centers of San Jose and San Francisco, the city enjoys a premier location that places it at the very center of the Bay Area’s exciting industries and vibrant economy.

Historic Growth

A deep-water channel that connected San Francisco Bay to what is now Redwood City was found in 1851, poising the area to become a prime shipping destination. Over the years, activity at the port has ebbed and flowed, yet today Redwood City’s port is still a functioning entity—it is the only active deep-water port within the southern portion of San Francisco Bay.

Like the port, activity in residential development has occurred in waves, resulting in eclectic subcommunities with diverse housing options and features. The tech industry has become the most recent anchor of Redwood City’s growth, spawning expansive office developments now occupied by Oracle, Shutterfly, Electronic Arts, and Google. This growth spurt has drawn employees of these companies to find homes within Redwood City’s charming neighborhoods.

A Fitting Name

The city’s moniker was derived from the towering trees that once covered the San Francisco Peninsula, vestiges of which still surround City Hall. Even though the expanses of trees in the area may be diminished, Redwood City still retains much natural beauty that can be glimpsed throughout neighborhoods and around office campuses and commercial developments. This scenery blends with its well-balanced climate to make it a choice place to live. In fact, prior to WWI, Germany and America actually conducted research that found Redwood City to be one of three locations with the best climates in the world.

Leisure & Recreation

The city showcases a vibrant downtown and is considered one of the best entertainment hubs of the Peninsula, offering residents and visitors excellent retail, entertainment, and restaurant experiences. In addition, residents enjoy multiple parks and access to scenic open space preserves abounding with trails and beautiful views of the bay. Plus, with such a central location, residents relish the fact that new sights and sounds beyond the city are never very far away.

Best Of Both Worlds

Redwood City is a pleasant combination of its southern neighbors. Though it may not be nearly as renowned as adjacent Atherton nor quite the tech influencer that Palo Alto may be, the community has attracted several notable companies and has seen very impactful recent developments. It is also served by several school districts with many schools highly sought after for their quality of education and high testing scores. Additionally, Redwood City is relatively affordable compared to its more prolific neighbors, allowing residents to have lower housing costs but easy proximity to work, school, and play.

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Redwood City is a down-to-earth, family-friendly city that provides easy-going suburban character coupled with modern urban amenities. Because of its exquisite location and excellent choices of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, many families and young professionals choose Redwood City as their place to call home.

Notable Residents—Past and Present

Davante Adams, NFL player

Kevin Bass, San Francisco Giants MLB player

Geoff Blum, MLB player and broadcaster

Greg Camarillo, NFL player

Linda Cardellini, actress

Jeff Clark, renowned surfer

Julian Edelman, NFL player

Joyce Mackenzie, actress

Ross Malinger, actor

Lydia Pense, musician and singer

Matangi Tonga, NFL player