Redwood City,CA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Redwood City, CA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Redwood City, CA
Redwood City, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a charming blend of urban energy and suburban comfort. Known for its vibrant downtown, scenic waterfront, and diverse communities, Redwood City is a great place to call home. Whether you’re looking for bustling city vibes or peaceful residential streets, the best neighborhoods in Redwood City each bring something unique to the table. Exploring a Redwood City neighborhoods map reveals a variety of options that cater to different lifestyles and preferences.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
The neighborhoods in Redwood City provide a rich mix of lifestyles. Downtown Redwood City is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants like Vesta and Alhambra Irish House, along with concerts and events at the Fox Theatre. For a more relaxed vibe, the Edgewood and Farm Hills neighborhoods offer quiet, tree-lined streets with spacious homes, ideal for families. Meanwhile, the Redwood Shores area boasts waterfront living with parks, marinas, and easy access to outdoor activities like kayaking and biking along the bay.
Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions
When it comes to housing, Redwood City has options ranging from modern condos downtown to classic single-family homes in areas like Woodside Plaza. While the real estate market here can be competitive and prices reflect Silicon Valley’s overall trend, some neighborhoods offer relatively better affordability. Neighborhoods like Friendly Acres and Mt. Carmel provide a good balance of price and quality, making them attractive for first-time homebuyers. Checking a Redwood City neighborhoods map can help pinpoint these pockets of opportunity.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a key consideration for many moving to Redwood City. Overall, the city maintains a relatively low crime rate, with neighborhoods such as Farm Hills and Redwood Shores known for their stable, family-friendly environments. Downtown areas are lively and safe, though it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Community initiatives and neighborhood watch programs are active in many parts of Redwood City, contributing to a strong sense of security and cohesion among residents.
Getting Around: Transit Information and Accessibility
Redwood City is well-connected, making commuting and exploring the Bay Area convenient. The Caltrain station downtown offers frequent service to San Francisco and San Jose, while SamTrans buses provide local transit options. For drivers, Highway 101 runs through the city, providing easy access to neighboring communities. Neighborhoods closer to downtown and the transit hub, like North Fair Oaks, benefit from shorter commutes and greater walkability, which is a plus for those who prefer a car-free lifestyle.
Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do
There’s no shortage of attractions in Redwood City’s neighborhoods. The Redwood City Courthouse Square hosts weekly farmers’ markets and summer concert series that bring the community together. Nature lovers enjoy the trails and picnic spots at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, while the San Mateo County History Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s rich past. Dining options are vibrant, with spots like Lazarus Brewing Company and Vesta offering local flavors and craft brews, perfect for weekend outings.
Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?
Redwood City is home to several educational institutions, including the campus of Cañada College located in the northern part of the city near the Redwood Shores area. This community college serves a diverse student population and offers a variety of programs. Additionally, nearby neighborhoods benefit from proximity to Stanford University and San Francisco State University, which are just a short drive away, making Redwood City a convenient place for students and faculty who want to live close to campus but enjoy a quieter residential setting.
Redwood City Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harbor | 33.9 | 25.8% | $773,200 | $142,997 | 4.3 |
| Greco Island | 33.9 | 25.8% | $773,200 | $142,997 | 4.3 |
| Bair Island | 39.7 | 36.4% | $1,182,134 | $180,729 | 5.5 |
| Lido | 43.6 | 33.8% | $1,713,751 | $215,901 | 7.9 |
| Dolphin | 40 | 38.9% | $1,620,440 | $207,200 | 7.9 |
| Marina Park | 39.1 | 28.1% | $1,748,425 | $214,472 | 7.9 |
| Steinberger | 41.3 | 29.9% | $1,712,472 | $208,027 | 8.2 |
| Shearwater | 43.8 | 31.6% | $1,620,100 | $195,025 | 8.3 |
| Farm Hill | 45.8 | 34.6% | $1,930,417 | $226,818 | 8.5 |
| Downtown | 34.7 | 23% | $1,141,500 | $125,961 | 8.5 |
Redwood City neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Redwood City—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Redwood City, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Redwood City
| Crime |
Reported |
Redwood City /100k |
CA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 2 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 43 | 53.7 | 36.6 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 110 | 137.4 | 119.1 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 223 | 278.5 | 325.8 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 378 | 472 | 486 | 359 |
| Burglary | 95 | 118.7 | 305.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 998 | 1,246.6 | 1,345.2 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 204 | 254.8 | 427.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 1,297 | 1,620 | 2,078 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 1,675 | 2,092 | 2,564 | 2,119 |