Redmond, Washington
Generated by DeepSeek V3.2Expansion Funnel Raw 70 → Dedup 49 → NER 36 → Enqueued 36
| Redmond, Washington | |
|---|---|
| Name | Redmond, Washington |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest |
| Pushpin label | Redmond |
| Coordinates | 47, 40, 10, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Washington |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | King |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1870 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | December 31, 1912 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Angela Birney |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 44.16 |
| Area total sq mi | 17.05 |
| Area land km2 | 42.70 |
| Area land sq mi | 16.49 |
| Area water km2 | 1.46 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.56 |
| Elevation m | 13 |
| Elevation ft | 43 |
| Population total | 73256 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | Pacific (PST) |
| Utc offset | -8 |
| Timezone DST | PDT |
| Utc offset DST | -7 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 98052, 98053 |
| Area code | 425 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 53-57535 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1512621 |
| Website | redmond.gov |
Redmond, Washington. A city in King County, Washington on the Eastside of Lake Washington, it is internationally recognized as the home of technology giant Microsoft and the North American headquarters of Nintendo of America. Often called the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest," its extensive trail network and vibrant urban core are set against the backdrop of the Cascade Range. The city's evolution from a logging community to a global tech hub defines its modern character.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Duwamish and Snoqualmie tribes. European-American settlement began in the 1870s when Luke McRedmond filed a homestead claim, with the community first known as Salmonberg for its fishing. The arrival of the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway in 1888 spurred growth, leading to incorporation in 1912. For decades, the local economy centered on agriculture and the Carnation milk plant. The pivotal shift occurred in the late 1970s and 1980s when Bill Gates and Paul Allen moved Microsoft here, irrevocably transforming the region into the heart of the Puget Sound region technology corridor.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.16 square miles, bordered by Kirkland to the west and Sammamish to the east. The Sammamish River flows through the city into Lake Washington. Significant natural features include the Bear Creek basin and the Marymoor Park area, with the Cascade Range providing a dramatic eastern horizon. The city lies within the Puget Sound Lowland ecoregion and is part of the Seattle metropolitan area.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 73,256, a significant increase from 54,144 in 2010. The racial makeup is diverse, with substantial Asian American and White populations. The median household income is notably high, driven by the technology sector. A large proportion of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting the educated workforce employed by companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and AT&T Mobility. Major residential areas include Education Hill and the Overlake neighborhood.
Economy
Redmond's economy is dominated by the technology industry, anchored by the sprawling Microsoft Redmond campus, which serves as the company's global headquarters. Other major employers include Nintendo of America, AT&T Mobility, and SpaceX, which has a satellite development facility. The downtown Redmond core has undergone significant transit-oriented development, particularly around the Redmond Technology Station served by Sound Transit's Link light rail. The city is a key node in the Eastside business community, with a strong presence of venture capital firms and video game development studios.
Government and infrastructure
The city operates under a mayor–council government with Mayor Angela Birney and a seven-member city council. Key infrastructure includes the Redmond Municipal Airport and the Redmond Central Connector, a paved trail built on a former railroad corridor. The city is served by the Lake Washington School District and major healthcare providers like Overlake Medical Center. Public safety is managed by the Redmond Police Department and Redmond Fire Department. Critical utilities are provided by Puget Sound Energy and the City of Seattle's water supply from the Cedar River Watershed.
Culture and recreation
The city hosts major annual events like the Redmond Derby Days summer festival and the Bicycle Festival of Redmond. Marymoor Park, one of King County's most popular parks, features the Marymoor Velodrome, concert venue, and a historic climbing wall. The Redmond Town Center is a major shopping and entertainment hub. Cultural institutions include the Redmond Historical Society and the SecondStory Repertory theater. The extensive trail system, including the Sammamish River Trail and connections to the Burke-Gilman Trail, solidifies its reputation as a premier destination for cycling and outdoor recreation.
Category:Cities in Washington (state) Category:King County, Washington Category:Seattle metropolitan area