FAQ

Redmond, WA is located 15 miles east of Seattle, and is situated in the picturesque Sammamish Valley at the north end of Lake Sammamish.

In 1912, a population of 300 people sought a contemporary waterworks system. To generate funds from its flourishing saloons, Redmond was officially established as a municipal entity. Subsequently, the Downtown vicinity experienced a surge in new constructions, Main Street became a common location for automobile sightings, the town welcomed its inaugural doctor, and the construction of a two-story brick schoolhouse was undertaken.

Redmond, WA, was named after Luke McRedmond, an early settler in the area. He arrived in the region during the 1870s and was involved in several business ventures, including owning a logging operation and a ferry across Lake Sammamish. When the community began to form around the location, it was natural to name it after one of its prominent figures. Over time, “Redmond” became the official name of the town, and it continued to grow and develop into the City we know today.

Redmond experiences a typical Pacific Northwest climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Be prepared for rain during the fall and winter months and enjoy pleasant outdoor conditions in the summer.

Redmond offers various transportation options, including buses, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly paths. The City promotes a walkable and bike-friendly environment, and many areas are easily accessible by foot. For more information, visit our Transportation page below.

Redmond boasts various attractions, including Marymoor Park, home to concerts, sports events, and outdoor activities, as well as the Redmond Town Center for shopping and dining. The City is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. For more information, visit our Attractions page below.

Absolutely! Redmond is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and even kayaking in nearby Lake Sammamish State Park.

The Redmond Chamber of Commerce is now called OneRedmond. They are our Chamber of Commerce, our Economic Development Organization, and our Community Foundation. For more information, call OneRedmond at 425.885.4014 or visit their website below.

You can arrange a ribbon-cutting ceremony through our partners at OneRedmond. OneRedmond offers a myriad business consulting services, and has all the resources you need to help make your Redmond grand opening a success.

Experience Redmond is here to help you make your Redmond event a success. Please contact us with event details or venue requirement, and we will be happy to support your Redmond event.

We have a wonderful resource detailing local venues, their capacities, and features which you can browse at the button below!

You can submit your event to Experience Redmond for review through our Submit Your Event page.

Redmond proudly holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Microsoft, one of the world’s most influential technology companies. The company’s headquarters, known as the Microsoft Campus, is located in Redmond and covers a vast area.

Redmond was first known as “Salmonberg,” for the abundant fish flowing through local rivers.

Redmond’s Red Brick Road was once part of the nation’s first transcontinental highway. Constructed in 1911, it served as a vital transportation route connecting the town to neighboring areas. Saved from demolition in the 1960s, it has been restored as a historical landmark, preserving Redmond’s heritage and offering visitors a glimpse into its past. Today, the red brick road stands as a symbol of community preservation and serves as a popular attraction.

Before Redmond became the center for software and technology innovations, we were known for logging and farming. The land currently occupied by Microsoft was mostly made up of expansive chicken farms. Steamboats offered the only practical mode of transportation as our rivers wound through a thick forest of trees.

Musician, actress, writer, director, and comedian Carrie Brownstein, of rock trio Sleater-Kinney, and the comedy TV series Portlandia, grew up in Redmond.

Artifacts discovered at the Redmond Town Center archaeological site and Marymoor Prehistoric Indian Site show that Native Americans have lived in the Redmond area for 10,000 years.

Redmond has many outdoor sculptures, part of a rotating sculpture exhibition, throughout its streets and parks. Redmond Arts Commission also hosts a sculpture garden which changes each September and highlights Northwest artists.