Redwood City 78 Exceptional
Redwood City Livability #72 ranked city in California#2,370 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Redwood City

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Redwood City?

Redwood City is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 84,518 people. Redwood City has a population density of 4,371 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. More than a quarter of the residents of Redwood City identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 29% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Redwood City, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Redwood City could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Redwood City, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and more.

Redwood City, CA receives 85/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #7 in California and #316 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Redwood City could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Redwood City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Redwood City has received high marks for crime (B), education (A+) and housing (B). On a less positive note, Redwood City does not have favorable ranks for the following: cost of living (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Redwood City, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Redwood City provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

The unemployment rate in Redwood City has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.29%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Redwood City market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Redwood City meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Redwood City. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Redwood City are simply unattainable. The median home price for Redwood City homes is $1,424,200, which is 248% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Redwood City, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 11.6, which is 81.3% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Redwood City

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Compare Redwood City, CA Livability

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      Redwood City transportation information

      Statistic Redwood City California National
      Average one way commute27min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.5%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.4%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.3%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.0%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.5%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home9.3%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Redwood City, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).