The complete neighborhood guide for tech professionals moving to Microsoft's hometown. Education Hill, Overlake, North Redmond, and Redmond Ridge: commute times, school breakdowns, and real price data.
Microsoft's Redmond headquarters has undergone a $5 billion expansion. 12 of 17 planned buildings are now complete, representing one of the largest corporate campus expansions in the Pacific Northwest's history. The campus now spans over 500 acres with modern office buildings, green spaces, and pedestrian infrastructure.
Microsoft's April 2026 return-to-office policy requires employees within 50 miles of campus to be in the office at least 3 days per week. This has driven significant relocation demand from employees who had been working remotely from other states, particularly California, Texas, and New York. If you're reading this guide, you're likely part of that wave.
Most Redmond neighborhoods are 5–20 minutes by car. SR-520 and NE 40th St are the main arteries. Avoid peak hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 4:30–6:30 PM) when possible.
The Overlake Village and Overlake Transit Center stations serve the Microsoft campus area. Connects to Bellevue and downtown Seattle. Useful for employees and partners commuting to Seattle.
Overlake and parts of Education Hill are bikeable to campus. The Sammamish River Trail connects North Redmond. Microsoft provides bike storage and showers on campus.
Microsoft operates shuttle buses from several Eastside neighborhoods and park-and-ride locations. Check the Microsoft Connector app for current routes, as they change based on demand.
Redmond isn't one uniform suburb. Each neighborhood has a distinct character, price point, and commute profile. Here's how they compare.
| Neighborhood | Commute | Price Range | Schools | Housing Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Education Hill★ Top Pick Top-rated schools, family community | 10–15 min Via NE 40th St or 148th Ave NE | $1.1M – $1.6M Median: $1.3M | Redmond Elementary, Redmond Middle, Redmond High | Single-family homes, 1970s–2000s construction | Best elementary schools in LWSD |
Overlake Closest to Microsoft campus | Under 10 min Walking or biking possible from some locations | $1.2M – $1.8M Median: $1.4M | Stevenson Elementary, Redmond Middle, Eastlake High | Mix of newer condos, townhomes, and single-family | Shortest commute to Microsoft (<10 min) |
North Redmond More affordable entry point | 15–20 min Via Avondale Rd or Redmond-Woodinville Rd | $900K – $1.3M Median: $1.05M | Wilder Elementary, Redmond Middle, Redmond High | Mix of older single-family and newer developments | Lower entry price point |
Redmond Ridge Planned community, newer homes | 20–30 min Via SR-520 or Novelty Hill Rd | $1.1M – $1.8M Median: $1.35M | Alcott Elementary, Timberline Middle, Eastlake High | Newer single-family homes, HOA community | Newer construction (2000s–2010s) |
Established family neighborhood on a hill with parks, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community. Walkable to Redmond Town Center.
Tech-dense neighborhood immediately adjacent to Microsoft campus. More urban feel with newer construction, light rail access, and walkable amenities.
More affordable area north of downtown Redmond with a mix of established homes and newer developments. Access to Marymoor Park and the Sammamish River Trail.
Master-planned community on the eastern edge of Redmond with newer construction, HOA amenities, and a suburban family feel. Borders Novelty Hill and Sammamish.
LWSD is A-rated, top 5 in Washington state, and consistently produces strong academic outcomes. Here's how the schools break down by neighborhood.
Questions I hear specifically from people relocating to Redmond for Microsoft. Answered honestly, not with marketing copy.
Ask your questionRepresentative active listings across Redmond's four neighborhoods. Contact Justin for a personalized search matched to your commute tolerance, school requirements, and budget.
Top LWSD schools, Redmond Elementary zone, established single-family homes
View active listingsAdjacent to Microsoft main campus, East Link light rail, newer construction
View active listingsBest value in Redmond, near Marymoor Park, larger lots
View active listingsHOA community, newer construction, Eastlake High School zone
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