An expansive and thriving community nestled between San Francisco and Silicon Valley
In the 1850s, Redwood City was founded by loggers using the creek to float lumber to San Francisco Bay. The city has been a hotspot for new industries ever since. Today, it has the only deep-water port in the south of the bay and has exploded with technology companies like Oracle, Course Hero, and Genomic Health. The growth changed its cultural makeup into an incredibly diverse mix. The diversity is evident in its neighborhoods, from the well-preserved Main Street Historic District to modern suburban communities. Upscale living spaces range from prewar mansions on Emerald Hills to luxury condominiums in Redwood Shores. Overlooking Emerald Lakes, Emerald Hills is one of California’s wealthiest places and is home to the exclusive Emerald Lake Country Club.
Redwood City stretches from the San Francisco Bay shoreline to the Santa Cruz Mountains and has over 30 parks and conservation areas, so you get beautiful natural scenery. It’s situated between downtown San Francisco and the heart of Silicon Valley, so it’s convenient for commuters who work in either direction. There are three main airports nearby — San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland — all accessible by train. Downtown Redwood City has seen a successful revitalization in the last 20 years and hosts over 100 art, music, cultural, and community events a year. Historic structures like the Fox Theatre (originally built as the New Sequoia Theater in 1928) and the Redwood City Public Library (originally a fire station) experienced a renaissance and are surrounded by hip, new eateries and boutique shops.
Redwood City is made up of several distinct neighborhoods. Downtown and the surrounding areas — including Mount Carmel and Central Park — are walkable and bustling with urban activities. Emerald Hills and Farm Hills feel more rural with parks and hiking trails. Redwood Shores is a waterside community where many homeowners have their own private docks and residents keep busy with water activities. The community also hosts summer concerts by the lagoon. Over a dozen neighborhood associations are run by volunteers who work with the city to address community issues.
Redwood City’s variety is evident in its dining options, from Chinese and sushi to Latin cuisines and gastropubs. Sakura features tableside grilling and vegetarian options in addition to fresh sushi. La Viga Seafood and Cocina Mexicana is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving seafood with a Latin twist. Another favorite for Mexican food is Milagros Latin Kitchen, which specializes in food from the Jalisco region.
For artisanal wood-fired pizza, Vesta is highly-rated and very popular. Timber and Salt has award-winning California cuisine and craft cocktails. For fine dining, Arya Steakhouse serves inventive Persian cuisine alongside prime-cut steaks and Mediterranean dishes.
Gourmet Haus Staudt is a beer garden, restaurant, German market, and liquor store in one. The Freewheel Brewing Company serves craft beers and pub fare in their taproom. Angelica’s is a fusion restaurant with lots of outdoor seating, happy hour, and weekend brunch. The Blacksmith is a casual sports bar with signature cocktails for late-night drinks. For wine tasting, go to La Honda Winery or 840 Wine Bar and Cocktail Lounge.
In the heart of downtown, Sequoia Station has a selection of grocery and retail stores, including Barnes and Noble. You’ll also find Whole Foods across the street. The Marketplace at Redwood Shores has several eateries, including The Grill House and a grocery store. Every Saturday from April to November, the Kiwanis Farmers Market downtown has fresh produce, bakeshops, jewelers, florists, and craft vendors.
There are over 100 live events around Redwood City every year, including the Lunar New Year Festival, PortFest, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, and the Redwood City Salsa Festival. The summer is jam-packed with performances that range from jazz and country music to magic shows, many of them downtown. The Fox Theatre has a schedule of live performances and can be rented for private events. The new Cinemark has 20 movie screens and stadium seating.
Redwood City has plenty of green space and miles of hiking trails. Bair Island Wildlife Refuge and Trail has a unique ecosystem of tidal channels, marshland, and wildlife. Stulsaft Park has wooded trails, a playground, and an off-leash dog area. Red Morton Park has several sports facilities, a rose garden, and hosts community events. The Sequoia Yacht Club has sailing classes and boat races and organizes a Christmas boat parade every year.
Redwood City is served by the Redwood City School District.
Together with his wife and son, the Buljan Group has grown as a commanding force in the local real estate realm over the years selling every major landmark property in the community.
