Redwood City

 

Redwood City is a bustling city with a hip downtown area that is home to many Silicon Valley tech firms. Its diverse neighborhoods contain an array of single-family homes. The oldest properties date back to the early 20th century. These are mixed in with many stylish mid-century modern homes and spacious contemporary properties. Real estate in Redwood City tends to be more affordable than in many nearby communities, despite the city’s ultradesirable Bay Area setting.

 

As one of the mid-Peninsula’s largest communities, Redwood City has an active downtown area with an eclectic selection of shopping, dining, and nightlife options. Retail ranges from offbeat independent specialty stores to recognizable brands, such as Whole Foods Market. Thrillist has called Redwood City “arguably the Peninsula’s strongest candidate for a sophisticated night on the town,” and its upscale dining and drinks options attest to this. Highlights include creative Latin-inspired seafood dishes at La Viga Seafood & Cocina Mexicana, woodfired pizza pies and Mediterranean-style small plates at Vesta, and Maine-style lobster rolls and clam chowder at Old Port Lobster Shack.

 

Redwood puts on Northern California’s largest Fourth of July Parade, culminating in a spectacular firework show over the Port of Redwood that can be seen across the mid-Peninsula. Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Redwood hosts the ART on the Square season of summertime events, with live music and arts-and-crafts booths. September’s lively Oktoberfest celebrations bring German food, beer, and music to a huge Munich-style tent on Courthouse Square. On the first Saturday of December, there is a holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony as part of the Hometown Holidays event at Courthouse Square.

 

Local public elementary schools include Clifford School, Redwood Shores Elementary School, and Roy Cloud School.