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Redwood City Neighborhoods Ranked

 

If you’re thinking about moving to Redwood City, choosing the right neighborhood can make a six-figure difference in both lifestyle and long-term equity.

One Redwood City neighborhood appreciated 13% last year—while another just two miles away barely moved. Same city. Same schools. Completely different outcomes.

In this guide, I’m breaking down all 17 Redwood City neighborhoods, ranked from Tier D (entry-level) to Tier S (elite estates), so you can understand which area actually works best for your day-to-day living in 2026.


Why Neighborhood Choice Matters in Redwood City

Redwood City is one of the most complex real estate markets on the Peninsula. Median home prices range from $1.1M to over $3.3M, depending entirely on location. Buyers who don’t understand these micro-markets often overpay—or miss out on better long-term upside.

This ranking is based on:

  • Lifestyle & livability

  • Walkability & access

  • Buyer demand & competition

  • Price stability and appreciation trends


Tier D: Industrial & Mixed-Use Neighborhoods (Entry Level)

Neighborhoods: Redwood Village, Central, Friendly Acres

Tier D neighborhoods offer the lowest entry points into Redwood City, making them attractive for investors, first-time buyers, and remote workers who prioritize space and access over curb appeal.

Redwood Village

The most industrial part of the city, surrounded by Costco, Sigona’s Farmers Market, and big-box retail. Small post-war homes with median prices around $1.1M–$1.2M.

Best for: Investors, first-time buyers, remote workers

Central

A high-density, transit-oriented neighborhood along El Camino Real. Apartments and duplexes dominate, but Caltrain, Target, and Whole Foods are steps away.

Best for: SF commuters who need walkability to Caltrain

Friendly Acres

Bordering Menlo Park and North Fair Oaks, this neighborhood is evolving quickly. With prices around $1.3M–$1.5M, Friendly Acres shows signs of price stability and future upside.

Watch this one closely—it has strong fundamentals heading into 2026.


Tier C: Value & Potential Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods: Stambaugh-Heller, Centennial, Palm Park

Tier C is where buyers often underestimate value. These neighborhoods feel residential, are more affordable than the hills, and offer strong lifestyle trade-offs.

Stambaugh-Heller

Highly walkable and adjacent to downtown. Older bungalows, smaller lots, and prices around $1.2M make this one of the best value plays in Redwood City.

Centennial

A family-oriented pocket near Woodside Road and Hawes Park. Prices typically fall between $1.4M–$1.5M.

Palm Park

A quiet, underrated neighborhood west of El Camino. Walkable to Woodside Plaza and one of the city’s most affordable residential areas at $1.1M–$1.2M.


Tier B: Solid Family & Urban Living

Neighborhoods: Roosevelt, Redwood Oaks, Downtown Redwood City

Tier B is where competition heats up. These neighborhoods attract strong buyer demand and move quickly.

Roosevelt

One of the most active neighborhoods in the city, anchored by Red Morton Community Park and the Magical Bridge Playground. Homes often sell within two weeks at $1.9M–$2M.

Redwood Oaks

A small, quiet enclave with larger lots and limited inventory. Homes trade around $1.8M+ and rarely sit long.

Downtown Redwood City

Ideal for professionals seeking walkability, dining, and entertainment. Condos typically range from $1.2M–$1.5M, with higher HOA fees in newer buildings.


Tier A: Premium & Scenic Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods: Woodside Plaza, Eagle Hill, Redwood Shores, Bair Island, Emerald Hills

Tier A offers premium lifestyle features—without fully entering estate-level pricing.

Woodside Plaza (Sleeper Pick for 2026)

Flat, walkable, and village-like. Homes often sell 9%+ over list and go pending in about 8 days. Prices range from $1.9M–$2.2M.

Eagle Hill

The entry point to the hills, offering Bay views and access to Stulsaft Park. Prices average $2M–$2.1M.

Redwood Shores

A planned waterfront community with lagoons, trails, and modern infrastructure. Condos start around $1.3M, while waterfront homes exceed $2.3M.

Bair Island

Luxury waterfront condos and townhomes with marina access—quiet and niche.

Emerald Hills

Large lots, Bay views, hiking access, and strong schools. Prices range from $2.1M–$2.5M, making it a standout alternative to Tier S.


Tier S: Elite Estate Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods: Edgewood Park, Mount Carmel, Farm Hill, Canyon

These are Redwood City’s most prestigious and resilient neighborhoods.

Edgewood Park

Old-money charm with Tudor and Spanish architecture. Median prices around $3.3M, with extremely limited inventory.

Mount Carmel

Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and top walkability. Prices range from $1.6M–$3.8M, with intense buyer competition.

Farm Hill

The highest elevation in the city, offering sweeping Bay views and access to Edgewood Preserve. Homes average $2.4M–$2.5M.

Canyon

A secluded hillside enclave prized for privacy and greenery. Prices typically mirror Farm Hill.


2026 Market Outlook & Recommendations

Redwood City is increasingly splitting into two markets: the Flats and the Hills—each moving at different speeds.

My 2026 picks:

  • Best Value: Stambaugh-Heller

  • Best Lifestyle: Redwood Shores

  • Best Space & Views: Emerald Hills

  • Best Prestige: Edgewood Park

  • Best Overall Long-Term Play: Woodside Plaza


Need Help Choosing the Right Neighborhood?

If you’re deciding between neighborhoods and want guidance based on your lifestyle, timeline, and goals, I’m happy to help.

🎥 Watch the full video breakdown on my YouTube channel (linked on my site)

I release new neighborhood and market videos every week, so stay tuned.

Redwood City has something for everyone—the key is choosing the neighborhood that actually delivers what matters most to you.

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