Redwood Shores real estate offers something rare on the San Francisco Peninsula: waterfront living in a master-planned community on the Bay, technically part of Redwood City but with a personality entirely its own. Built on reclaimed marshland starting in the late 1960s (with most development happening in the 1980s and 1990s), it's one of the Peninsula's newer communities. Lagoons, waterways, and parks thread through the neighborhoods, giving the area a calm, resort-like atmosphere. It's also home to the headquarters of Oracle and Electronic Arts, making it a magnet for tech professionals who want a short commute and a quiet place to come home to.
Redwood Shores is a planned community, so the streets and homes have a more uniform look than you'll find in older Peninsula neighborhoods. That consistency is part of the appeal for buyers who want newer construction and well-maintained common areas, but it does mean you won't find the architectural variety of, say, a San Carlos or Belmont.
The housing stock breaks down into several sub-communities, each with its own character:
Marlin Park: The oldest section of Redwood Shores. A good range of single-family homes and condos at various entry points. This is where many community events happen, and it has a strong family feel.
Beacon Shores: Distinctly Cape Cod in style, with homes that evoke East Coast waterfront living. A popular choice for buyers drawn to that aesthetic.
Sunrise: Mediterranean-style homes with red tile roofs and stucco facades. One of the more recognizable pockets of the community.
Shorebird Solar / Marina Point: Some of the most exclusive properties in Redwood Shores, including gated single-family homes with private boat docks along the lagoon.
Sea Bridge / Ponderosa: Situated right in the center of the lagoon, giving many homes water frontage on multiple sides.
Peninsula Landing: Condos in a walkable location, close to the business parks. A good option for professionals who want to walk to work.
Lighthouse Cove: The widest variety of housing types in Redwood Shores, from affordable condos to high-end single-family homes.
Most homes were built between the 1980s and 2000s, with modern floor plans, open layouts, and plenty of natural light. Yards tend to be on the smaller side compared to hillside Peninsula neighborhoods, but many properties compensate with water or greenbelt views.
Local Tip: If waterfront access matters to you, look carefully at the sub-community. Not all Redwood Shores properties have lagoon frontage, and the ones that do command a significant premium. Homes with private docks are concentrated in Shorebird Solar/Marina Point and Shearwater.
Redwood Shores doesn't have a traditional downtown, and that's the main trade-off of living here. The Marketplace at Redwood Shores is the neighborhood commercial hub, anchored by a Nob Hill grocery store and a handful of casual restaurants:
For a more upscale meal, Mistral Restaurant and Bar offers waterfront Mediterranean dining just outside the neighborhood. For serious shopping, dining, or nightlife, most residents head to downtown Redwood City, San Carlos (Laurel Street), or the Bridgepointe Shopping Center in San Mateo, all within a 10-minute drive.
Redwood Shores is served by the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District, which has a strong reputation. Sandpiper Elementary and Redwood Shores Elementary are both within the community. For high school, students typically attend Carlmont High School in Belmont, which consistently ranks among the top public high schools in San Mateo County. Design Tech High School (d.tech), a project-based charter school, is also located nearby.
This is where Redwood Shores really shines. The 200-acre lagoon system supports sailing, windsurfing, and rowing, and the Spinnaker Sailing School has been offering lessons since 1980. The seven public parks include playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and a par course.
Bair Island, a wildlife refuge adjacent to the community, offers trails through mudflats, salt marshes, and tidal channels. It's a favorite for birders and anyone looking for a quiet walk. The San Francisco Bay Trail runs through the area, connecting Redwood Shores to miles of waterfront paths.
Shore Dogs Park is a dedicated off-leash dog park, and Marlin Park is the go-to gathering spot for community events, including summer concert series and outdoor movie nights.
Redwood Shores sits east of Highway 101, which connects directly to San Francisco (north) and San Jose (south). There's no Caltrain station within the community, but the Belmont station is a short drive away. Many tech professionals who work at the Oracle, EA, or Visa campuses within Redwood Shores enjoy an extremely short commute, sometimes just a bike ride. San Francisco International Airport is about 15 minutes north.
The Redwood Shores Branch Library, built in 2008, is a modern community resource that hosts regular events, an art salon, and an Environmental Interpretive Center. The community has a year-round calendar of events, from summer concerts at Marlin Park to holiday gatherings. The overall vibe is family-oriented, safe, and outdoorsy.
11,630 people live in Redwood Shores, where the median age is 43 and the average individual income is $109,996. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Redwood Shores, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Divine Sweets by Ana, Daniel Singer Dance Lessons, and Redwood Water Sports.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 3.09 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.25 miles | 47 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.86 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.78 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.53 miles | 25 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.9 miles | 10 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 3.99 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.36 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Redwood Shores has 4,625 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Redwood Shores do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 11,630 people call Redwood Shores home. The population density is 7,884.066 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
Get assistance in determining the current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact me today.
