Let the numbers do the talking.
Auburn, WA vs Redmond, WA
Auburn, WA vs Redmond, WA: What the data shows
Auburn, WA is in Auburn, WA while Redmond, WA is in Redmond, WA — both in the same state. On home prices, Auburn, WA is the more affordable option at $354,900 median — $688,800 less than Redmond, WA's $1,043,700. WYLT rates Auburn, WA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Redmond, WA as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Auburn, WA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Redmond, WA has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Auburn, WA has Low flood risk and Redmond, WA has Low flood risk.
Redmond, WA is the more walkable neighborhood. Auburn, WA scores 18/100 (car-dependent) versus Redmond, WA's 100/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, Redmond, WA has the higher school rating — Auburn, WA rates 6.5/10 and Redmond, WA rates 8.3/10.
| Category | Auburn, WA | Redmond, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $355K ✓ Lower price | $1.04M |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $68K | $158K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 18/100 | 100/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 51/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 45 min | 30 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.5/10 | 8.3/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families looking for good schoolsCar‑dependent commutersThose prioritizing low flood risk | Tech workersFamilies with kidsRemote workers |
Bottom line
For a family that values good schools and can commute to Seattle, Auburn might be a better option, despite its car-centric lifestyle, due to its relatively lower cost of living. However, if you're a tech worker who can afford the high prices, Redmond offers a more desirable lifestyle with excellent schools and walkability. Ultimately, Redmond is the superior choice for those willing and able to pay its premium price, while Auburn is more accessible for budget-conscious families.
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