If you’re driving down the 101 through the San Francisco Peninsula, you’ll eventually hit a massive sign arching over the road that boldly proclaims "Climate Best by Government Test." That’s Redwood City. It’s a place where tech giants like Oracle and Box share the skyline with historic theaters and a bustling downtown. But for anyone trying to figure out the local government structure or moving to the area, the big question remains: what county is Redwood City CA located in?
The short answer is San Mateo County.
It’s not just in San Mateo County; it is actually the county seat. This means all the major administrative buildings, the courthouse, and the heart of the county's legal operations are right there in the middle of town.
Why Redwood City is the Hub of San Mateo County
Most people think of San Jose or San Francisco when they hear about the Bay Area. They forget the middle ground. San Mateo County acts as the bridge between the two, and Redwood City sits right in the sweet spot.
Founded way back in 1867, Redwood City was the first incorporated city in the county. It grew because of its deep-water port—the only one in the South Bay—which allowed lumber from the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains to be shipped out during the post-Gold Rush building boom. If you've ever wondered why it’s called "Redwood City" when the downtown is full of palms and paved streets, there’s your answer. The redwoods were the product, not necessarily the scenery.
Today, being the county seat means the city has a different "vibe" than its neighbors like Menlo Park or Palo Alto. It feels more official. You have the Hall of Justice towering over the downtown area, which brings in a daily crowd of lawyers, jurors, and government employees. This has inadvertently turned the downtown into a culinary hotspot because, honestly, people working at the courthouse need good places to eat lunch.
The Geography of the Peninsula
To understand what county is Redwood City CA located in, you have to look at the Peninsula’s layout. San Mateo County encompasses most of the land between San Francisco and Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley).
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Redwood City is bordered by:
- San Carlos to the north.
- Woodside to the west.
- Menlo Park to the south.
- The San Francisco Bay to the east.
It is a sprawling city. It stretches from the marshlands of the bay all the way up into the emerald hills of Emerald Hills—which is technically an unincorporated area but most residents there have a Redwood City mailing address. This creates a bit of confusion. You might live in "Redwood City" according to the post office but actually be under the direct jurisdiction of San Mateo County's Sheriff department rather than the city’s police.
The "Climate Best" Claim: Fact or Fiction?
You can't talk about this city without mentioning that famous sign. It dates back to a survey conducted before World War I by the United States and German governments. They were looking for the best climate for a veterans' hospital. Redwood City, tucked behind the Santa Cruz Mountains, is shielded from the heavy Pacific fog that blankets San Francisco, yet it avoids the scorching triple-digit heat you find further inland in the Central Valley.
It’s usually about 72 degrees. Seriously.
The weather stays remarkably consistent. This makes the downtown area—specifically Courthouse Square—a massive draw for outdoor events. Whether it's the "Music on the Square" concerts or the massive 4th of July parade (which is arguably the biggest in Northern California), the weather almost always cooperates.
Silicon Valley's Impact on San Mateo County
While it's the seat of government, Redwood City is also a massive tech hub. It’s home to Electronic Arts (EA), Box, and used to be the headquarters for Oracle before they moved their corporate base to Texas. Even though Oracle moved its HQ, their presence in the city remains huge with those iconic cylindrical buildings sitting right on the water in Redwood Shores.
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Redwood Shores is a unique neighborhood. It was built on reclaimed land in the 1960s. It feels like a different world compared to the historic downtown. It’s all lagoons, winding paths, and sleek glass offices. If you’re looking at a map of what county is Redwood City CA located in, you’ll see Redwood Shores is a little "island" of the city separated by a thin strip of San Carlos.
Neighborhoods and Diversity
Redwood City is way more diverse than people give it credit for. Unlike some of the ultra-exclusive enclaves nearby, this city has a mix of everything.
- Friendly Acres: A more industrial and residential mix on the east side.
- Mount Carmel: Charming, older homes with tree-lined streets near downtown.
- Farm Hills: Tucked away near Cañada College with great views.
- North Fair Oaks: This is an unincorporated "island" within the city. It’s a vibrant, largely Latino community that adds a ton of cultural richness and incredible taco trucks to the area.
Managing the Cost of Living in the Area
Let's be real for a second. Living in San Mateo County is expensive. It is consistently ranked among the wealthiest counties in the United States. Redwood City, while historically more affordable than Atherton or Palo Alto, has seen prices skyrocket.
The proximity to Meta (Facebook) in Menlo Park and Google in Mountain View makes it a prime target for tech workers. This has led to massive redevelopment. The downtown area, which was pretty quiet twenty years ago, is now packed with high-end apartments and luxury condos.
If you are planning to visit or move here, you need to budget for the "Peninsula tax." Everything from gas to groceries costs more here than it does in most other parts of the country. However, the trade-off is the access to incredible parks like Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, which offers some of the best wildflower hiking in the state.
Getting Around: Transport in San Mateo County
Since Redwood City is the heart of the county, it’s a major transit hub.
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- Caltrain: The station is right downtown. It’s the lifeline for commuters heading to SF or San Jose.
- SamTrans: This is the county's bus system. It’s surprisingly reliable and connects the city to the rest of the Peninsula.
- El Camino Real: The historic "King’s Highway" runs straight through the city. It’s lined with shops, car dealerships, and every type of ethnic food you can imagine.
Traffic on the 101 can be brutal. If you’re trying to get from Redwood City to San Francisco during rush hour, expect it to take an hour or more, even though it’s only about 25 miles. The Dumbarton Bridge is also right nearby, giving you a straight shot across the bay to Fremont and the East Bay, but that bridge gets backed up early.
Actionable Tips for Navigating Redwood City
If you’re heading to Redwood City, don't just stick to the main drags.
Explore the History: Visit the San Mateo County History Museum. It’s located inside the old courthouse, which is a stunning example of neo-classical architecture. The stained-glass dome inside is one of the largest in the country. It’s a great way to understand the evolution of the region from a logging outpost to a tech giant.
Eat Local: Skip the chains. Go to the "Main Street" area. There’s a high concentration of incredible Mexican food, especially in the North Fair Oaks area. If you want something upscale, the restaurants surrounding Courthouse Square offer everything from authentic Italian to modern fusion.
Check the Calendar: Before you go, look at the city’s events page. Because it is the county seat, the city puts a lot of money into public programming. There are movie nights on the square, art festivals, and holiday light shows that are totally free.
Know the Jurisdiction: If you are moving here, double-check your address. Because of the way the county is carved up, you might be in Redwood City proper, or you might be in an unincorporated pocket. This affects your school district, your trash pickup, and even who you call for non-emergency services.
Redwood City manages to balance its role as a bureaucratic center with a high-energy tech atmosphere. It’s a place where you can see a century-old Victorian house right next to a modern glass apartment complex. It’s the anchor of San Mateo County, and once you spend a little time there, you realize it’s much more than just a stop on the way to San Francisco.
Next Steps for Your Trip or Move:
- Verify your exact jurisdiction if you're signing a lease, as "unincorporated" areas have different regulations.
- Download the Caltrain app to avoid the nightmare of 101 traffic if you're commuting.
- Visit the Port of Redwood City on a weekend to see the industrial side of the bay that most tourists miss.
- Check the San Mateo County official website for any civil services, as most are headquartered right here in the downtown core.