Living in Federal Way Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Federal Way Washington Like?
Federal Way, Washington, is a thriving city in the south-central part of King County. With a population of over 99,000 residents, Federal Way is a part of the Seattle metropolitan area and offers a diverse blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city is situated between Seattle and Tacoma. It provides easy access to both cities, making it an ideal location for people who want to be close to the action and enjoy a suburban lifestyle.
Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in Federal Way. The city boasts more than 1,200 acres of parks, including Steel Lake Park and Celebration Park, which offer playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails. Additionally, the Dash Point State Park, located nearby, provides residents with stunning views of Puget Sound, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas.
The cost of living in Federal Way is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the Seattle metropolitan area. The average home price in Federal Way is around $550,000, which is lower than the average for Seattle. The cost of living in Federal Way is higher than the national average, with housing costs being the primary contributor. The city has an array of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments, to meet the needs of those living in Federal Way, Washington.
If you're looking for a city with abundant amenities, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a lower cost of living compared to many other cities in the Seattle metropolitan area, then Federal Way, Washington, might be for you. Keep reading to discover more about living in Federal Way, Washington, including info on neighborhoods, schools, cost of living, and pros and cons of living in Federal Way so that you can decide if moving to and living in Federal Way, Washington, is the right choice for you.
The Moving to Federal Way Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Federal Way, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Federal Way, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Federal Way Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Federal Way, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Federal Way, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Federal Way, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $44,000 a year. To live in Federal Way, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $70,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Federal Way Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
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WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Federal Way Washington
Situated in King County, Washington, Federal Way is a vibrant and diverse city with many distinctive neighborhoods. Here's a glimpse into six of Federal Way's diverse communities and some info on each:
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West Campus: West Campus is a cozy residential neighborhood located in the western part of Federal Way. It has a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The neighborhood has several parks, including Saghalie Park, which is popular for its playground and basketball courts.
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Steel Lake: Steel Lake is a popular neighborhood in the northern part of Federal Way. It has various housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Steel Lake Park is a highlight of the neighborhood, offering a beach, playground, and picnic areas.
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Lakota: Lakota is a quiet residential neighborhood located in the eastern part of Federal Way. It is primarily made up of single-family homes, but some townhouses and apartments are also available. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful views of the mountains and proximity to Dash Point State Park.
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Marine Hills: Marine Hills is an affluent neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Federal Way. It features larger, more expensive homes, many of which have stunning views of the Puget Sound. There are also some townhouses and apartments available in the area.
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Dash Point: Dash Point is a charming neighborhood in the southern part of Federal Way. It has a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Dash Point State Park is a highlight of the area, offering hiking trails, beaches, and picnic areas.
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Twin Lakes: Twin Lakes is a family-friendly neighborhood located in the central part of Federal Way. It has a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The neighborhood has several parks, including Steel Lake Park, located nearby.
If moving to Federal Way, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Federal Wasy, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Federal Way Washington
Living in Federal Way Washington Pros
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Location: Federal Way is conveniently located in the center of the Puget Sound region, making it an ideal home base for exploring the area's many attractions.
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Beautiful Scenery: Federal Way is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the nearby Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains.
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Diverse Community: Federal Way is a diverse community with various cultures, languages, and ethnicities represented.
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Outdoor Recreation: Federal Way has a wealth of parks, trails, and other outdoor recreation opportunities, including the popular Dash Point State Park.
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Great Schools: Federal Way has many highly-rated schools, both public and private, providing excellent education options for families.
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Economic Opportunities: Federal Way has a growing economy with a variety of industries, including healthcare, technology, and retail.
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Cultural Attractions: Federal Way has several cultural attractions, including the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, the Pacific Bonsai Museum, and the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.
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Shopping and Dining: Federal Way has a range of shopping and dining options, including the popular Federal Way Commons and The Commons at Federal Way shopping centers.
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Community Events: Federal Way hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the annual Rhododendron Festival, Farmers Market, and summer concert series.
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Transit Options: Federal Way has easy access to major highways and is served by several transit options, including Sound Transit's Link light rail and King County Metro buses, making it easy to get around the region.
Living in Federal Way Washington Cons
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Traffic: Federal Way is near major highways and can experience heavy traffic during peak commuting times.
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High Cost of Living: The cost of living in Federal Way can be higher than in other areas of Washington state.
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Weather: The Pacific Northwest is known for its rainy weather, and Federal Way is no exception. This may be a drawback for those who prefer sunny or dry climates.
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Limited Nightlife: Federal Way's nightlife scene is more limited than nearby cities like Seattle or Tacoma.
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Limited Job Opportunities: While there are job opportunities in Federal Way, the job market may not be as robust as in larger cities.
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Crowded Schools: Some schools in Federal Way can be overcrowded, which may lead to larger class sizes.
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Lack of Diversity in Housing: Federal Way's housing market can be limited in diversity, with a higher concentration of apartments and townhouses.
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Limited Cultural Attractions: While Federal Way has some cultural attractions, it has fewer than other nearby cities.
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Limited Entertainment Options: Federal Way has fewer entertainment options than larger cities, which can be a drawback for some residents.
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Environmental Concerns: Some residents may be concerned about the impact of industrial activities on the environment, as Federal Way has several industrial areas.
FAQs About Living in Federal Way Washington
What is Federal Way known for?
Federal Way, Washington, is known for being the location of Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, one of the largest amusement parks in the Pacific Northwest. The park features over 60 rides, slides, and attractions, including several roller coasters, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Wild Waves is a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers and draws visitors from all over the region during the summer months.
What cities are nearby Federal Way?
Federal Way, Washington, is located in the southern part of King County and is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The city is conveniently situated between Seattle and Tacoma, with a driving distance of about 25 minutes to both cities. Additionally, Federal Way is located near major highways, such as I-5 and Highway 167, making it easy to travel to other cities in the region. Some nearby cities to Federal Way include Auburn, Kent, and Renton, which are all within a short driving distance.
What is the weather like in Federal Way?
Living in Federal Way, Washington, you can also expect mild weather throughout the year. During the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 42°F to 46°F, and the average low temperatures range from 31°F to 35°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, with an average of 7 inches of snowfall annually. Summers in Federal Way are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F and occasional heatwaves in the 90s. The city receives around 38 inches of rain each year, making it a relatively rainy place to live.
Does Federal Way Washington have good public schools?
Students in Federal Way, Washington, attend public school in the Federal Way Public Schools district, which serves the city of Federal Way and parts of King County. The Federal Way Public Schools district is the eighth largest in the state and is home to 39 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools and alternative programs. For school year 2022-23 Niche.com ranks the Federal Way School District #130 out of the 252 school districts in Washington it ranked, with an overall B- rating. The district has a diverse student population and offers a variety of academic programs, including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. The district also strongly emphasizes extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and drama, to provide students with a comprehensive education. If living in Federal Way, Washington, your kids will get a decent education. There are better districts in Washington, but there are worse too.
Is Federal Way Washington safe?
Living in Federal Way, Washington, you'll find it a relatively safe place. Property crime rates in Federal Way are 15% lower than the national average, and violent crime rates are 25% lower than the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Federal Way has a crime rate lower than 62% of all US cities. With these statistics, if you're living in Federal Way, Washington, you should feel reasonably safe.
What is there to do living in Federal Way Washington?
Living in Federal Way, Washington, you'll have plenty of options for outdoor recreation and entertainment. The city is located near the Puget Sound and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. There are also several parks in Federal Way, such as Celebration Park and Steel Lake Park, which feature picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. Federal Way hosts several annual events, including the Federal Way Farmers Market and the Red, White, and Blues Festival. The city is also conveniently located near other popular attractions in the region, such as the Dash Point State Park and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or cultural events, there's always something to do living in Federal Way, Washington.
Who are large employers in Federal Way Washington?
If living in Federal Way, Washington, you'll find several top employers in the area. Some of the larger employers in Federal Way include Weyerhaeuser Company, a forestry products company that employs over 1,000 people in the city; MultiCare Health System, which operates the St. Francis Hospital and employs over 1,500 people; and the Federal Way Public Schools, which employs over 2,000 people in the education sector. The city is also home to several large retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Costco, which employ hundreds of workers each. Additionally, the nearby cities of Seattle and Tacoma offer many employment opportunities, with Seattle being a hub for technology and Tacoma being a major port city.
I want to relocate to Federal Way. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Federal Way, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Federal Way area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Federal Way, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.