Federal Way, WA, known as 'A City in Motion,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in King County, Federal Way is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle (22 miles) and Tacoma (11 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Federal Way's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Federal Way is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, the historic Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, and the scenic Dash Point State Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Pacific Bonsai Museum to the bustling The Commons at Federal Way, known for its shopping and dining. Federal Way's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Red, White & Blues Festival and the Federal Way Farmers Market highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Federal Way's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Highline College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Federal Way is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Knutzen Family Theatre and the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Federal Way provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Federal Way’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Seattle Mariners (MLB) and the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) in nearby Seattle, providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Federal Way include healthcare, education, and retail, with significant employers such as St. Francis Hospital and the Federal Way Public Schools driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and a light rail system, making it easy to navigate. Federal Way experiences a mild maritime climate, with wet winters and dry summers, providing a pleasant weather experience for residents.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Crime
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Federal Way, Washington is a mid-sized city with a population of 96,812 residents. In Federal Way, there are 4,342 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Federal Way entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 36 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Federal Way, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, crime, commute, health & safety and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Federal Way and in the areas around Federal Way is a much easier task.
With a livability score of 71 out of 100, Federal Way is ranked #5,372 in the United States and #208 in Washington. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Federal Way has been rewarded with high marks for employment (A-) and housing (A-). Regrettably for Federal Way, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Federal Way apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Federal Way. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Federal Way are affordable. Median real estate prices in Federal Way come in at $359,000, which is 33.3% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Federal Way, the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 20.9% higher than the Washington average.
| Statistic | Federal Way | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 36min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.5% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.4% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 7.5% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.7% | 5.6% | 4.6% |
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