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.
Located in the state of Washington, Federal Way is a medium-sized city with a population of 100,624 people. In Federal Way, there are 4,529 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. An important consideration when living in Federal Way is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 36 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Federal Way can be a good experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Washington, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Federal Way, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, health & safety, education, housing and more.
With a livability score of 73/100, Federal Way is ranked #4,789 in the United States and #186 in Washington. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Federal Way ranks very well for employment (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Federal Way does not rank well for, including: crime (F) and cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
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.
Federal Way real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Federal Way. The median home price for Federal Way homes is $661,702, which is 34.5% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Federal Way, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 6.5, which is 20.4% 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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