Moving to Renton, WA:
Where Aviation Meets Revival
From Boeing's 737 assembly lines to trendy waterfront dining at The Landing, Renton is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Get Seattle-area living at prices that actually make sense.
The 30-Second Summary
Renton delivers: ~$650K median home prices (half of Bellevue), stable Boeing aerospace employment, stunning Gene Coulon Park waterfront, diverse neighborhoods from lakeside luxury to affordable family suburbs, and a 20-minute Seattle commute. It's the Eastside's best-kept value secret.
Seattle's Affordable Alternative: Why Renton Makes Sense in 2026
Here's the reality: Renton isn't trying to be Seattle or Bellevue. It's carving its own identity as a working-class city that's rapidly transforming into something more dynamic - while keeping prices that actual middle-class families can afford.
This is Boeing's hometown. Since 1941, the Renton plant has assembled some of aviation's most iconic aircraft. Today, every single Boeing 737 - the best-selling commercial jet in history - rolls off the assembly line here. That heritage shapes Renton's character: practical, productive, and proudly blue-collar in the best sense.
But Renton is changing. The Landing waterfront development brought modern retail and dining to the shores of Lake Washington. Downtown is seeing new mixed-use projects. Young professionals priced out of Seattle are discovering neighborhoods like Kennydale and The Landing. The city still has rough edges - this isn't manicured Mercer Island - but that's exactly why it remains affordable.
Boeing: The Economic Anchor
The Boeing Renton Factory isn't just a workplace - it's a city unto itself. The massive facility employs thousands of workers who build 737s at an impressive rate of roughly 40+ aircraft per month during peak production.
- Competitive aerospace salaries ($70K-$150K+)
- Excellent benefits and job stability
- 5-10 minute commute for most Renton residents
Renton Neighborhoods: Find Your Flight Path
From waterfront luxury to affordable family suburbs, Renton offers diverse neighborhoods at various price points.
The Landing
Renton's crown jewel. Modern waterfront condos and apartments steps from shopping, dining, and Lake Washington. This is where Renton's transformation is most visible - think urban walkability without Seattle prices.
Kennydale
Renton's most prestigious neighborhood. Hillside homes with Lake Washington and Cascade views, excellent schools (Issaquah School District for some areas), and proximity to Gene Coulon Park. This is where executives and professionals settle.
Fairwood
The quintessential suburban family neighborhood. Golf course community with good schools, parks, and that classic American dream feel. Popular with Boeing families who want space and community without breaking the bank.
Benson Hill
Renton's best-kept affordability secret. Diverse, growing neighborhood with newer construction, easy freeway access, and prices that first-time buyers can actually reach. Not glamorous, but solid and improving.
Highlands
Established neighborhood with strong community identity. Mix of mid-century and updated homes, good schools, and that settled neighborhood feel. Popular with long-term residents and families wanting stability.
Downtown Renton
The heart of Renton's transformation. New mixed-use developments, transit center access, diverse dining, and walkable urban living. Still has gritty edges but trending upward with each new project.
Cost of Living: Renton's Value Proposition
Here's why Renton makes financial sense for Seattle-area newcomers. These numbers tell the story of genuine affordability in an expensive region.
| Category | Renton | Seattle | Bellevue | Savings vs Seattle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$650,000 | ~$850,000 | ~$1,400,000 | Save ~$200K |
| 1BR Apartment Rent | $1,700-$2,000 | $2,200-$2,600 | $2,400-$2,800 | Save $400-600/mo |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,000-$2,500 | $2,800-$3,400 | $3,000-$3,800 | Save $800-900/mo |
| Groceries (monthly) | $350-$450 | $400-$500 | $450-$550 | Save $50-100 |
| Dining Out (per person) | $12-$25 | $18-$35 | $20-$40 | Save 30-40% |
| Overall Cost Index | 143 | 172 | 189 | ~20% Lower |
Single Professional Budget
- 1BR Apartment (Fairwood/Benson) $1,800
- Utilities (electric, internet, phone) $200
- Groceries $400
- Transportation (car + gas) $450
- Dining/Entertainment $300
- Monthly Total ~$3,150
Family of 4 Budget
- 3BR Home (Fairwood/Highlands) $2,800
- Utilities $350
- Groceries $900
- 2 Cars + Insurance + Gas $800
- Family Activities/Dining $500
- Monthly Total ~$5,350
Renton Schools: Know Before You Go
The honest assessment: Renton schools are solid but not the region's strongest. If top-tier public schools are your absolute priority, Bellevue or parts of the Eastside may serve you better. That said, Renton offers good options, especially when you factor in the cost savings.
School Districts Serving Renton
Renton School District
- Serves most of Renton
- Hazen High School, Lindbergh High School
- Strong vocational/technical programs
- Diverse student population
Issaquah School District
- Parts of Kennydale, Newcastle area
- Higher-rated schools
- Verify exact boundaries carefully
- More competitive enrollment
Pro tip: If schools are a priority, look specifically at Kennydale properties that feed into Issaquah School District, or consider the private school options in the area. The savings from Renton's lower housing costs can offset private school tuition while still coming out ahead financially.
Commute Times: The Real Story
| Destination | Off-Peak | Rush Hour | Transit Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Seattle | 20-25 min | 45-70 min | Bus 35-50 min |
| Bellevue | 15-20 min | 30-45 min | Bus 25-40 min |
| Boeing Renton | 5-10 min | 10-15 min | Bike/Bus 15 min |
| SeaTac Airport | 15-20 min | 25-40 min | Bus/Rail 30-40 min |
| Redmond (Microsoft) | 25-30 min | 45-60 min | Bus 45-60 min |
Driving Tips
- I-405: Main corridor to Bellevue/Eastside. Congested 7-9 AM, 4-7 PM.
- Highway 167: Connects to I-5 for Seattle access.
- Best windows: Leave before 6:30 AM or after 9 AM for Seattle.
- Boeing advantage: Shift schedules often avoid peak traffic.
Transit Options
- Renton Transit Center: Main hub for bus connections.
- King County Metro: Routes to Seattle, Bellevue, Kent.
- Future light rail: Sound Transit expansion planned (years out).
- Reality check: Car ownership is practical for most residents.
Renton Lifestyle: What to Expect
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
This 57-acre waterfront park is Renton's crown jewel - and honestly rivals any urban park in the Seattle metro. Swimming beaches, fishing piers, boat launches, 1.5 miles of trails, playgrounds, and waterfront dining with Mount Rainier views.
On a sunny Seattle summer day, you'll feel lucky to be a Renton resident when you're kayaking on Lake Washington while Seattleites fight for parking at their crowded parks.
Dining & Entertainment
The Landing brings modern retail therapy to Renton's waterfront - familiar chains plus local spots, all walkable from waterfront apartments. IKEA Renton is one of the largest in the country (yes, Swedish meatballs included).
But Renton's real dining gems are its diverse ethnic restaurants. Vietnamese pho shops, Ethiopian restaurants, Korean BBQ, Mexican taquerias - authentic food at prices that Seattle restaurateurs couldn't dream of charging. The cultural diversity here shows up deliciously on your plate.
Local Culture
Jimi Hendrix Memorial: Renton's most famous native son is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park. Music fans worldwide make pilgrimages here.
Seattle Seahawks HQ: The NFL team's training facility (Virginia Mason Athletic Center) calls Renton home. During training camp, fans gather to watch practices.
Renton Farmers Market: Seasonal market connecting you with local farmers, artisans, and that small-town community feel that Seattle lost years ago.
The Honest Verdict: Pros & Cons
Why You'll Love Renton
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Real Affordability
~$650K median homes vs $850K Seattle, $1.4M Bellevue. Actual middle-class prices.
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Boeing Employment
Stable aerospace jobs with competitive salaries, benefits, and 5-minute commutes.
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Stunning Waterfront
Gene Coulon Park rivals any Seattle park. Lake Washington at your doorstep.
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Diverse Community
Authentic diversity reflected in neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural events.
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Strategic Location
20 min to Seattle, 15 min to Bellevue, 15 min to SeaTac. Central positioning.
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City in Transformation
The Landing, downtown revival, new development. Getting in before it's "discovered."
Know Before You Go
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Traffic Congestion
I-405 bottlenecks are real. Rush hour commutes to Seattle can double or triple.
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Limited Transit
No light rail yet (future plans). Bus service exists but car ownership is practical.
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Schools Not Top-Tier
Renton SD is solid but not Bellevue-caliber. Research specific boundaries carefully.
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Industrial Character
Boeing plant, warehouses, some gritty areas. Not polished suburban perfection.
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Less Nightlife
For concerts, late-night scene, major cultural events - you'll head to Seattle.
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Tight Rental Market
Vacancy under 4%. Good apartments go fast - be ready to act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renton is generally safe, though crime rates vary by neighborhood. Kennydale, Fairwood, and Highlands are considered the safest areas. Downtown and some industrial areas have higher property crime rates typical of urban environments. Overall, Renton's crime rates are comparable to similar-sized cities in the region.
For a single person, $65,000-$80,000 provides comfortable living. Families should target $100,000-$140,000 for a comfortable lifestyle with savings potential. These figures are notably lower than Seattle ($90K+ single, $150K+ family) due to Renton's lower housing costs.
Boeing's Renton plant regularly hires for manufacturing, engineering, and support roles. The 737 program employs thousands. Check Boeing's careers page for current openings. Entry-level manufacturing positions start around $50-60K with significant growth potential, while engineers can expect $80-150K+ depending on experience.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best balance of weather and rental availability. Summer is peak moving season with higher prices and competition. Winter moves can find better deals but face challenging weather. Start your housing search 6-8 weeks before your target move date.
Renton is slightly more expensive than Kent or Auburn but offers better amenities - waterfront parks, The Landing shopping, and closer Eastside access. Kent and Auburn are more affordable but more suburban/industrial. If you work at Boeing Renton, living in Renton makes the most sense for commute.
Sound Transit's long-term plans include light rail extension to Renton, but it's still years away from completion. Current transit relies on buses connecting to existing light rail stations. This is a consideration if transit-dependent living is your priority.
Ready to Make Renton Your Next Phase?
Whether you're joining Boeing, relocating for work, or just looking for value in the Seattle area, Next Phase Moving makes your Renton move seamless.