Moving to SeaTac, WA:
Your 2026 Airport Living Guide
Home to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac offers affordable living with direct light rail to downtown Seattle. Perfect for airport workers, flight crews, and anyone seeking budget-friendly urban access with a unique 24/7 community vibe.
Quick Answer
SeaTac is ideal for: Airport industry workers, budget-conscious renters, light rail commuters, and anyone who values convenience over quiet suburban living. Expect average rents of $1,600/month (vs. Seattle's $2,400+), a 40-minute light rail ride to downtown, and a diverse, around-the-clock community centered on the region's busiest airport.
Key Facts About SeaTac
In This Guide
What's It Like Living in SeaTac?
SeaTac is unlike any other city in the Seattle metropolitan area. Named by combining "Seattle" and "Tacoma," this 10-square-mile city exists because of and around Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - the 8th busiest airport in the United States. Living here means embracing a lifestyle that operates on a 24/7 schedule, where your neighbors might work night shifts, restaurants stay open late, and the rhythms of airport life permeate daily existence.
For the right person, SeaTac offers remarkable value. Housing costs here are among the lowest in the region while still providing direct light rail access to downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and beyond. The city attracts a diverse population - flight attendants and pilots maintaining crash pads, TSA agents and airline workers living close to their jobs, international immigrants drawn by affordable apartments, and budget-conscious commuters who discovered that 40 minutes on the light rail beats 90 minutes in traffic.
The community has a transient quality that some find refreshing and others find challenging. Hotels and rental cars dominate the commercial landscape, but the residential neighborhoods - Angle Lake, McMicken Heights, and Bow Lake - have their own character. Angle Lake Park offers genuine natural beauty with a swimming beach, playground, and walking trails. The Link Light Rail's Angle Lake station has spurred new apartment development, bringing younger professionals seeking affordable urban access.
What SeaTac lacks in traditional suburban charm, it makes up for in convenience and affordability. If you need to catch a 6 AM flight, you're five minutes away. If you work at the airport, your commute is measured in minutes. And if you're priced out of Seattle, Bellevue, or even Renton, SeaTac might be where your dollar finally stretches far enough.
SeaTac Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood has its own character - from lakeside living to light rail convenience.
Angle Lake
SeaTac's most desirable neighborhood, centered around the scenic lake and park. New apartments near the Link Light Rail station offer modern living with direct Seattle access.
McMicken Heights
Established single-family neighborhood with more affordable homes. Closer to flight paths, so noise is a factor. Good value for families seeking homeownership.
Bow Lake
Eastern SeaTac near Tukwila border. Quieter than areas directly under flight paths. Mix of apartments and single-family homes with good school access.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | SeaTac | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $1,600/mo | $2,400/mo | $800/mo |
| 2BR Apartment | $1,950/mo | $3,100/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Median Home Price | $485K | $850K | $365K |
| Groceries | Similar | Similar | - |
| Utilities | $150/mo | $150/mo | - |
| Light Rail Pass | $99/mo (ORCA) | ||
Annual Savings Potential
Living in SeaTac instead of Seattle can save a single person $9,600-13,800 per year in housing costs alone. For couples or small families, the savings are even more significant. Combined with Washington's no state income tax, SeaTac offers genuine affordability in an expensive region.
Commute Times from SeaTac
Average Commute Times (Light Rail)
Link Light Rail
SeaTac/Airport & Angle Lake Stations
- Downtown Seattle: ~40 minutes
- UW Campus: ~55 minutes
- Trains every 6-15 minutes
- $3.00 to downtown Seattle
RapidRide A Line
Federal Way to Tukwila
- Connects to Federal Way
- Tukwila Int'l Blvd Station
- Frequent service daily
By Car
I-5, SR-518, SR-99
- Seattle: 20-55 min (traffic dependent)
- Bellevue: 25-60 min
- Tacoma: 20-40 min
Noise Considerations: What to Expect
The Reality of Airport Noise
Living near an international airport means living with aircraft noise. However, the impact varies dramatically by specific location. Properties directly under the main flight paths experience significantly more noise than those in quieter pockets of the city.
Peak Noise Times
- 5:00 - 7:00 AM: Early departures begin
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM: Evening arrivals peak
- 11 PM - 5 AM: Quieter, but some flights
Noise Mitigation Tips
- Choose apartments east of SR-99
- Look for newer buildings with better insulation
- Check Port of Seattle noise insulation program eligibility
- Visit properties at different times before signing
Most residents adapt: While aircraft noise is noticeable when you first move in, the vast majority of SeaTac residents report that they "tune it out" within a few weeks. The human brain is remarkably good at filtering consistent background noise. Many longtime residents say they barely notice planes anymore unless specifically listening for them.
Highline School District
SeaTac is served by the Highline School District, one of the most diverse districts in Washington State with students representing over 100 different languages. The district has been investing significantly in facility improvements and academic programs, though it faces challenges common to urban districts serving lower-income populations.
Elementary Schools
- Bow Lake Elementary
- McMicken Heights Elementary
- Madrona Elementary
Middle & High Schools
- Chinook Middle School
- Tyee High School
- Big Picture High School (Alt.)
Pros and Cons of Living in SeaTac
Pros
-
Very Affordable
Lowest rents in the Seattle metro with light rail access
-
Direct Light Rail
40 minutes to downtown Seattle, no transfers needed
-
Airport Convenience
5-minute drive to SEA - perfect for frequent travelers
-
24/7 Services
Restaurants, shops, and services cater to shift workers
-
Diverse Community
International food, culture, and welcoming atmosphere
Cons
-
Aircraft Noise
Significant noise under flight paths, especially early morning
-
Limited Walkability
Car-dependent outside of light rail corridors
-
Hotel/Industrial Feel
Less residential charm than traditional suburbs
-
School Challenges
Highline SD faces urban district challenges
-
Transient Atmosphere
Less community cohesion due to traveler population
Who Should Move to SeaTac?
SeaTac is Perfect For:
- Airport industry workers (airlines, TSA, hospitality)
- Budget-conscious renters seeking Seattle access
- Light rail commuters working downtown
- Frequent travelers who value airport proximity
- Shift workers who need 24/7 services
- First-time renters entering expensive market
SeaTac May Not Be Right For:
- Those seeking quiet suburban living
- Families prioritizing top-rated schools
- Light sleepers sensitive to noise
- Those who prefer walkable neighborhoods
- People seeking tight-knit community feel
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. SeaTac is ideal for airport workers due to its proximity to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (less than 5 minutes), affordable housing compared to Seattle, 24/7 services catering to shift workers, and light rail access. Many flight attendants, pilots, baggage handlers, and TSA agents call SeaTac home. The city has built its identity around the airport workforce.
Noise levels vary significantly by neighborhood. Areas directly under flight paths (like parts of McMicken Heights) experience more aircraft noise, especially during early morning departures (5-7 AM) and evening arrivals. The Port of Seattle offers noise insulation programs for qualifying homes. Angle Lake and Bow Lake areas tend to be quieter. Most residents report adapting within a few weeks.
SeaTac offers some of the most affordable rents in the Seattle metro area. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,500-1,700/month, and two-bedrooms average $1,800-2,100/month - significantly lower than Seattle's $2,400+ average. Newer apartments near Angle Lake Station tend to be at the higher end, while older complexes offer better deals.
The Link Light Rail provides direct service from SeaTac/Airport Station or Angle Lake Station to downtown Seattle (Westlake) in approximately 40 minutes. Trains run every 6-15 minutes depending on time of day. This makes SeaTac excellent for commuters who work downtown but want affordable housing. The fare is about $3.00 one way.
SeaTac is served by the Highline School District, which includes Bow Lake Elementary, McMicken Heights Elementary, Chinook Middle School, and Tyee High School. The district is one of the most diverse in Washington State and has been investing in facility improvements. Some families explore school choice options or consider private schools.
SeaTac has a mix of safe, family-friendly neighborhoods and areas with higher crime rates common to urban settings near commercial corridors. The Angle Lake area near the light rail is generally considered one of the safer, more developed neighborhoods. As with any city, research specific neighborhoods, check crime statistics, and visit at different times before committing to a lease.
Planning Your Move to SeaTac?
Next Phase Moving provides professional residential moving services throughout SeaTac and South King County. Whether you're moving near Angle Lake or McMicken Heights, our team knows every neighborhood and apartment complex. Let us make your move seamless.
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