Firstly why Renton, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Renton
• State: Washington
• Population: 107,113 people
• Renton’s quick summary would be Famous for the Boeing Renton Factory and the vibrant Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a diverse economy and suburban living attracting families

Perk #1: Renton Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $64,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Renton is $68,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Renton’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,425
• Property Tax %: 1.16%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Renton
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Renton, Kent, Seattle, Newcastle, and probably could include Auburn
• Avg. Age of Homes in Renton: 49 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Renton’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Renton are  Aerospace, Technology, and Retail
• Renton Job Scene: healthy job market centered on retail and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech community centered on aerospace and local business services , ,
• Renton Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Renton: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Renton

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-405 and I-5 provide access to Renton from various directions
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on I-405
• Transportation Score: 43 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Renton: 80,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Renton: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 66 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Renton’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Renton is best described as mild winters cool summers with frequent rain
• Winter Weather in Renton i’d describe as cool with some snow
• Spring Weather in Renton can be described as cool with rain possible
• Summer’s in Renton are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Renton is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Renton below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by urban activity
• Renton Winter Air average air quality influenced by urban development

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Renton Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Renton 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Rentons’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Renton Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Renton Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Renton only Doctors is about 35
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Renton only Police Officers is about 100
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Renton’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Renton’s Monthly Gym Membership: $45
• Renton’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Renton

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban area known for its waterfront and parks
• You might enjoy live shows at the Renton Community Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Renton  has a friendly local atmosphere with bars and dining options for cozy evening gatherings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Renton

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family-friendly dining and casual eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 25 scattered around Renton
• The Popular Sports Team is Renton High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Renton can be described as politically mixed with emphasis on community and local economy
• Renton’s Longer standing religious establishment is Renton Christian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Renton Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Renton has 25 Parks?
• Renton Memorial Stadium Park is Renton’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Renton Farmers Market normally open Tuesday 3pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, parks, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Renton Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Renton can be described as moderate suburban pace with a focus on family living and parks
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Renton picnicking at parks visiting museums hiking local trails
• The Cities people commute to from Renton are Lacey 8 miles away Tumwater 5 miles away Shelton 21 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Renton or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on I-405. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Renton’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Renton is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Renton are Lacey 8 miles away Tumwater 5 miles away Shelton 21 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Renton has 4 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Renton people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Renton. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed with emphasis on community and local economy could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Renton.

Retiree & Senior Life in Renton

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might benefit from tax breaks focused on property ownership
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Terraces
• Renton Senior Center offers a diverse range of activities meal programs and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Renton, Washington?

If Renton, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Renton, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!