Moving to
Federal Way.

$1,797/mo median rent

Rent runs on the higher side, at $1,797 a month median. Whether that premium makes sense usually comes down to the local job market and what it pays. Home prices are steep, with a median around $552,800. Renting first to get a feel for the city before buying is often the more practical route.

5.3% unemployment

Unemployment here is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 4.3%. Lining up work before the move is the safer route.

353 violent crimes per 100k

Crime runs about typical for a city this size. Some neighborhoods are safer than others, and one overall rate doesn't tell the whole story, so a neighborhood-level look matters more than the headline stat.

32 min average commute

Traffic is a real factor here. The 32.1 minute average means plenty of commuters are pushing 45 to 60 minutes on a bad day. Proximity to work matters more here than it might elsewhere. 8 in 10 workers drive to work; 14% work from home.

1 hospital

There's one Medicare-certified hospital inside city limits, rated 4.0 out of 5 by Medicare. Hospitals in neighboring towns aren't counted here.

31% bachelor's degree or higher

Education levels run about average, with 31% college-educated. It's a mix of white-collar and blue-collar work, which can be an asset or a limitation depending on the field.

32 public schools inside the boundary

There are 32 public schools inside the boundary and 4 private schools. The student-to-teacher ratio is 18:1, slightly above the national average of 16:1.

The nearest national park or historic site is Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park (20 miles away). There are 6 national parks and sites within a day's drive.