Federal Way

About Federal Way

Federal Way is a large coastal city in Washington's King County. It has experienced steady growth in recent decades, and is currently among the largest cities in the state. Nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, Federal Way offers a convenient location as well as a family-friendly community with many amenities.

The History of Federal Way

The present-day Federal Way area was first settled in the late 1800s as a logging community. In the 1920s, Federal Highway 99 was built to connect the nearby cities of Seattle and Tacoma, and the name Federal Way followed soon after. The city was incorporated in 1990, largely as a response to rapid commercial and residential growth. At that time, Federal Way was Washington's sixth-largest city.

Living and Working in Federal Way

Federal Way's location makes it a popular Washington city, but it also has much more to offer. When it comes to entertainment, options are plentiful. Federal Way is bordered by Puget Sound and its many attractions, many of which provide options for outdoor recreation. Nature enthusiasts will love the Rhododendron Species Botanical Gardens, Weyerhaeuser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection or any of several nearby state and national parks, including Mount Rainer National Park.

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has hosted national and Olympic competitions and is open to the public. Lighthouses, beaches, professional sports teams and a theme park are all just minutes away; there are also many attractions in nearby downtown Seattle.

The timber industry continues to employ many people in this part of the state, but Federal Way is also home to a variety of retail corporations and nonprofits. Among the largest employers in the city are Federal Way Public Schools, Xerox Commercial Services Business Services, St. Francis Hospital and World Vision Inc. If you don't find a job that fits your needs in Federal Way, commuting to Seattle or Tacoma is always an option.

Federal Way Schools

Federal Way Public Schools is the school district for all of Federal Way, as well as parts of Auburn, Kent, Des Moines and the unincorporated King County. There are a few private schools in the area, mostly faith-based campuses affiliated with community churches.

Resources for Moving to Federal Way

Here are a few handy resources for organizing your move to Federal Way:

• Utilities: Federal Way's major utilities providers include Puget Sound Energy and the Lakehaven Water and Sewer District.
• Garbage and Recycling: Waste Management facilitates curbside collection of trash, recycling and organic waste for all homes in Federal Way.
• Transportation: King County Transit manages the public transportation network for much of the area. The Federal Way Transit Center provides several bus routes that travel in and around the city.

Federal Way Housing

Whether you'd prefer to rent or own, you will find a variety of housing options in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Nearby neighborhoods include Lakeland South, Lakeland North, Redondo, West Hill, Northeast Tacoma, Woodmont, Downtown Auburn, South Auburn, North Auburn and Salt Air Hills. Prices in the area are rising quickly, but that could be a good indication of a sound long-term investment.