Renton

About Renton

Renton is a booming Washington suburb that offers both small-town living and plenty of amenities, just 11 miles southeast of Seattle. It's tucked along the southeastern shore of Lake Washington and the mouth of the Cedar River, providing scenic views from many parts of the city. Renton is among the largest cities in the state and has continued to grow in recent decades.

The History of Renton

Before European settlers ever arrived in the area where Renton now stands, it was inhabited by Native American tribes. The area's major bodies of water served as an important salmon fishing area for the Native Americans who called the area home. Named after Captain William Renton, a wealthy business owner, the city was first settled in 1873 by people working for the Renton Coal Co. With the addition of a railroad, the city began to thrive. In 1901, the city of Renton officially incorporated.

Until World War II, the city remained dependent on the coal mining industry, as well as timber export and clay production. During the war, Boeing opened a plant to manufacture B-29s, and Renton remains the home of Boeing to this day.

Living in Renton

In recent decades, Renton has experienced explosive growth. Between 2000 and 2015 alone, the population doubled from about 50,000 to just over 100,000. As a result of the rapid population growth, commercial and business development have had to move quickly to keep up. You'll be able to easily access the city's numerous amenities from the majority of its residential areas, thanks to plentiful grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants and other everyday conveniences.

Another great aspect of the city is the large number of outdoor activities. Renton is on the precipice of both Lake Washington and the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal city for anyone who loves water sports. There are many parks and recreational activities in the city, and it's also home to the NFL's Seattle Seahawks training camp. Although it has the mild, rainy climate shared by much of the Pacific Northwest, Renton still has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and actually receives only an inch more rain than the U.S. average.

Renton Schools

Renton School District manages the public schools that serve Renton and a few neighboring communities. You can also enroll your child in one of the more than 15 private schools in the city.

Resources for Moving to Renton

As you get ready to move to Renton, the following information will be very useful:

• Utilities: Puget Sound Energy and the city's utilities department are Renton's primary utilities providers.
• Garbage and Recycling: Republic Services is responsible for curbside collection of trash, recycling and yard waste.
• Transportation: Both King County Transit and Sound Transit offer public transportation options in Renton.

Renton Housing

Whether you're looking to rent or buy, there are many housing options in Renton. The city's many neighborhoods throughout the city for different lifestyles and budgets, but all join together to create a large, welcoming community. Homes in Renton are slightly less expensive than in the nearby city of Seattle, but still considerably pricier than the national average.