Renton

Cascade is the residential south side of Renton, offering suburban homes in a diverse and tight-knit community. Separated from downtown Renton by a curve of Interstate 405, the quiet streets sit between outdoor recreation on Cedar River and the businesses of Renton's commercial hub. People here enjoy a well-supported community center, local schools and newly renovated parks. Just 15 miles south of Seattle and Bellevue, Cascade is a mix of long-time residents and newcomers moving away from rising home prices in Washington's biggest cities. Cascade is about a 50-50 split between renters and owners. For those looking to own, condos and townhomes range from $250,000 to $500,000 based on square footage. For single-family living, midcentury ranch styles start at $600,000, and larger contemporary homes go for $800,000. As the area grows in population, large five-bedroom homes built in the 2020s are cropping up, at price points around $1 million. The streets are lined with sidewalks and tucked away from the busy thoroughfares of Route 167 and Interstate 405. Cascade's community comes together at Family First Community Center, built in mid-2023 and founded by former Seattle Seahawk Doug Baldwin. The center offers recreational facilities, programs and resources — all free or low-cost. The center also partners with HealthPoint, a non-profit medical provider. "The center is open to all ages and all people and fosters a real sense of community," says the Director of Programs, Alejandra Silva. "Some of our most popular activities include family Zumba, teen volleyball and adult basketball." For bigger community events, Renton is just a couple miles away, and hosts seasonal farmers markets. And the annual Renton Summerfest celebration has live music, an outdoor movie and activities for the whole family. Schools are served by the Renton School District and offer Right at School, a before-and-after-school program with regular discounts and scholarships available. The district also provides each student with a laptop. Most students in the neighborhood are zoned to start at Cascade Elementary, which gets a C rating from Niche and encourages hands-on learning. "Kids from the elementary come over to our makerspace for a STEAM-type curriculum," Silva says. Then it's on to Nelson Middle School, rated C-plus. And students finish out at Lindbergh High School, rated B. The high school offers some advanced placement classes and has a Work Site Learning Program through the career center, allowing students to gain real-life experience. Renton is home to a thriving manufacturing industry led by Boeing Company and PACCAR Inc., manufacturers of aerospace and technology and trucks. Valley Medical Center, which is adjacent to the Cascade area, is also a top employer and gives residents easy access to a hub of medical services. But many who move to the area commute to Bellevue or Seattle, both 15 miles away. The drive to either city can take 20 minutes but gets up to 40 at peak traffic times. There is little in the way of fast public transportation for commuters, but residents do enjoy easy access to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 6 miles away. Cascade Park is loved by the kids because of a recently expanded playground. There is also a trail for running or biking through the park's 10 acres. Further north, Cedar River has trails along the banks, a local spot to run or take the dog on a hike. The Maplewood Golf Course also lies along the river, catering to all skill levels. It has a heated driving range and golf lessons. Cascade has small pockets of retail and dining throughout the neighborhood. Some standout spots included Mekenie Pampangga's, a Filipino restaurant specializing in all-day breakfast dishes, and Brewmaster's Taproom, a family and pet-friendly beer hall with over 20 craft beers and live music. For larger brands, residents drive just a mile away to pick up groceries at Fred Meyers and shop for home goods at the state's only IKEA.

Welcome to West Hill, an unincorporated area tucked between Seattle and Renton. Just minutes from Lake Washington, you'll find a diverse community with locally owned restaurants, good schools and convenience to Seattle and Renton's amenities. "This area is the perfect mix of Seattle and Renton, known for having gorgeous views of Lake Washington and being close to a ton of international dining and great retail at The Landing Shopping Center," says Realtor Lorraine Parker with eXp Realty. <br><br>West Hill is quickly becoming a favorite for buying starter homes, offering relative affordability compared to Seattle. Homes in the area range from $425,000 for a cottage up to $900,000 for a newer contemporary home. As prices in Seattle continue to rise, home buyers are looking to communities in the area to comfortably be able to purchase a home.<br><br>Cottages and ramblers are a notable feature in the neighborhood, and many come with renovated interiors or new additions. You'll notice that while many of the homes here are petite, they're set on larger lots lined with black walnut trees and wild blackberries. With more outdoor space, you have the opportunity to expand your home or turn your backyard into a personal oasis. In addition, you'll find some newer contemporary homes in West Hill that are close to Lake Washington. These homes typically have more extensive square footage, amazing views and luxury amenities like gourmet kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows and covered balconies. <br><br>Schools in the area include Bryn Mawr Elementary School, where students have above-average test scores and progress due to their project-based workshop model. The learning model encourages students to engage deeply and think critically about their work. At Dimmitt Middle School, students are offered a variety of athletics and after-school programs, including a reading program, math club, flag football, and track. At Renton High School, students can get assistance with college applications, financial aid and internships at the Career Center. The school also has a mental health center with counseling, resources and a virtual calming space. <br><br>With its proximity to Lake Washington, the community is just minutes from relaxing beach days on the lake. On a summer day, head over to Gene Coulon Beach Park to sunbathe, cool off in the designated swimming area, or launch a kayak onto the water. When you want to get into nature, you're close to the scenic mountain trails of Mount Rainier, but you can easily go for a hike close to home at Lakeridge Park. This beautiful urban green space has acres of evergreen woodland, unpaved trails and plank bridges that cross over bubbling Taylor Creek. The park also has an open area with playfields, a playground and pickleball courts that are popular with residents. <br><br>While the area could be more walkable, you're an easy drive to dining, retail and entertainment. You're also close to I-5, making a commute to Seattle or Tacoma easy. When you want to stick closer to home, start your day at Winnie's Cafe. This family-owned coffee shop using house-roasted Ethiopian coffee beans and serving pastries made by Winnie herself. For lunch, visit My's Vietnamese sandwiches. A go-to spot for banh mi and other delicacies, My's is a neighborhood favorite. <br><br>Another go-to for locals is Skyway Outdoor Cinema. Sponsored by the West Hill Community Association, this community event screens family-friendly movies across from the Skyway Library all summer long. At the Skyway Library, families and children will enjoy art and poetry workshops, free tutoring sessions and weekly story time. When running errands, head south into Renton for grocery stores, shopping at The Landing town center and entertainment like TopGolf. You'll also find global cuisine options, where you can sample Hawaiian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai and soul food, to name a few.<br><br>Offering budget-friendly homes, beautiful neighborhood parks and locally loved restaurants and community spaces, West Hill is a great place to call home.

Located at the heart of one of Seattle’s most vibrant edge cities, Central Renton is full of life and character, from its booming industries to its competitive home prices and its impressive array of dining and shopping amenities. Renton was founded in 1875 and named for a prominent local businessman. World War II played a major role in Central Renton’s rapid expansion, as Boeing built a factory to produce B-29 heavy bombers for use overseas. The Boeing factory remains one of Central Renton’s largest employers; Realtor David Sappenfield says, “If you’re in the aerospace industry, there’s a ton of employment opportunities here. You also have the Kenworth truck factory just east of Boeing.” Renton is also the birthplace of the famous card game Magic: The Gathering, as its parent company, Wizards of the Coast, has been headquartered in Central Renton since its founding in 1990. A spirit of creativity and innovation abounds in this hub of opportunities. Central Renton’s residential streets offer a variety of homes common to the Pacific Northwest; ranch-style homes, bungalows, and cottages predominate, with the occasional Colonial home offering additional space for its residents. “With housing in Renton, you have a lower median home value,” Sappenfield says. “You’re looking at $725,000 for a single-family, detached home, and $371,000 for a condo. When you look to the north of Renton, homes are in the million-dollar range; you get more house for your dollar by buying in Renton.” Central Renton’s housing market has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the city’s proximity to Seattle, as well as because Central Renton's . Sappenfield says, “It’s a growing city; it’s definitely expanding, which is great for the economy, if not for traffic.” As the downtown area of Renton, Central Renton is brimming with opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Sappenfield relates, “At The Landing, there’s a newer development about ten years old, and you have restaurants, Target, clothing stores, and an LA Fitness; everything you need is right there.” Chow down on some dumplings at the Dough Zone or enjoy a hearty meal at Exit 5 Korean BBQ before catching a movie at the Regal, or test your swing at the local Topgolf. Sappenfield adds, “You also have some shopping opportunities in downtown Renton, and you’re just nine miles away from Bellevue Square.” Central Renton’s shopping centers provide residents with a vast array of grocery stores to choose from, from Safeway and Fred Meyer to Walmart. Students attend the “B”-rated Sartori Elementary School, the “B”-rated Risdon Middle School, and the “B-minus”-rated Renton Senior High School, the last of which has consistently ranked among the most diverse schools in the state and among Washington’s best college prep high schools. Central Renton’s location just off Interstate 405 facilitates commutes into the “Emerald City.” Sappenfield says, “Renton is about 20 minutes outside of Seattle, and just to the southeast; it’s pretty easy to get in and out of the city.” If you’re looking to live in a close-knit community with ample opportunities for both entertainment and employment, Central Renton offers this for near-unbeatable prices.

Situated just about a dozen miles south of Seattle, Cedar River is a slice of Renton that’s an outdoor lover’s dream. This neighborhood straddles its namesake, a 45-mile-long body of water that represents just one of multiple ways you can enjoy some fun outside here. <br><br>“It’s one of the more affordable areas, compared to the eastside,” says local Realtor Aaron De Nunzio of Windermere Real Estate Midtown. “But it has quick access to freeways. There’s conveniences, like shopping, dining, Downtown Renton, Bellevue, Seattle. And then the trails and parks. Seattle’s huge on the outdoors.” <br><br>A home in Cedar River places you just minutes from the area’s outdoor attractions, too. The housing inventory here can suit varied tastes. Quite a few houses were built in the mid-20th century — mostly single-story ramblers and bungalows with floor plans ranging from about 800 square feet to roughly 2,000 square feet. Cedar River also contains a smattering of bigger homes, well over 2,000 square feet, that were built in the 1980s and 1990s. <br><br>Houses in Cedar River line sleepy residential streets, on lots that stretch anywhere from about 7,000 square feet to half an acre. Some blocks here come with the convenience of sidewalks, too. The array of homes in this area comes with a wide span of typical sale prices, anywhere from the $300,000s to the $900,000s. A lot sell for numbers in the $700,000s and $800,000s specifically, De Nunzio says, and demand is high. <br><br>Cedar River itself is a recreational centerpiece of the neighborhood. The river is a popular destination for trout anglers and is open to nonmotorized boating. A swath of the 17-mile-long Cedar River Trail runs through the area as well, a path open to biking, running and walking. “Maple Valley and Renton have incredible hiking trails,” De Nunzio says. “There’s incredible access to the outdoors in general, that’s why people love the Northwest.”<br><br>The trail cuts through what’s considered one of the best public golf courses in the region in Maplewood Golf Course, which spans some 6,100 yards. And even if golf isn’t your thing, you can make a visit to the onsite River Rock Grill & Ale House, which has full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, with food you can enjoy from their well-liked patio. The golf course is adjacent to Ron Regis Park, a 45-acre expanse with soccer and cricket fields, plus a lighted basketball court. <br><br>Cedar River residents can quickly get to the Henry Moses Aquatic Center to cool off in the summer. This facility features just about every water attraction you can ask for, including slides, a lap pool, a wave pool and a lazy river. The center shares a parking lot with the 23-acre Cedar River Park, the Renton Community Center and Carco Theatre. The park offers multi-use field space and access to Cedar River. Renton Community Center houses banquet space, meeting rooms, two gymnasiums and a dance studio. Space in the community center can be rented for private events. The center is also the site of periodic public events such as The Snow Ball, a winter-themed family dance night in February. The 300-seat Carco Theatre has recurring events, including concerts, comedy shows and plays.<br><br>Kids in Cedar River can attend public schools in the Renton School District, starting at Tiffany Park Elementary for kindergarten to fifth grade which, like other elementary schools in the city, offers before- and afterschool care for a fee. Students can progress to Nelsen Middle School for Grades 6 to 8, whose list of afterschool activities includes a dungeon and dragons club, a drama club and a pride mania club. Lindbergh High School is next, which boasts a B+ overall rating on Niche and is No. 6 on the site’s list of standout high schools in Washington. <br><br>Cedar River is only about 3 miles away from what De Nunzio says is the biggest shopping attraction in the area: The Landing. This plaza contains more than 400,000 square feet of retail space, with more than four dozen businesses, from Target to Staples. Eateries here include Panda Express and Wingstop. Tons of supermarkets pepper the area, too, for grocery needs, De Nunzio says. That includes a Fred Meyer, which De Nunzio says is perhaps the biggest chain in the area. <br><br>Washington State Route 169 traverses through Cedar River, an artery residents here can use to start commutes toward Seattle and Bellevue, which are just about 17 and 12 miles away, respectively. This convenient access helps make this neighborhood much more than just an outdoor oasis — it’s a well-rounded pocket of Renton.

Tucked at the southern end of Lake Washington in Renton, Kennydale offers gorgeous homes, lakeside beaches and a convenient, central location. “This is a highly desired community that’s been expanding rapidly. It’s also close to Gene Coulon Park, which is the most popular park in the Renton area,” says Realtor and Renton resident David Sappenfield. <br><br>In this trendy neighborhood, recently constructed contemporary homes with geometric angles and spacious windows provide unobstructed views of the lake. You'll also find ramblers with craftsman and midcentury details, offering old-school charm. Prices here reflect the area’s coveted location steps away from Lake Washington, ranging from $1.2 million for a bungalow to $3 million for new construction. <br><br>Renton School District serves the area, including Kennydale Elementary School, rated above average for test scores by Great Schools. The school offers students an extensive online library with digital books, games and educational resources. At Risdon Middle School, students can participate in lots of educational extracurricular activities, including Creative Writing Club, Robotics Club and Chess Club. Grades nine through twelve attend Hazen High School, which is rated above average for test scores and college readiness by Great Schools. Students are supported for life post-graduation by the school’s career center, which offers support for applications, internships, apprenticeships and financial aid. <br><br>The area's star attraction is the majestic Lake Washington, which encompasses over 30 square miles. In Kennydale, proximity to the lake means convenient access whenever you want it. Have a lake day at Kennydale Beach Park, a modest beach with a playground and designated swimming area. Walking distance to most of the neighborhood, Kennydale Beach Park is the perfect place to picnic on the water with friends and family. Before heading to the beach, get a morning pick-me-up at Cloudbreak Cafe. This cozy neighborhood coffee shop specializes in house-made coffee syrups and offers breakfast sandwiches or pastries that you can bring on the go. <br><br>If you’re looking for more action, visit Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Spend an afternoon at the public beach, launch a boat or kayak onto the lake, play tennis, or spend the day fishing on the pier. Kids will love the large play area and can wade or swim safely in the lifeguard-monitored swimming area. <br><br>Just two blocks away from Coulon Beach Park is The Landing, a dining and retail area that will meet all your daily needs. Here you'll find grocery stores, home goods stores, a movie theater and restaurants like Exit 5 Korean BBQ, which serves classic Korean dishes in a modern, warehouse-style interior. Or try Trencher's Kitchen and Tap, which specializes in a rotating global beer list alongside your favorite pub grub.<br><br>With its premier location, convenient access to Lake Washington and proximity to dining and retail, Kennydale might be the perfect neighborhood to buy a home in Renton.

On the southeast corner of Lake Washington, you’ll find the aptly named Sunset neighborhood of Renton, which offers great views of the lake to the west and lots of opportunity nearby. This residential community is a fast-growing neighborhood with convenient access to highways, recreation and major employers. “It’s evolving, and there are a lot of improvements coming in,” says local real estate advisor Christi Fiedler with Engel & Volkers. “The Landing is a pretty new area just down the hill with a lot of shopping and dining. They’ve put in some condos and are updating a lot of the buildings.” Located just northeast of downtown Renton and along Interstate 405, Sunset residents have easy access to one of the region’s main highways, but everything they need is close to home.<br><br>Sunset features a mix of housing styles, from established midcentury homes to brand-new luxury condos. Many of the streets south of Sunset Boulevard are modest ranch-style homes on hilly, winding roads. Mature trees are scattered throughout the community. Most homes have driveways, and built-in garages are common. You’ll find more ranch-style homes and larger contemporary and Craftsman houses north of Sunset Boulevard. The homes here tend to be more colorful, with lots of blues, greens and yellows. Tall evergreens line the streets here. You can find a three-bedroom ranch-style home for around $500,000. Five-bedroom homes can cost $900,000 to $1 million. Several condos in the heart of the neighborhood offer pristine views of the area. These units typically cost around $900,000.<br><br>Students in Sunset might attend Highlands Elementary School, McKnight Middle School and Hazen High School. Highlands is rated a C overall by Niche, and McKnight receives a B-minus rating. Hazen High is rated an A-minus and serves approximately 1,800 students. The school offers several tools to help students succeed during and after high school, including the Running Start program, in which students can take tuition-free college courses through local community colleges. The school’s career center helps students find internships and apprenticeships in the industries they are interested in, such as hospitality, IT and architecture. Residents searching for higher education can enroll at the nearby Renton Technical College, a local college offering career training, apprenticeships and bachelor's degrees in IT. <br><br>Sunset residents are close to several popular outdoor areas, including Highlands Park and Neighborhood Center. This park is home to an indoor community center with a basketball court and multi-purpose room. The park has several sports facilities, including tennis courts, basketball courts and a baseball field. Bring your soccer ball for a game on the outdoor mini-pitch, which opened in 2021 thanks to a partnership between Renton Public Schools, King County Parks and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders. Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is the go-to spot for swimming during the summer. This local park has a beach area, tennis courts, a playground and fishing piers. Head about five miles west of the neighborhood to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park for a day of hiking. This expansive natural area has more than 35 miles of trails that meander through second-growth forests, streams and wetlands. <br><br>When you feel like hitting the town for shopping, dining or entertainment, head west to The Landing, a popular destination full of stores, restaurants and attractions. Fiedler recommends Santa Fe Mexican Grill for a meal closer to home. The nearby Boeing Renton Factory provides jobs for 12,000 people, assembling an average of 47 airplanes per month. The city tries to minimize noise issues at the facility and the nearby airport by limiting jet takeoffs to the northern end of the runway facing the water. <br><br>You can shop for groceries at the local Safeway on Sunset Boulevard. There is also a Grocery Outlet for discount food items and Viet-Wah Asian Food Market nearby, both popular with locals. The proximity to Sunset Boulevard makes it easy for residents to go east and west through Renton. The neighborhood’s location along Interstate 405 gives you an easy start to any commute throughout the Puget Sound region. Current projects are underway to improve the commuting experience as well. “They’re widening the I-405 corridor, so once that’s done, it will be easier to get back and forth to the east side,” says Fiedler. The widening of the interstate will give residents an easier commute to the thriving business center of Bellevue. You’ll also have an easy 15-mile drive to downtown Seattle and just 8 miles to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.