Foster Heights

A smaller neighborhood tucked away between significant highways and four miles from the Seattle International Airport. Foster Heights settles just outside Tukwila's developing commerce and retail spots and is only 12 miles from Seattle. The name Foster comes from the pioneer Joseph Foster, the first school superintendent and a local leader.

Through the winding and hilly roads of Foster Heights, you’ll discover a substantial number of housing styles settled along the hills. “There are a lot of older homes from the 40s or even older,” says Ellie Winter, Keller Williams Greater Seattle Realtor and lifelong Seattle resident. “Some homes are from the 70s and 80s. You’ll find mid-century, older craftsman properties. This area also has larger lots.” Arts and Crafts style houses are decked out in coordinating colors and two-car garages. Ranch-style properties are complemented with sun-gabled or cross-gabled roofs. Then, you’ll also discover some cape-cod-style homes with intimate lawns and smaller gravel driveways. These homes are ideal for first-time homebuyers. Most homes average between two to three bedrooms. Prices around here range between $400,000 to $600,000.

Students in Foster Heights can attend their studies within the Tukwila School District, which carries a B- grade on Niche. Luckily for residents, Foster Heights has two of these schools within their area. Thorndyke Elementary School starts children in grades K through five. The C Niche-rated school teaches subjects relating to STEAM and music. The Showalter Middle School is located along S. 144th ST. 12 sports across the school year are offered to grades six through eight students. Foster Senior High School is situated right next to Showalter Middle School. The B- Niche-rated school is praised for its diversity and welcoming nature. Students can also enroll in pre-college level courses and several AP options. Students can also spend after-school hours at the Tukwila Library, which carries several kids and teen programs.

“There’s a lot of young families,” Winter says. “There’s a lot of parks that are dog friendly. Then, there’s some sports facilities where kids can play soccer and stuff.” The Joseph Foster Memorial Park is settled along 51st Ave. This 9-acre property has several fields and courts to appeal to most sports, such as basketball, tennis, softball, and baseball. Golfers can enjoy the picturesque sight of the Duwamish River while teeing up for the 18 holes at the Foster Golf Links course. Golfers may also spot some hikers and bikers traveling along the Green River Trail. This 19-mile trail links industrial lands and other parks, communities, and landscapes. Tukwila Pool is the city’s public pool. Residents can enjoy the lap pools, shallow pools, and recreation activities offered year-round.

The dining scene within Foster Heights consists of mostly ethnic foods from African and Asian cultures. All these restaurants can be found along Tukwila International Boulevard. A laid-back location for all courses is Juba Restaurant and Café, which specializes in East African cuisine. On the menu at this spot include a shuwama wrap, suqaar, and ugali corn meal. For those looking for an exciting dining experience, several vendors rotate through the Spice Bridge Food Hall. From Wednesday through Sunday, this global food hall serves cultural foods created by BIPOC and immigrant business owners. Tukwila Village Farmers Market sells fresh produce grown by refugee and immigrant community members until late October.

Seattle Tacoma Airport is located only four miles from Foster Heights residents. If you need a domestic or international flight, this airport carries 31 airlines to nearly 120 destinations. Then, two miles away, you’ll hit the Tukwila Urban District with dozens of national and local retail stores. Westfield Southcenter Mall is the largest in the state and carries big-name stores like Macy’s and JCPenney. Weekly groceries can also be picked up at Tukwila’s local Target and Costco Wholesale. Three miles away, you can find the iconic Museum of Flight. Take a day with the kids to explore the various ways of flying or stop at one of the events they host monthly. Explore the cultural melting pot and convenient amenities that reside within Foster Heights.

Written By

Courtney Murphy

Photography Contributed By

Erik Knudsen

Video By

Francesco Basti