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Jameson Allen best-worst

Best neighborhoods in Federal Way

Hi all, Poverty rate is 9.8%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. TIA! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes

14 Replies

Jayden Lewis
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much developing but now it's better than expected.
38 upvotes
Santiago Martin
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Katherine Murphy
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Leo J.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Roman
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Dominic
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.

I've been here 9 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Cooper P.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
28 upvotes
Anna
This.
24 upvotes
Emily Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.

I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Pamela L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Matthew Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a lawyer, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
9 upvotes
Ellie P.
noted, appreciate it
6 upvotes
Arthur J.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
3 upvotes
Camila
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
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