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Stella Cook housing

Rent vs buy in Renton -what makes sense?

My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 5.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $96,626, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
20 upvotes

8 Replies

Dominic K.
yep
38 upvotes
Lydia Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
fresnolocal2020
I'm a software engineer and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Axel W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
true_vivian81
spot on
16 upvotes
Everett
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
8 upvotes
Kaylee Carter
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Everett D.
following this thread
6 upvotes
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