Auburn, WA Area (Seattle, Federal Way, Renton: new home, neighborhoods, schools)

[Andrea1711]

My husband is being relocated to Seattle, WA. We are looking at places to live outside the city where we think it would be a bit more affordable. Currently we are looking at the Auburn area as well as Federal Way and Renton. Can anyone give me some more info about these areas? We are looking for a nice quiet community, close to shopping areas and a place that would be an easy commute into Seattle or the airport. We don't have children so schools are not a concern right now. Thanks for any info you can provide!

[Ira500]

If commuting to Seattle and the airport are important, then Renton would be good choice, fairly quick commute to either. Federal Way's a little further from town but closer to the airport. auburn is a little further from Seattle, but not as close to the airport as Federal Way.

[aek11]

I'd say that Auburn is probably the most quiet city out of the 3. I always thought of Auburn as sort of the boonies because there were always a lot of trees and long curvy roads that go thruogh forests. Federal Way, although you may be able to find some quiet places, it's generally not. Federal Way has a small mall and a lot of stores. Auburn also has a mall...I'm not sure but I think it's an outlet mall. I don't know much about Renton. All of the cities are a close and easy enough commute to the airport. Federal Way is probabyl the farthest but it should take about 10-15 minutes driving. Safety wise, I'd say Federal Way is probably safest, then Auburn, then Renton. Auburn has like 2 sides to it, because part of it seems very similar to Federal Way, but the other side seems very farm-ish.

[70Ford]

Just as a potential thread hijack...schools don't mean much to you now. They can mean a lot when you sell. That's one of my/my wife's top prorities. It's also one big reason why some neighborhoods are more expensive than others.

Good luck with your search for a new home.