Can you tell me about Tukwila? (Seattle, Renton: apartments, to rent, crime rate)

[EricShook]

I got a job in Renton and will be moving soon. Tukwila seems to be conveniently located near highways and light rail, and there are several major shopping centers. Not to mention, housing prices are affordable.

But, can people who live in the area tell me more about Tukwila? What is the makeup of the city, the general vibe, etc? How does it compare to other South King County communities?

Thanks!

[Ira500]

Well...it does have the highest crime rate in the state. Doesn't mean that every part of Tukwila is dangerous or that you'll get mugged or burglarized. And there are people who are happy living in Tukwila. But if I were working in Renton, I'd probably choose to live in Renton.

[EricShook]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Well...it does have the highest crime rate in the state. Doesn't mean that every part of Tukwila is dangerous or that you'll get mugged or burglarized. And there are people who are happy living in Tukwila. But if I were working in Renton, I'd probably choose to live in Renton.

Really, how about the areas by the light rail stations? I really like the idea of being able to easily ride into downtown Seattle.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by EricShook

Really, how about the areas by the light rail stations? I really like the idea of being able to easily ride into downtown Seattle.

Are you asking about living in the areas by the light rail stations? What's the point? They're (Seatac/airport and Tukwila sta) both by Hwy 99 (meaning you'll hear sirens/helicopters, even in the middle of the night) and there's lots of low-income people/apartments around. I've lived there, and wouldn't do it again (well, I still live in Tukwila, but renting a house now). I always tell people Tukwila is good... for temporary purposes. Definitely look into Renton, its more of a real town.

Renton is only a short drive away from the Tukwila Station, if you're looking for a night out on town-- Just drive to the station, park your car at the station's P&R and take the LR to Seattle.

[Hemlock140]

And besides 99, I5 and 405 are right there, plus jests flying around. I don't know anyone that actually lives in Tukwila, though many people do, but it seems like the kind of place that should be zoned commercial and industrial only.

[MaikeerinWA]

Not sure if you're thinking about houses or apartments, but I've seen this complex from high above on the light rail:

The Villages at South Station :: Welcome

I don't know anything about the complex, but it certainly is convenient to the rail station. It doesn't seem particularly walkable to anything else, although I suppose that International Blvd. is close enough with its fast food joints, convenience stores and so forth.

Tukwila does have a lot of crime, and so security for your parked car at this or similar complexes would be something to think about too.

[Adrian71]

^ I agree with Hemlock. I live in Renton (great little town, by the way), and to me Tukwlia is all Shopping Center. I don't even think of it as a residential area.

In general, areas near the light rail are not the best. They're not ghetto-dangerous or anything, but the housing prices are affordable for a reason. I think you'd enjoy coming home to a place like Renton more than to any spot along the rail line. I live a few miles southeast of the Renton town center, and I can drive to the rail station in about 15-20 minutes.

[The Siobhan]

If you work in Renton, you should probably live in Renton. I think Renton is a great little spot.

[EricShook]

Thanks for all the advice, sounds like Renton may be a better bet than Tukwila. I'll be working at Boeing so I've looked at some apartments in Downtown Renton and a place called the Landing, which is right near the Boeing Plant.

Anyone have any thoughts on the the Landing vs. Downtown Renton?

[The Siobhan]

Google Boeing and Renton Apartments. I can't remember at the top of my head if it is The Landing, but there is a complex out there that gives incentives to Boeing employees. I personally like that area of Renton; especially because there is a Jimmy John's.