With plenty of parks, trails, and activities to enjoy, moving to Federal Way can be just what you need. Additionally, with its convenient location just south of Seattle, it is a great place to call home. Check out all the things that make this place a good relocation destination and see if it’s truly the right fit for you.
Some Basic Things You Should Know Before Moving to Federal Way
This thriving city has a lot to offer, from its close proximity to Seattle to its beautiful views of Puget Sound. But before you choose a relocation company and move, there are a few things you should know about before deciding to move here:
- Entertainment options won’t disappoint – just because Federal Way (FW) isn’t as big as some of the other cities in the area doesn’t mean there’s a lack of things to do,
- The food scene is good (and getting better) – popular restaurants include I Love Pho (a Vietnamese eatery), Mandolina (a New American spot), and Touch of India (an Indian restaurant),
- The weather is mild – if you’re coming from a place with extreme weather conditions (like hot summers and cold winters), you’ll be happy to know that FW has a mild climate,
- Commuting to Seattle and Tacoma is possible – and it takes less than an hour in one direction,
- There is an abundance of recreation opportunities – The city has over twenty parks, several public golf courses, and two public beaches along Puget Sound. Additionally, if you love hiking or skiing, Mt. Rainier National Park is just a short drive south.
Therefore, once you choose the Puget Sound region, note you don’t have to move to Seattle in order to get the most out of it. If you’re looking for a place with a beautiful waterfront, thriving business district, and diverse cultural offerings, note that there are plenty of relocation benefits you can enjoy after relocating to another city such as FW. Therefore, don’t hesitate to plan your move and get long-distance moving services to help you make this city your new home.
Best Neighborhoods to Look for After the Move
With all of the different neighborhoods in FW, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best neighborhoods in town. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community or a place you can freely live on your own, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in one of these areas:
Twin Lakes
Located just minutes from both I-5 and Highway 99, Twin Lakes is perfect for commuters. However, this neighborhood has more to offer than just convenience – it’s also home to a vibrant nightlife scene. If you like to go out and enjoy a good meal or drink with friends, you’ll love living in Twin Lakes. Plus, with its proximity to downtown, there’s always something new to explore.
Adelaide
The Adelaide neighborhood offers a quiet, residential setting with easy access to major highways and nearby amenities. Residents can enjoy walking trails at Steel Lake Park or shop at The Commons shopping center. The neighborhood also has several highly-rated schools, including Illahee Middle School.
Madrona
The Madrona neighborhood in Federal Way is a vibrant community with easy access to both urban amenities and natural beauty. Residents will have access to shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as nearby parks and hiking trails. The neighborhood also boasts top-rated schools and a strong sense of community spirit.
You’ll Meet Many Employment Opportunities in the City – And Out of It
With an unemployment rate of 3.7% and an average base hourly rate of $20 (according to PayScale), FW is now a city with a healthy economy. However, when it comes to jobs in demand, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities are always in need of qualified nurses, doctors, therapists, and other medical professionals. The technology sector also has a strong presence, and there is a high demand for qualified educators.
At the same time, keep in mind that you don’t have to move to Tacoma or Seattle to find a job in these cities, since FW is within commuting distance from them. Therefore, researching job prospects in these cities as well must not be one of the things you forget to do when you’re organizing a move.
FW’s Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Federal Way, per the city’s 2019 financial report are:
- Federal Way Public Schools,
- United States Postal Service,
- World Vision International,
- Francis Hospital,
- The city of Federal Way,
- DaVita,
- Walmart.
If any of these employers cover the field you work in or seem interesting to you, look for their job openings and make applying for them part of your relocation checklists.
Federal Way’s Cost of Living Is a Bit Higher Than National Average
If you’re thinking about relocating to FW, Washington, you’re probably wondering about the cost of living in the area to avoid making a relocation mistake. Note that it is 17% higher than the national average. If you wish to buy a home, know that the median home price in this area is $552,500. On the other hand, if you wish to rent an apartment, you’ll have to set aside around $1,690 for monthly rent.
As for the other living expenses, note that monthly utility bills tend to be 6% lower than the national average – but groceries can be more expensive compared to what you’re used to. It’s also important to note that the State of Washington doesn’t have income taxes, which can be quite beneficial – especially if you plan to hire movers from California to Seattle and its surrounding regions.
Packing Services
Our professional packers have methods and techniques to ensure all your items are intact during and after the move.
Car Shipping Services
We can ship your vehicles using the best freight options available. Your car will be moved safely and securely and arrive as planned.
Corporate Relocation
Are you given the responsibility of the office move? It can be stressful but we can help you plan and get things rolling.
FW Has a Decent Public Transportation
From buses and trains to cars and bikes, there are plenty of ways to get around FW. The Federal Way Transit Center is the main hub for public transportation in the city. You can use the transit center to get around town or to travel to neighboring cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue. For those looking for a more convenient mode of transportation, the Link light rail also stops in FW and can take passengers to Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport
On the other hand, If you’re planning on getting car shipping services and driving after the move, you’ll be happy to know that this city is served by two major highways – Interstate 5 and Highway 99. These highways make it easy to get around town or to travel to other parts of the state. For air travel, note that the nearest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located 15 miles from the FW.
If you wish to know how will driving around FW look like once you hire long-distance movers and move, take a look at the video below:
This City Offers Good Education Options, as Well
When it comes to choosing the right place to live, education is often one of the top factors that people relocating with kids consider. After all, you want to make sure that your children have access to the best possible schools so that they can get a great education. According to Niche, Federal Way Public School District is ranked second on the list of most diverse school districts, and one of the best districts for athletes. If you prefer private school education, know that in addition to good public schools, FW also offers several top-notch private learning establishments.
If you’re relocating for college and researching higher education options is on your to-do list, note that some good nearby colleges include the University of Washington Tacoma, Highline College, Bates Technical College, Tacoma Community College, South Seattle College, and so on.
Things to Do in FW After Completing the Move
After relocating to a new state, you’ll be met with a little bit of everything, from outdoor activities to indoor entertainment. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the most interesting things to do after getting packing services and settling into a new home:
- Visit the Hylebos Wetlands Park – it is a great place to take a walk, have a picnic, or go birdwatching. There are also several miles of hiking trails if you’re looking for something more strenuous.
- Get your shopping fix at The Commons – this outdoor mall has over 100 stores and restaurants, so you’re sure to find what you’re looking for (and then some).
- Play some golf at Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club – this beautiful 18-hole course is perfect for both experienced golfers and beginners alike. After your game, relax with a meal or drink in their clubhouse restaurant overlooking the lake.
- Do some stargazing at Steel Lake Park – on clear nights, you can see and enjoy tons of stars in this park.
- Take a hike through Rhododendron Botanical Garden – this garden is home to over 200 varieties of rhododendrons as well as other flowers and plants. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and appreciate nature’s beauty.
- Visit Dash Point State Park – it offers three miles of beachfront on Puget Sound as well as hiking trails and picnicking areas.
There are many more places to visit and enjoy after all the exhausting relocation day preparations, so don’t hesitate to look up FW yourself. You’re bound to find some amenities that suit your interests.
FAQ
Are people moving from San Francisco to the Federal Way?
There is no clear trend of people relocating from San Francisco here. Some may move for a lower cost of living and job opportunities in nearby Seattle, while others may prefer to stay in a larger, more diverse city like San Francisco. Ultimately, the decision to move is personal.
Are people moving from Los Angeles to the Federal Way?
There is no clear trend or data suggesting that people are moving from Los Angeles to Federal Way. In fact, according to recent surveys, the majority of people moving to the FW come from within Washington state.
Are people moving from Seattle to the Federal Way?
Some people may be attracted to the lower housing costs and less crowded environment in FW, while others prefer to stay in the bustling city of Seattle. Ultimately, the decision to move from Seattle to FW is based on individual preferences and circumstances. However, note that people do tend to hire movers from Seattle to California and move south to good job opportunities and a warmer (and less rainy) climate.
Hire a Reliable Cross Country Moving Company and Move Without Worries
In order to avoid problems and added relocation stress during your move, it is important that you take the time to find a reliable long-distance moving company. Hiring professional and trustworthy cross-country movers can give you peace of mind and make the process much smoother. Remember – by hiring the best, you’re bound to get the best relocation experience and move efficiently to your new home. Get help from professionals, and make sure your relocation becomes as stress-free as possible.
