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    AI-Generated Neighborhood Summary

    Location Overview

    Federal Way is a city situated in King County, Washington. It's part of the Seattle metropolitan area and is conveniently located between Seattle and Tacoma. It offers a balance of urban and suburban living with easy access to major highways like I-5.

    Crime Rate, Schools, and Amenities

    Federal Way has varied crime rates depending on specific neighborhoods, but generally, it is considered to have a moderate crime rate. The Federal Way Public Schools district serves the area and includes a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. School ratings can vary, so it’s advisable to check individual schools for the most accurate ratings. The area is rich in amenities, with parks like Dash Point State Park offering outdoor activities. There are several shopping centers and grocery stores, such as The Commons at Federal Way, for convenient shopping. The area is close to tourist attractions like the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden. The neighborhood is also equipped with libraries and community centers.

    Economic and Employment Information

    The average household income in Federal Way is diverse, reflective of a mixed socio-economic population. Neighboring areas may have varying income levels, with some areas being more affluent. Job growth in Federal Way is generally aligned with the broader trends in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, which has seen significant growth, particularly in technology, healthcare, and retail sectors. Overall, Federal Way offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to urban job markets, making it a convenient location for commuters.

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    Neighborhood Insights
    Key metrics about this location

    Neighborhood Summary

    The neighborhood in question presents a unique blend of characteristics that both potential homebuyers and real estate professionals would find intriguing. With a median home price of $178,000, it offers an attractive entry point compared to the national average, making it an appealing option for first-time buyers and investors alike. However, the median household income of $53,865 is slightly below the national average, which suggests that while housing is affordable, the community may not have as strong a spending capacity. This is further underscored by the fact that 15% of the residents live below the poverty line, indicating economic challenges that prospective investors might want to consider.

    The area sees a higher percentage of renters, with only 29% of homes being owner-occupied compared to a national figure that typically leans more towards ownership. This rental dynamic might appeal to investors looking for rental income opportunities, especially with a median contract rent of $1,299. However, with 75% of homeowners saddled with mortgages that consume more than 30% of their income, there is a risk of financial strain among homeowners should economic conditions worsen. Vacant housing units stand at 4%, signaling a relatively healthy housing supply, although not as dynamic as in areas with lower vacancy rates.

    One aspect that potential residents might ponder is the educational attainment levels in the area, with only 14% of the populace holding a college degree, which lags behind the national average. This could influence the types of employment opportunities available locally. The neighborhood is predominantly white, which might suggest a lack of racial diversity compared to more multicultural urban areas. With 23% of the residents being non-US citizens, however, there is a noticeable presence of international influences that can enrich the community's cultural tapestry.

    Given the 5% unemployment rate, which is slightly above the national average, coupled with the challenges of high mortgage burdens, prospective buyers might also consider exploring nearby neighborhoods with similar housing prices but potentially more favorable economic indicators. Areas with higher educational attainment and lower poverty rates might offer better long-term stability and growth potential. Ultimately, while this neighborhood offers affordability, its economic indicators and lower educational attainment levels might prompt buyers to compare it with other areas that align more closely with their long-term goals and lifestyle aspirations.

    Median Home Price

    $178,000

    Walk Score

    -

    Bike Score

    -

    Median Household Income

    $53,865
    Nat'l Avg: $69,021

    Percent Under Poverty

    15%
    Nat'l Avg: 12%

    Median Contract Rent

    $1,299
    Nat'l Avg: $988

    Owners vs Renters

    29% / 67%
    Nat'l Avg: 57% / 31%

    Vacant Housing Units

    4%
    Nat'l Avg: 11%

    Unemployment Rate

    5%
    Nat'l Avg: 3%

    College Degree

    14%
    Nat'l Avg: 21%

    Dominant Race

    White
    Nat'l Avg: 68%

    Married-Couple Families

    31%
    Nat'l Avg: 48%

    Owners Without Morgages

    45%
    Nat'l Avg: 38%

    Mortgage ≥ 30% Income

    75%
    Nat'l Avg: 27%

    Rent ≥ 30% Income

    N/A
    Nat'l Avg: 46%

    Non-US Citizens

    23%
    Nat'l Avg: 7%
    Location Map
    Overview of the neighborhood
    Nearby Places
    Essential locations and points of interest in the area

    Steel Lake Park

    0.5 miles

    St. Francis Hospital

    1.2 miles

    Safeway

    0.4 miles

    Black Bear Diner

    0.6 miles

    LA Fitness

    0.7 miles

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

    11 miles

    Federal Way High School

    1 mile

    The Commons at Federal Way

    0.8 miles

    Federal Way Transit Center

    0.8 miles

    US Bank

    0.5 miles

    Neighborhood Assessment
    Key advantages and considerations for this area

    Dynamic Insights

    The median sale price of homes in Federal Way reached $643,000 in February 2025, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
    In 2022, the median household income in Federal Way was $80,360, reflecting a 10.1% growth from the prior year.
    The Federal Way Police Department reported an 11% decrease in overall crime rates in 2024 compared to the previous year.
    Between 2010 and 2021, the median household income in Federal Way increased by $2,626, a 3.44% rise over the 11-year period. These insights highlight the positive trends in property values, income growth, and crime reduction in Federal Way over recent years.

    Custom Narratives

    Federal Way's median property value increased by 18.2% to $454,300 in 2022, indicating a strong real estate market.
    The city's median household income grew by 10.1% to $80,360 in 2022, reflecting positive economic trends.
    With a diverse population where 27.3% are foreign-born, Federal Way offers a multicultural community appealing to various demographics.
    An average commute time of 33.3 minutes suggests accessibility to employment hubs, enhancing its attractiveness to homebuyers. These insights highlight Federal Way's robust real estate market, economic growth, cultural diversity, and strategic location, making it a compelling choice for potential investors and residents.

    Green Flags

    Close proximity to schools and educational facilities
    Easy access to parks and recreational areas
    Convenient shopping and dining options nearby
    Well-connected to public transportation and major highways

    Red Flags

    Potential noise from busy streets or nearby highways
    Possible congestion due to proximity to schools
    Limited parking availability in certain areas
    Higher traffic during peak hours
    Flood Risk Assessment
    FEMA flood zone information and historical flooding data

    Flood Zone

    Flood zone information is not available for this property at this time.

    Historical Flooding

    Historical flood damage records are not available for this property.

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