Federal Way, Federal Way WA — neighborhood review

Federal Way, WA

Federal Way · King County · WA 98003

Updated July 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Good for now

Verdict

$477K

Median Price

95/100

Walk Score

8/10

Schools

45 min

to Seattle

Score Breakdown

DAffordability
45/100
D+Safety
55/100
B+Schools
80/100
D+Quietness
50/100
B-Commute
70/100
AWalkability
95/100
WYLT Score66/100

Our Take

Federal Way offers decent affordability and moderate walkability, but the neighborhood is marred by an overabundance of strip malls and a low school rating. It can work for budget‑conscious families or commuters if you’re okay with the trade‑offs.

B.

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Map

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The Good

  • Median home price is below the regional average
  • Rent is relatively affordable at $1,570/month
  • Walk score of 60 provides some pedestrian convenience
  • Public transit score of 45 indicates some options for commuters

Real Talk

  • !Strip malls and box stores dominate the retail landscape
  • !School average rating of 6.4 is below what many families want
  • !Commute times to Seattle can be unpredictable and long
  • !Median household income of $67,547 is below the national median
  • $Higher utility costs in the Puget Sound climate
  • $Potential traffic congestion during peak commute hours
  • $Limited parking in the downtown area may increase costs

Best For

first-time buyersbudget-conscious familiescommutersremote workers

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Federal Way, WA

D+

Safety grade

Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate
3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+

5% higher than the national average

🔒Property Crime
Moderate
19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

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From Residents

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