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Federal Way, WA
Federal Way · WA 98003
Updated October 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Good for now
Verdict
$650K
Median Price
…
Walk Score
6.4/10
Schools
32 min
to Seattle, WA
Score Breakdown
FAffordability
28/100
D+Safety
55/100
CSchools
64/100
DQuietness
40/100
B-Commute
70/100
FWalkability
0/100
WYLT Score43/100
Our Take
Federal Way offers a decent mix of family‑friendly schools, affordable homes relative to Seattle, and a solid commute. It’s not a walkable or nightlife‑rich suburb, and crime levels are moderate, so you’ll want to visit and verify safety. Overall it’s a solid choice for commuters and families who value good schools without the Seattle price tag.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Strong public schools with several high‑rated options
- ✓Median home price below many Seattle suburbs
- ✓Short 32‑minute commute to downtown Seattle
- ✓Diverse community and growing local amenities
Real Talk
- !Moderate crime rates, especially property crime
- !Very low walkability; most errands require a car
- !Limited nightlife and cultural options
- !Traffic congestion on the I‑5 and SR‑512 during rush hour
- $Higher property taxes typical for Washington coastal areas
- $Utility costs can be above the national average
- $HOA fees for many condominiums and planned communities
Best For
Families with school‑age childrenCommute‑to‑Seattle professionalsYoung professionals who want a quieter suburbRenters looking for good public schools
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskLow
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Federal Way, WA
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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