Thirteen miles southeast of Seattle, Renton sits on the banks of Lake Washington and has a population of about 80,000 people. Those moving to Renton will discover a beautiful location, with views of the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountains and Mount Rainer. The weather in Renton is mild year round, with summers averaging in the 60s to 70s and winters averaging in the 40s with about 12 inches of snowfall. Renton gets a lot of rain. Anyone thinking of moving to Renton, Washington will also love the many outdoor activities available.
Economy:
The median household income for Renton is the same as the average in the state overall. The cost of living in Renton is higher than that of the national average. The unemployment rate is lower than the national average at 7.9 percent. Renton has been quite successful in attracting new business and industry, and recently has had a branch of the FAA open there as well as a branch of the Federal Reserve Bank. In 2008, Renton became the new home of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team headquarters and training facility. Major employers include Boeing and Paccar, a manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks.
History:
In 1853, the first Europeans to settle in the area were Henry and Diana Tobin. After Henry's death, Diana remarried Erasmus Smithers. He laid out plots for a town. In 1873, with the help of Captain William Renton, a wealthy businessman, he opened the Renton Coal Company. Soon, a sawmill and a railroad followed. The city was incorporated in 1903. Coal mining was the main industry, and the town grew to serve the needs of the coal miners. During World War II, Boeing Aircraft built a plant in Renton. The city has grown and flourished ever since.
Tourism:
In July, there is the Renton River Days festival. In May there is a Spring Festival and in October there is a Harvest festival. The Black River Riparian Forest and Wetlands is a wonderful place to view birds and animals in a natural habitat. There is a wonderful array of outdoor activities such as camping and biking all around the area. And you can see the Seattle Seahawks play in training camp and pre-season games at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.