The city of Federal Way is among Washington’s largest cities but in the bustling Seattle Metro area, its conveniences and ideal location are often an afterthought, giving it “hidden gem” status among those who seek waterfront homes, or an idyllic community to live with loved ones amongst welcoming neighbors. Named for its proximity to State Route 99 (once “Federal Highway U.S. 99), the growing community was incorporated as a city in 1990.
The city was the original home to the headquarters of Weyerhaeuser, the largest private owner of softwood timberland in the world. The company has opened up a large portion of its land in Federal Way to the public, including the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden, and the Pacific Bonsai Museum. The city is also home to the U.S. headquarters of World Vision International and is home to a number of attractions, including the King Country Aquatic Center, Celebration Park, PowellsWood Garden, and Wild Waves Theme and Water Park (the area’s only permanent amusement park.)
In addition to waterfront opportunities that stretch from Dumas Bay to Poverty Bay, the city is identified locally by its semi-urban development in the 1990s which includes landscaped off-street multi-structure apartment complexes and shopping centers. The city is one of the most easily accessible for those seeking an easy commute: set along I-5 one can easily pivot to Seattle or Tacoma; the Federal Way Transit Center provides ample daily parking for those taking advantage of mass transit; a Federal Way Link Extension which will bring Sound Transit light rail to the community and connect it to the Angle Lake Station in SeaTac is scheduled to be open for service in 2024.