Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Federal Way began as a logging settlement and gets its name from the old US Route 99 (now State Route 99), which was once called the "Federal Highway." Home to over 101,000 residents, this growing city combines city living with natural attractions, including Dash Point State Park's 3,301 feet of sandy beaches along Puget Sound and the West Hylebos Wetlands Park featuring rare peat bog ecosystems.

Renters in Federal Way enjoy diverse housing options, from modern apartment communities to townhomes and single-family rentals. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,589 per month, slightly below the Washington state average. Neighborhoods like Marine Hills offer hillside homes with water views, while Steel Lake provides lakeside living opportunities. The city center continues to develop around The Commons at Federal Way shopping center and the Performing Arts & Event Center, which opened in 2017.

Federal Way's strategic location provides excellent access to regional job markets. Interstate 5 runs directly through the city, making for a 30-minute commute to Seattle or 20 minutes to Tacoma during non-peak hours. The Federal Way Transit Center offers bus connections throughout the region, and the Link light rail extension to Federal Way is under construction with service expected by 2025. Major employers include Federal Way Public Schools, World Vision International, and St. Francis Hospital, while many residents commute to nearby employment centers in Seattle, Tacoma, and the Kent Valley.