Renton WA

Renton – Nestled at the south end of Lake Washington, Renton offers a perfect blend of scenic views, rich history, and modern innovation. Known for its connection to aviation and strong community spirit, this Pacific Northwest gem invites you to explore nature trails, local shops, and unique dining spots. Whether you're enjoying the outdoors or taking in a concert at the park, Renton makes every day an adventure.

• Population: ~107,000
• Weather: Mild with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers (35-80°F); lush greenery year-round.
• Places To Visit: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, The Landing shopping district, Jimi Hendrix Grave Site, Renton History Museum, Cedar River Trail.
• Top Activities: Kayaking on Lake Washington, hiking Cougar Mountain trails, catching live music downtown, exploring local breweries, shopping and dining at The Landing.
• Famous Food: Teriyaki at Happy at the Bay, fresh salmon dishes, local craft beers, global flavors at Feast Buffet, and wood-fired pizza from Smoking Monkey Pizza.

Renton, Washington is a thriving city located in the Seattle metropolitan area. Known for its strong aerospace industry and proximity to major employers like Boeing and PACCAR, Renton also boasts a growing healthcare and technology sector. Below are the top 5 jobs in this dynamic and evolving city.

Renton, WA is a lively city brimming with great places for students to unwind, relax, and have fun. Whether you love nature, enjoy exploring cultural spots, or want to indulge in delicious food, Renton has something for everyone.

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park – This scenic park offers a perfect spot for relaxation with its stunning waterfront views, picnic areas, and walking trails. It's a wonderful place to hang out, have a barbecue, or enjoy a sunny day in the open air.

The Landing – A popular outdoor shopping and entertainment center, The Landing is filled with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. It's an ideal place to shop, grab a bite, or catch the latest films with friends.

Cedar River Trail – If you enjoy nature walks or cycling, the Cedar River Trail is perfect for a leisurely day outdoors. With beautiful landscapes and peaceful surroundings, it offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.

Renton Farmers Market – Held seasonally, this market is great for picking up fresh produce, locally made snacks, and handcrafted goods. It's also a fun way to spend a Tuesday afternoon and support local vendors.

Vino at The Landing – For those who are 21 and over, this wine bar offers a relaxing ambiance to try a variety of wines and snacks. It's a cozy spot to unwind after a long week of studies.

Renton Civic Theatre – Catch a play or musical at this local theater that offers a range of performances throughout the year. It's a great spot for culture enthusiasts and provides an opportunity to enjoy the arts.

Renton is full of hidden gems and inviting spots for students to disconnect from academics and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Renton, Washington is a growing educational hub in the Pacific Northwest, offering a range of public and private institutions for higher learning. With its close proximity to Seattle and strong industry ties, Renton provides students quality educational experiences in fields like healthcare, technology, aviation, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Renton

Renton Technical College (RTC) – A leading two-year public college specializing in career-focused education and hands-on training in healthcare, information technology, culinary arts, and advanced manufacturing.

Green River College – Located near Renton, this comprehensive community college is popular with local and international students, offering strong programs in business, aviation, information technology, and engineering transfer pathways.

South Seattle College – Just a short drive from Renton, this public college offers high-quality technical and academic programs, including nursing, automotive technology, and wine studies.

Bellevue College – The largest open-access college in Washington State, Bellevue College offers bachelor’s degrees, transfer pathways, and professional certificates in disciplines like healthcare, arts, and data science.

Highline College – Serving communities around Renton, Highline is well known for its diverse student body and strong programs in education, business, cybersecurity, and health sciences.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Renton

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Seattle Campus – Located near Renton Municipal Airport, this private university offers world-class programs in aviation, aerospace engineering, and cybersecurity, making it a choice destination for students interested in aerospace careers.

PIMA Medical Institute – Renton – A respected private institution focused on allied health education. PIMA offers associate degrees and certifications in medical assisting, dental hygiene, physical therapy assisting, and veterinary technology.

University of Phoenix – Washington Campus – Known for accommodating working adults, this private university provides flexible degree programs in business, healthcare, and education with online and hybrid learning options.

DeVry University – Federal Way Campus (near Renton) – With a strong emphasis on technology and business, DeVry offers degree programs tailored to the modern workforce in fields such as IT, engineering technology, and project management.

Everest College – Renton (formerly operating) – This now-closed private college once offered focused technical and vocational training in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, and medical assistant programs.

Renton, WA, located just south of Seattle, offers a variety of highly rated public and private high schools. These schools provide strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and college preparation for their students.

Top Public High Schools in Renton, WA

• Hazen High School – Part of the Renton School District, Hazen is known for its diverse student body, strong academic performance, and a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
• Liberty Senior High School – Located in the Issaquah School District yet serving the Renton area, Liberty offers rigorous academics, a great music program, and many advanced classes.
• Lindbergh High School – This school provides students with robust STEM programs and college readiness support. It also features AP and honors offerings.
• Kentridge High School – Though part of the Kent School District, this school serves several Renton communities and is known for consistent academic achievement and a wide athletics program.
• Renton High School – A historic school with ongoing improvements in academic performance, Renton High offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and diverse student support services.

Top Private High Schools in Renton, WA

• Kennedy Catholic High School – A well-established private school located nearby in Burien, serving many Renton families. Kennedy Catholic offers a faith-based education with AP and honors courses.
• Renton Christian School – Although it serves K-10, it is expanding and known for its values-driven curriculum and strong academic foundation.
• Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart – Located in Bellevue, but attracting students from Renton, this all-girls Catholic school offers challenging academics with a focus on leadership and ethics.
• Seattle Christian School – Located in SeaTac, close to Renton, this school provides a Christ-centered education and is known for high academic standards and competitive athletics.
• Puget Sound Adventist Academy – Situated in Kirkland, this private Christian school draws students from across the Eastside, including Renton, and focuses on college prep and spiritual growth.

While Renton, Washington may not have professional sports teams that directly call it home, the city plays a key role in the state's sports landscape. Located just minutes from Seattle, Renton serves as the headquarters and training home for one of the most iconic NFL franchises and is closely tied to other major sports teams in the Seattle region.

🏈 Football – Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

• Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks' official headquarters and training facility, the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC), is located in Renton, right on the shores of Lake Washington. The team won its first Super Bowl championship in 2013 (Super Bowl XLVIII), led by quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks have a passionate fanbase known as the “12s.”

⚾ Baseball – Seattle Mariners (MLB)

• Seattle Mariners – Located in nearby Seattle, the Mariners play at T-Mobile Park, just a short drive from Renton. While the team has yet to win a World Series, it has had legendary players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, and Edgar Martinez. The Mariners made their most recent playoff appearance in 2022 after a long drought.

🏀 Basketball – Seattle SuperSonics (NBA, formerly)

• Seattle SuperSonics – Though the team relocated in 2008 to become the Oklahoma City Thunder, the SuperSonics were beloved in the region and still hold a special place in the hearts of many in Renton and around the Seattle area. They won their only NBA Championship in 1979. There is ongoing hope for the NBA’s return to Seattle in the future.

⚽ Soccer – Seattle Sounders FC & OL Reign (MLS, NWSL)

• Seattle Sounders FC – One of Major League Soccer’s most successful clubs, the Sounders have won multiple trophies, including the MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019 and the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022. The club has a strong fan following across the Puget Sound region, including Renton.
• OL Reign – Competing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), OL Reign features some of the best women’s soccer talent. Formerly based in Tacoma, the team returned to Seattle and plays home games at Lumen Field.

🏒 Hockey – Seattle Kraken (NHL)

• Seattle Kraken – The NHL’s newest franchise, the Kraken began play in 2021 and have quickly built a strong following. They play home games at Climate Pledge Arena. The team made the playoffs in just their second season in the league, showing promise for the future.

Renton, Washington is a city rich in local charm, outdoor beauty, and fun surprises. Tucked between the Cascade Mountains and Lake Washington, this city has plenty to discover. Here are some fun facts about Renton:

1. Home of the 737 – Renton is where Boeing builds many of its famous 737 airplanes. The massive factory near the airport is a symbol of the city's role in aviation history.
2. The Seahawks Nest – The Seattle Seahawks headquarters and training facility, the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, is located in Renton right on the shores of Lake Washington.
3. Final Resting Place of Jimi Hendrix – Legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton. Fans from around the world visit to pay tribute.
4. Cedar River Treasure – The beautiful Cedar River runs through Renton, where people enjoy fishing, biking, and even watching salmon swim upstream in the fall.
5. IKEA Lovers Rejoice – Renton is home to one of the largest IKEA stores in Washington, making it a favorite shopping spot for home decor and Swedish meatballs.
6. City on the Rise – Renton has grown rapidly and is now one of the top 10 largest cities in Washington State.
7. A Theater With History – The Renton Civic Theatre, originally built in 1927 as a silent movie house, still entertains today with plays, musicals, and live performances.
8. Lake Washington Living – Renton's Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park offers swimming, boating, and stunning lake views. It’s a top spot for summer fun.
9. Diverse and Proud – Renton is a diverse community where over 40% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding rich culture to the area.
10. Coffee Capital Connection – Although known for airplanes, Renton is also full of cafés and drive-thru coffee stands, proving that Seattle’s coffee culture lives strong here too.