The Landing

The Landing is Renton’s newest face. Built on the former Boeing manufacturing site along Lake Washington, this mixed-use district has condos, townhomes, restaurants, and a Target — all within walking distance of the waterfront. It draws young professionals and Boeing employees who want low-maintenance living close to the lake. Homes here are mostly condos and attached townhomes from the mid-2000s through 2020s. Square footage typically runs 700 to 1,400 sq ft. The feel is urban and walkable, which is genuinely rare in south King County. A short walk to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park puts Lake Washington right in your backyard.

Schools (Renton School District):

Hazel Valley Elementary  · 
Nelsen Middle School  · 
Renton High School

Kennydale

Kennydale sits on a hillside above Lake Washington in north Renton. It’s one of the most sought-after areas in the city. Homes range from 1960s ramblers to newer two-story builds, typically 1,500 to 2,800 sq ft on lots between 6,000 and 10,000 sq ft. Many homes have territorial views of the lake and the Seattle skyline. The neighborhood borders Gene Coulon Park, giving residents easy access to Lake Washington shoreline, swimming, and boat launches. The vibe here is established, quiet, and family-oriented. It tends to hold value well because of the views and the access to the lake.

Schools (Renton School District):

Kennydale Elementary  · 
McKnight Middle School  · 
Hazen High School

Renton Highlands

The Highlands is one of Renton’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods. It sits on a plateau east of downtown, offering wide views of the Cascades on clear days. Housing ranges from 1950s and 1960s ranchers to newer infill construction. Homes typically run 1,100 to 2,200 sq ft on mid-size lots. This is a working-class neighborhood with strong community roots. You’ll find a mix of longtime owners and newer arrivals drawn by relative affordability. The neighborhood has a community center, parks, and easy access to 405. For buyers who want space and value over prestige, the Highlands offers both.

Schools (Renton School District):

Highlands Elementary  · 
McKnight Middle School  · 
Hazen High School

Talbot Hill

Talbot Hill rises just south of downtown Renton and offers some of the best views in the city — Rainier, the valley, and on clear days, the Olympic Mountains. This is a quiet, established neighborhood with mostly single-family homes from the 1960s through 1990s. Typical home sizes run 1,400 to 2,400 sq ft on generous lots. Many properties have been updated over the years, making this a nice spot for buyers who want character homes with equity upside. Talbot Ridge Natural Area gives hikers a wooded escape right in the neighborhood. Prices here often come in under Kennydale while delivering comparable city views.

Schools (Renton School District):

Talbot Hill Elementary  · 
Nelsen Middle School  · 
Renton High School

East Renton

East Renton is a transitional neighborhood — part suburb, part semi-rural. It sits on the eastern edge of the city, bordering unincorporated King County and Maple Valley territory. Homes here are often larger and on bigger lots — think 1,600 to 3,000 sq ft on parcels ranging from 8,000 sq ft to a quarter-acre. Many properties were built in the 1980s and 1990s. The feel is quiet and spread out. Buyers get more land for the money here than almost anywhere else in Renton proper. Maple Valley Highway (SR-169) is the main artery, connecting residents south to Maple Valley and north to Renton’s urban core. Issaquah School District serves portions of East Renton, which is a major draw for families.

Schools (Issaquah School District — verify by address):

Grand Ridge Elementary  · 
Pacific Cascade Middle School  · 
Issaquah High School

Benson Hill

Benson Hill was unincorporated King County until Renton annexed it in 2008. That history shows in the housing stock — larger lots, more variety in home styles, and a quieter feel compared to the urban core. Homes typically run 1,400 to 2,600 sq ft on lots up to a third of an acre. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and a diverse mix of residents. Soos Creek Trail is nearby, offering miles of paved trail for cycling and walking. For buyers who want space, trees, and proximity to both Renton and Kent, Benson Hill consistently delivers. Note: Kent School District serves the southern part of Benson Hill and Renton School District covers the northern section — school assignment depends on your exact address.

Schools (verify district by address):

Renton SD: 
Benson Hill Elementary  · 
Hazen High School
  |  
Kent SD: 
Soos Creek Elementary  · 
Kent-Meridian High School

Cascade

The Cascade neighborhood wraps around the south and east slopes of Renton’s central plateau. It’s a mid-density residential area with a solid mix of 1960s to 1980s single-family homes and some attached housing. Typical homes run 1,100 to 1,900 sq ft on standard city lots. Good access to major routes including SR-169 and I-405. The Cedar River Trail runs near the neighborhood’s western edge, making it easy to walk or bike to downtown. Cascade tends to attract first-time buyers and investors because prices remain below Kennydale and Talbot Hill. The trade-off is less dramatic views and a more urban density, but the location and access to trails make up for it.

Schools (Renton School District):

Cascade Elementary  · 
Nelsen Middle School  · 
Renton High School

Fairwood

Fairwood is a planned community in the southeastern corner of Renton. It was developed primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, with curving streets, mature trees, and a strong homeowners association presence. Homes typically run 1,500 to 2,800 sq ft on well-maintained lots. The neighborhood has a classic suburban feel — safe, green, and consistent. The Fairwood Golf Course sits in the heart of the community and gives the area an open, park-like feel even in denser sections. Fairwood consistently attracts families looking for a classic suburban experience at a price below Sammamish or Covington.

Schools (Kent School District):

Fairwood Elementary  · 
Northwood Middle School  · 
Lindbergh High School

May Valley

May Valley is the quiet edge of Renton. It sits in the valley between Renton and Issaquah, bordered by Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park to the south. This is where Renton gets genuinely semi-rural. Homes here are often on larger parcels — a quarter acre up to multiple acres — and many have privacy, trees, and room to breathe. Architectural styles range from 1970s split-levels to newer custom builds. Home sizes run 1,600 to 3,500 sq ft. The vibe is peaceful and outdoors-oriented. If you’re a hiker, mountain biker, or someone who just wants quiet mornings, May Valley is worth every minute of the drive. Issaquah School District serves the eastern portion of May Valley.

Schools (Issaquah School District — verify by address):

Sunny Hills Elementary  · 
Pacific Cascade Middle School  · 
Issaquah High School

Downtown Renton

Downtown Renton sits along the Cedar River and has been through a real transformation over the past 10 years. New apartments, local restaurants, farmers markets, and the renovated Piazza Park have helped shake the old industrial image. The housing stock in and around downtown is a mix — older single-family homes, mid-century apartments, and newer multi-family buildings. This area is best for buyers who want walkability, proximity to amenities, and don’t need a big yard. The Cedar River Trail is a five-minute walk from most of downtown, connecting all the way to Maple Valley. For urban buyers who want Seattle-adjacent living without Seattle prices, downtown Renton is a real option.

Schools (Renton School District):

Renton Park Elementary  · 
Nelsen Middle School  · 
Renton High School

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