Renton,
Washington hugs the south shore of
Lake Washington, in the dynamic
Puget Sound region. This vibrant community, whose downtown includes the
beautiful
Cedar River, enjoys the spectacular scenery of the surrounding
Cascade and
Olympic mountain ranges and the mighty
Mount Rainier. Located in
King County, Renton lies directly southeast of
Seattle, near the communities of
Bellevue,
Kent, and
Tacoma.
Renton, population 50,052 in
Census 2000, is estimated at 60,290 in 2007 by the
Washington State Office of Financial Management. Annexation of the
Benson Hill communities will increase Renton’s population by nearly 18,000,
for a total population of nearly 80,000 residents. The annexation will take
effect on March 1, 2008.
Renton enjoys a pro-business atmosphere, with a
strong and diversified economy. Renton’s centralized location includes
convenient access to four WA state highways, I-5, I-90, and I-405, while the
Sea Tac International Airport lies within a ten minute drive. The
Renton Municipal Airport also provides general aviation services to the
region. Renton offers those visiting the
Puget Sound area ten outstanding hotels, without the price or the busyness
of accommodations in
Seattle.
Major businesses currently providing employment
in Renton include
Classmates.com,
Providence Health Systems,
TOPICS Entertainment, and
Wizards of the Coast. Renton offers
Renton Technical College, as well as several additional options for higher
education within a reasonable driving distance. Higher learning facilities in
the
Puget Sound region include
Seattle Pacific University, the
University of Washington, and the
University of Puget Sound.
Recreational fun in Renton, WA includes golfing
at
Maplewood Greens,
Henry Moses Family Aquatic Center,
Cascade Canoe and Kayak Center,
Renton Historical Museum,
Renton Skatepark, and
Veterans Memorial Park. More than 12 miles of trails for biking or hiking
meander throughout this stunning Lake Washington region. Renton boasts more than
30 award-winning parks, which includes
Gene Coulon Memorial Park. This delightful waterfront park features a
pristine beach and fantastic trail for nature walks.
Renton offers three facilities for the performing
arts and impressive art collections on display in town and the
Valley Community Players, the oldest theatrical performing arts organization
in King County. Renton plays host to numerous festivals and other exciting
events throughout the year. Celebrations include
IKEA Renton River Days each July, the Kids Fishing Derby, Limited Hydroplane
Races, and Holiday Clam Lights.
Renton boasts the only
IKEA in the Pacific Northwest and Washington’s only
Fry’s Electronics. Renton’s downtown district affords ample opportunity for
antiquing, while the
Farmer’s Market remains open from June through September. A short drive
outside of Renton reveals an extensive palate of cultural and recreational
options, including
Emerald Downs, the
Museum of Glass,
Pacific Raceways, the
Space Needle, and
Washington State History Museum.
Renton,
Washington features 17 square miles of spectacular scenery, great
neighborhoods, and the friendly people of the
Pacific Northwest.
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