Living Life Outside of the City: An Expert's Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities Near Seattle for Renters

Greetings! I’m Sharon, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com guide, local expert for Seattle. We find the best balance of livability and affordability using our local expertise.

Seattle is a progressive, environmentally conscious tech hub. It can be rather expensive. While living in one of Seattle’s neighborhoods has a lot to offer, many renters find more affordable options in the surrounding Seattle metro areas.

Still, the best city for one renter may not be the best fit for another. So, before choosing where to rent in the Seattle metro, identify your top priority. Is it budget, commute, lifestyle, or something personal?

In this guide, I will share my top 5 cities in the greater Seattle area for renters: Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Burien, and Shoreline, focusing on a balance of affordability, accessibility, and local vibe.

Redmond: The Eastside’s Tech Hub

Redmond appeals to renters who want an upscale Eastside lifestyle with access to major employers. For anyone employed in the tech industry, convenience can be a major quality-of-life benefit. As the longtime home of Microsoft headquarters, and with nearby offices for companies like Nintendo of America and Meta Platforms, this Seattle metro city is one of the strongest choices for tech professionals.

Redmond is also one of the most desirable and more expensive rental markets in the region. You’ll find modern amenities, including car charging stations, in-house pet washing stations, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Commuters get easy access to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle via SR-520 and I-405. The area is especially attractive for hybrid workers and professionals who split time between offices. Commute times average around 20 minutes, depending on the route and time of day.

Lifestyle-wise, Redmond is known for its parks, including Marymoor Park, one of the most popular parks in King County. King County’s dog-friendly Summer Movies Series at Marymoor Park features outdoor movies and food trucks for some serious eating. Renters who enjoy an active lifestyle also benefit from the Sammamish River Trail. This paved trail runs 10.1 miles from Bothell to Marymoor Park, along the Sammamish River. It is ideal for biking, jogging, and weekend walks.

For shopping and dining, head to Redmond Town Center. Popular spots include Flatstick Pub, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and local coffee and tea shops. There are also several dentists, doctors, and fitness centers.

Kirkland: Waterfront Lifestyle

Kirkland is on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, just northeast of Seattle. It is one of the more desirable rental markets in the Seattle metro, and prices reflect that. It pays to spend time looking. You can find one and two-bedroom apartments to rent in Kirkland for under $2,000 per month, particularly a little farther from the downtown waterfront or in older communities.

The city offers convenient access via I-405 and nearby SR-520 to Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. While many residents drive, public transit options and park-and-ride connections make commuting easier for people heading into Bellevue or Seattle. If you want a little more flexibility, living near major transit corridors can make a significant difference during rush-hour traffic. Prioritize apartments with easy access to I-405 on-ramps, downtown bus routes, or park-and-rides.

Paying slightly more for a good location can save you time and money on gas each month.

One of the perks of living in Kirkland is the city’s lakeside setting and walkable waterfront. For renters who love the outdoors as much as I do, the city’s trail system and shoreline parks are a major draw. Marina Park offers a sandy beach, boat launch, public art, and an open-air pavilion that give downtown Kirkland its charm. I always look forward to the summer concerts in the park. You’ll find sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a bathhouse, picnic areas, and a seasonal swimming spot at nearby Juanita Beach Park.

If you enjoy indoor activities, Kirkland offers a vibrant arts scene, stylish boutiques, and some of the Eastside’s best dining. Downtown Kirkland is known for its mix of local shops, waterfront restaurants, and neighborhood favorites. Popular dining spots include Cactus Kirkland for upscale Southwestern fare, RockCreek Seafood & Spirits for seafood and cocktails, and Rimini Restaurant for Italian dining near the lake.

For shopping, I always enjoy browsing the boutiques and local businesses in downtown Kirkland. There are also larger retail options at Kirkland Urban and The Village at Totem Lake. For entertainment, Kirkland Performance Center hosts year-round live theater, concerts, comedy, film screenings, and dance performances. Its central downtown location makes it easy to enjoy a show with dinner or a waterfront evening walk.

From a decision-making standpoint, Kirkland is a strong choice for those who are willing to pay a bit more for a waterfront lifestyle. On the other hand, if budget is your main concern, Renton or Burien may offer better value.

Renton: A Practical Choice for Your Pocketbook

South: Renton is one of the more affordable cities in the greater Seattle area. For anyone with a family or on a fixed budget, apartments in Renton can offer a more comfortable lifestyle and fewer monthly compromises. My daughter says her rent stretches further there, and that is the appeal. Renters can find more square footage, in-unit laundry, parking, and family-friendly layouts for less than what they might pay in Seattle, Bellevue, or Redmond.

Renton also offers excellent commuter access. The city sits conveniently near I-405, I-5, and I-90, making it a practical choice for commuters heading to Seattle, Bellevue, SeaTac, or the Eastside. Rush-hour traffic can still be significant. I’ve always found it challenging to get around in Renton without a car. The good news is that Sound Transit is investing in projects to open direct access at key locations in downtown Renton.

Lifestyle-wise, I like the area because it is less hectic than Seattle, but it still offers plenty to do. One of Renton’s biggest advantages is its access to both the lake and the river. One of the city’s most popular recreation spots is Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, on the Lake Washington shoreline. You’ll find walking paths, picnic areas, and a boat launch. Nearby, the Cedar River Trail provides scenic walking and biking routes close to home. Other popular green spaces include Renton’s oldest park, Liberty Park, and Kennydale Beach Park.

The Landing is one of our favorite spots for shopping, restaurants, grocery options, and entertainment. The nearby Southport area on Lake Washington also offers waterfront dining, including the more upscale Water's Table.

Renton is a great fit if affordability, comfort, commute, and space are more important to you than a city lifestyle. It is one of the stronger values for long-term renters in the Seattle metro.

Burien: Affordable Access with a Neighborhood Feel

West and South of Seattle: Burien appeals to renters who want close access to the city without paying city prices. For many renters, this means being able to afford a larger apartment, designated parking, or even a small outdoor space without breaking the budget.

Apartments near Burien are some of the most affordable in the Seattle area. There is ample senior housing starting at age 55. The least expensive area is the Highline neighborhood. For families, it is possible to find a three-bedroom apartment for under $2000. Burien is also a healthcare hub, with hospitals including St. Anne Hospital (formerly Highline Medical Center).

You’ll find convenient access to downtown Seattle via Highway 509, Interstate 5, and public transit. It is also just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC). This makes it especially practical for commuters, airline employees, and remote workers who frequently travel.

The area has a distinct personality that feels more like a neighborhood than a suburb, particularly in Olde Burien. You’ll find independent coffee shops, diverse restaurants, small retailers, and community events, like The Olde Burien Block Party in July.

For coffee and a place to work or meet friends, Burien Press is one of the city’s best-known local spots, located right in Town Square. It is known for specialty coffee, wine, and a welcoming atmosphere. Another strong local option is Cafe Dulzura, for authentic Mexican coffee and desserts. Town Square Park is at the center of Town Square. It is the venue for the city’s community events. The Burien Library and City Hall are in the same vicinity.

One of Burien’s most distinctive qualities is its Puget Sound access. Seahurst Park, also known as Saltwater Park, is a major draw. It features a saltwater beach on Puget Sound, a favorite spot for photographers and families. You’ll find spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains, picnic shelters and tables to reserve, and a playground. This 178-acre park combines forest trails, wetlands, and nearly 2,000 feet of Puget Sound shoreline, giving renters a peaceful escape. It’s the kind of place that makes everyday life feel a little more balanced, whether you enjoy morning walks or simply watching the water.

Living near Burien offers a quieter pace than central Seattle. And you are still within easy reach of downtown and the airport. What I like most about this area is that it suits renters who want affordability with access to nature. It is a great choice for seniors, renters with pets, families, or anyone who values the great outdoors.

Shoreline: Parkside Living, Light Rail Access, and Room to Breathe

North of Seattle: I have a personal connection to Shoreline through my filmmaking education at Shoreline Community College, so it’s a place I know as more than just a point on the map. Renters typically choose Shoreline for its green spaces, schools, and suburban lifestyle. Shoreline Community College is a major draw. What stands out in my memory is how residential and established the area felt. I rented a room near the college, next to Boeing Creek and Shoreview Parks, to save money.

These days, apartments near Shoreline can range in rent cost from a studio to a 3 bedroom. It really depends on the area. On the more affordable end, neighborhoods along Aurora Blvd., Meridian Park, and parts of Richmond Highlands often offer lower rents and older apartment communities.

I didn’t have a car when I lived in Shoreline. Public transit worked, but it was a bit of a walk to the bus stop from the house. I would not recommend it, mostly because the rain can be an issue.

Neighborhoods near Link light rail stations like South 148th and North 185th are among the best areas to rent in if easy access to the metro matters to you. Each station includes bus bays, park-and-ride garages, and convenient transfers to King County Metro routes. The light rail makes getting to Seattle or connecting to local buses heading to and from Northgate, Aurora, and the surrounding neighborhoods a breeze. You’ll discover newer apartment communities around both stations.

The Aurora Avenue corridor is one of the main commercial areas. There are plenty of grocery stores, everyday shopping, casual dining, and a wide range of international restaurants. Aurora Village and Northgate make errands, shopping, and entertainment especially convenient. This is one of the reasons Shoreline works so well for renters.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is one of the Shoreline’s biggest attractions, with beach access, picnic areas, and walking trails. Renters get a perfect place to take time off and enjoy lazy summer days close to home.

Shoreline is an excellent choice for renters who want proximity to the community college, good shopping and dining, and a quiet pace without giving up the convenience of city life.

Choosing the Right Seattle Metro City for Your Lifestyle

Ultimately, which city in the greater Seattle area is best for you depends on what matters most in your daily life. If commute and career access are your top priorities, Redmond or Kirkland are strong choices. These Seattle metro cities are especially popular with Eastside professionals, who are willing to pay more to be close to major employers.

If affordability and space are important, Renton and Burien offer better value, with larger apartments, parking, and a more comfortable monthly budget. And finally, for renters who prefer a residential feel with nearby shopping and community college options, Shoreline is beautiful.

My advice? Before making a decision, look beyond rent alone. Consider the commute time, parking costs, convenience, neighborhood amenities, and how the area fits into your daily routine. In my experience, choosing the right apartment is not just about finding the one with the lowest rent. The location that offers the best overall quality of life is what matters most.