Renton Hill - Renton, WA

The Duwamish Native Americans formerly occupied Renton's barren space, which ran along a Seattle trail. Flogged by dense woods, the Black and Cedar Rivers ran through the area rich with fish life. In 1853, Henry and Donna Tobin built a home, becoming the first European settlers. Mrs. Tobin re-married Erasmus Smithers after her husband Henry's death, and in 1873 Smithers formed the Renton Coal Company. With strong financial backing, the Smithers helped construct the territory's first railroad. On September 6, 1901, Renton became a city.

Over the years, Renton evolved from a small town to an urban community, including the Highlands. To maintain the neighborhood's history, the Renton History Museum sits in an art-deco-style building that was formerly a fire station. Inside, you find early industry exhibits that celebrate the town's early coal miners. To celebrate Black History Month each February, the museum hosts events such as the Global Heat music and dance performance.

For the best in dining choices, people in this area head down to The Landing, a premier plaza for dining and entertainment. Located in the heart of Renton, The Landing offers over 20 restaurants with diverse ethnic offerings. Head to Papaya Vietnamese Cafe for Vietnamese food with an innovative twist. Menu items such as the sauteed lemongrass pork and mooncake wraps come from traditional recipes handed down from the proprietors' family. The chicken ginger pho, a savory rice noodle soup, satisfies taste buds with tender chicken and julienned ginger.

Dim Sum is served during lunch daily at the Tea Palace Restaurant, where diners enjoy traditional Chinese and non-traditional Asian-inspired cuisine. The facilities have ample parking, and can accommodate up to 800 guests for anniversary celebrations, banquets, corporate or private functions - even weddings.

Perfect for casual family outings, Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits draws hungry crowds. Its award-winning, wood-fired pizzas surprise average pizza fans with choices such as the "White Christmas" and "Bad-to-the-Bone" pies. Made with a cream sauce of mozzarella and Romano cheese, the Bad-to-the-Bone comes topped with pepperoni, bacon, onions and peppercorn ranch dressing.

There are several sports bars and a casino to enjoy for nightlife, but when you're craving German fare, check out the Berliner Pub on Main Avenue South. People from the Highlands visit this popular spot for its liveliness and incredible German food. Try the five-sausage platter and a hofbrau lager while the Happy Hans German Band plays. If you fancy karaoke, grab a mic and join in until 2 am.

Most residents travel by car or bus and enjoy the Highland's close access to Interstates 405 and 5. The Metro bus system runs through the suburb, carrying commuters to outlying cities with ease. You find several back roads that take drivers to nearby neighborhoods, allowing them to bypass freeway driving. Renton Highlands provides plenty of parking at no cost.

Taxis and Uber are not common for locals, but they may be reserved by calling ahead. In this bike-friendly area, feel free to cycle along the bike lanes or walk the neighborhoods.

To enjoy the water, Highland residents head down to Cedar River Trail Park. Here you can walk the 4.5-mile trail along the Cedar River and glimpse a bald eagle or blue heron flying overhead. Salmon migrate in the river leading to the 24-acre park where you find charming picnic tables sitting beneath weeping willows. Stroll to the Cedar River Boathouse and watch paddle boarders meander through Lake Washington. Parking is plentiful, so bring your pets and children to this family-friendly locale. You find a restroom and water fountain adjacent to the kids' play area for convenience.

For bigtime entertainment, locals flock to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, known simply as "Coulon." The lake-front park features eight lanes for boat launching, four picnic shelters and a children's playground. For athletic recreation check out the tennis courts, horseshoe pits and sand volleyball courts. Visitors can fish and swim, then stop by Ivar's, a regional favorite for seafood. Don't miss Coulon's annual 4th of July celebration for the best Renton experience.

At $1,052.02 for a median rent on a one-bedroom, Renton Highlands's housing costs are considerably cheaper than Seattle. In a prime central Seattle location a one-bedroom runs around $1,200. With a good selection of apartments, younger residents and singles find the Highlands an economical choice for living.

Public transportation runs a bit higher compared to other cities. At $2.50 for a Metro base fare, the buses and light rails can get costly. Purchase an ORCA transit card for savings.

Drivers can expect to pay 9 percent above the national average for gas, and beer at a pub averages $2.50.

To satisfy the shopping bug, Renton Highland residents travel three miles west to Westfield Southcenter Mall. This vast complex sells fashions for men and women in stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Guess.

Minimalist Highland residents love scouring local thrift stores. Known to have hidden treasures for home decor and rare vintage clothing, the neighborhood Goodwill keeps consistent customers.

For trendier fare, pop in to Donna's Haute Boutique. This innovative shop features PZI jeans for curvy women and the hottest selection for any shoe addict.

For groceries, locals shop at Safeway and QFC in the Highlands, or head to downtown Renton where you find Walmart. The Renton Farmer's Market brings crowds to the Piazza for its host of regional fare and entertainment. You can check out the market each summer from June to September on Tuesday afternoons.