📍 About S46 & Auburn
S46 is located in Auburn, WA and provides approach control for the greater Seattle area including SEA, PAE, BFI, and other regional airports. Auburn offers a quieter suburban alternative to Seattle while maintaining easy access to the Puget Sound region and mountains.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Capitol Hill – Vibrant, walkable, nightlife & restaurants
- Downtown Tacoma – Urban energy, affordable for city living
- Renton – Closer to S46, mix of affordability and amenities
Best for Families
- Auburn – Suburban, quiet, and family-friendly
- Maple Valley – Great schools, parks, newer developments
- Puyallup – Growing community with solid schools and value
🚗 Commute Times to S46 (Auburn)
- 0–15 min: Auburn, Kent, Federal Way
- 15–30 min: Maple Valley, Renton, Puyallup
- 30–45 min: Tacoma, Seattle (non-peak), Des Moines
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
- Outdoors: Mount Rainier National Park, Green River Trail, Puget Sound beaches
- Urban attractions: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture
- Weekend trips: Leavenworth, Snoqualmie Pass, Olympic Peninsula
- Events: Seattle Sounders & Seahawks games, fairs, concerts
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA): ~20 minutes
- Boeing Field (BFI): ~30 minutes
- Paine Field (PAE): ~45–60 minutes
💰 Cost of Living
- Median home price (Auburn): ~$550,000
- 1-bedroom rent: ~$1,700–$2,200/month
- State income tax: 0% (Washington has no state income tax)
- Utilities & groceries: Above national average
🏥 Healthcare
- MultiCare Auburn Medical Center – Closest full-service hospital
- Virginia Mason Franciscan Health – Major network in Seattle/Tacoma
- Kaiser Permanente – Clinics across King & Pierce counties
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Rain & fog: Expect regular low-weather ops, especially in fall/winter
- Traffic: Consider off-peak housing options due to congestion on I-5 and 167
- Controller community: Active NATCA local, good peer support
📦 Moving Tips
- Visit first: Try different areas before signing a lease
- Commute planning: Test I-5 and Hwy 167 drives at different times
- Short-term options: Plenty in Kent, Auburn, Renton area