Another draw for businesses in the community is the potential labor pool. Contrary to the blue-collar image, almost 57 percent of Renton's adults have attended college, and 27 percent are in professional or managerial positions. It where's aerospace meets cyberspace,'' says Edwards, the councilman. Because of its ties to Boeing particularly, the Renton area has a good supply of people who are familiar with computer technology, says Sadru Kabani, chairman of Multiple Zones International. Furthermore, Renton is able to draw from both the Seattle and Bellevue labor markets since commuters are generally more willing to go south to Renton than to brave crossing the State Route 520 bridge because of traffic or bad winter weather.
Housing is still affordable, relative to the Seattle area, but it is also growing in stature.
Finally, there's a feeling of community and enthusiasm that sometimes seems to be missing from places like Bellevue or Seattle. People are welcomed into the community and become committed to it. When Multiple Zones International moved to Renton, the chamber of commerce first gave company employees a guided tour of the city, including a visit with the mayor. Then on their first day of work in Renton, they were each greeted with a rose and a gift packet. And when the chamber of commerce needed renovating, the retired former director showed up, unsolicited, to hammer some nails.