Thorndyke Tukwila, WA

While a long history of Native American settlement along the Duwamish River exists, western settlers first arrived in the area in the 1850s, and Tukwila incorporated in 1908. Thorndyke grew into a diverse residential neighborhood with the expansion of the Seatac Airport and Boeing's Renton and Seattle airplane manufacturing plants during the mid- 19th century. The Renton History Museum in downtown Renton houses exhibits on the history of the entire Duwamish River and South Lake Washington area. The Museum of Flight in northern Tukwila traces the growth of the Boeing Company and the history of the region's aerospace history.

Little artistic presence occurs in Thorndyke, although Tukwila and other convenient towns feature events throughout the year, including Tukwila's Autumn Carnival and Seatac's International Festival.

International cuisine and fast food chains dominate the dining scene on Tukwila International Boulevard, while numerous national chains, from Cheescake Factory to Duke's Chowder House, operate a short drive away in Seatac or the Southcenter Mall area.

Spencer's for Steaks and Chops lives up to its name, serving top-quality steaks and seafood in a relaxed contemporary setting. Rotating specials liven up old favorites, and a long wine list provides something to pair with every meal. Be sure to save room for classic desserts like chocolate fudge cake and strawberry shortcake.

Satisfy your breakfast cravings at the Pancake Chef, an area classic for more than 50 years that breathes new life into the classic highway diner. Settle in for a stack of pancakes, bacon and eggs, or try something new with house specials like pumpkin spice buttermilk pancakes, stuffed French toast, or the fluffy German pancake.

Thorndyke lacks much of a nightlife presence. However, a short trek south takes you to a cluster of airport hotel bars, which cater to travelers and locals alike. Near the Southcenter Mall, a number of chain pubs remain open late, while taverns in Renton and Burien offer a multitude of music and happy hour options.

Thorndyke sits at the junction of Interstate 5, Highway 518 and Interstate 405, allowing easy connections throughout the Seattle region. Tukwila International Boulevard and Southcenter Boulevard handle the bulk of local traffic. King County Metro and Sound Transit bus service shuttle commuters to the airport, Renton, and points throughout Seattle. The nearby Tukwila International light rail station also provides light rail connections to the airport and select Seattle neighborhoods, including downtown.

Residential areas provide some safe areas for walkers and bicyclists, while major roadways and freeways make automobile availability almost a necessity. Numerous cab companies serve the area, but rides necessitate phoning ahead. Uber car service also operates in Thorndyke. Metro bus route 128 services the residential areas, and parking garages and lots dot the area for commuters.

No parks exist within Thorndyke, although numerous green spaces lie only a short drive away. North Seatac Park, to the northwest, features numerous sports courts and fields, picnic shelters, a BMX track, disc golf course and a community center. To the south, Angle Lake Park includes a swimming beach, water spray park, stage, a playground and several picnic areas. Each summer, Angle Lake Park hosts the city of Seatac's International Festival, a tribute to the diverse population of the area, including traditional music and dance performances.

Closer to Thorndyke, Cascade View Community Park, Tukwila Park and Crystal Springs Park combine a range of sports fields and courts with mountain views and wooded trails. All of the parks are dog friendly, but they lack areas for off-leash fun.

Living on the whole costs slightly below average for the region, with one-bedroom rentals averaging about $1080 per month. Commuter Metro bus service runs $2.50 per ride, while light rail to downtown Seattle costs $2.75. Drivers pay an average of 12 percent more per gallon of gas than the national average, although slightly less than in Seattle. At local pubs, a pint of beer averages about $3.75.

While some shopping dots Tukwila International Boulevard, the expansive shopping centers surrounding Westfield Southcenter Mall house nearly every possible shopping need. Large chain retailers near Southcenter include Sears, Kohl's, REI, Nordstrom and Macy's. The mall also hosts numerous retail clothing stores, such as Aldo, Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M and Fossil.

Grocery stores likewise abound, with Safeway, Cash & Carry, Trader Joe's and Grocery Outlet reasonably close by. Grocers on Tukwila International Boulevard cater to international cooks, specializing in everything from Halal to Indian to Mexican foods. Farmers markets in Burien and Renton connect you with farm-fresh local foods during the summer months.

Look no further for designer and one-of-a-kind children's clothing than Chasing Fireflies. The store carries full lines of boys and girls clothes, including costumes and formal wear. Find the perfect outfit for every holiday, party or special event, as well as everyday clothes sure to charm.

Expand your pet companion's diet at Darwins Natural Pet Products, a producer of raw pet foods for cats and dogs. Darwins uses human-grade meats and absolutely no chemicals or by-products. If your pet has dietary restrictions or prescriptions from your veterinarian, Darwins works with you to design the perfect meals for your pet's health. When you cannot make it to the store, Darwins also ships to your home.