SeaTac's housing stock is a mix of mid-century single-family homes, particularly around Angle Lake, and a large share of apartments and multi-family buildings serving the airport workforce. The city's commercial core is dominated by hotels, offices, and industrial uses rather than subdivisions, so residential areas are interwoven with commercial and transportation land. Housing tends toward modest, older construction, with newer multi-family infill near the light rail stations. Renters make up a substantial portion of households, reflecting the city's role as a gateway and employment center.

SeaTac's best-known residential area is Angle Lake, a lakefront neighborhood on the city's eastern edge with a community park and light rail station. Other residential pockets spread between the airport, Interstate 5, and State Route 518, while the city's central and western areas are largely commercial — hotels, cargo facilities, and offices. Neighboring communities include Burien to the west, Tukwila to the north, Des Moines and Normandy Park to the south, and Kent to the east, placing SeaTac at the center of South King County's transportation corridor.

Life in SeaTac is shaped by its airport setting. Many residents work in aviation, hospitality, or logistics, and the city's international character is visible in its diverse restaurants, markets, and community organizations. Angle Lake offers a distinct lakefront neighborhood life with swimming and boating, while the light rail makes downtown Seattle and regional destinations accessible without a car. The city's many hotels and event venues, and the airport's constant activity, give SeaTac a busy, around-the-clock energy unusual for a suburb of its size.

SeaTac is served by Highline Public Schools, a large district that also covers Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and White Center. Tyee High School is located within SeaTac, with elementary and middle schools distributed across the district. Highline is recognized for its National Board Certified teachers and offers a range of programs across its comprehensive high schools. The district serves one of Washington's most diverse student populations, and nearby community and technical colleges provide post-secondary pathways.

SeaTac is defined by transportation. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport anchors the city, with Link light rail stops at SeaTac/Airport and Angle Lake connecting riders to downtown Seattle in about 35 to 40 minutes and to the broader 1 Line corridor. Interstate 5 and State Routes 518 and 509 frame the city, and State Route 99 provides a local arterial. King County Metro and Sound Transit buses, including RapidRide, serve the airport and surrounding neighborhoods. The city is a hub for air, rail, road, and freight movement.

Angle Lake Park anchors recreation in SeaTac, offering swimming, a beach, a fishing pier, and a lakeside setting connected to the light rail. The city's parks system provides playgrounds, sports fields, and community facilities across its neighborhoods. The nearby Green River Trail and the larger South King County trail network add walking and biking routes, while regional attractions such as the Museum of Flight in Tukwila and downtown Seattle's cultural venues are a short rail ride away.