GabiS

Renton is a lot better than it was about 10 years ago. The Renton Landing is the only "hot spot" worth visiting. It has lots of restaurants, a movie theater, Target, Petsmart, Ross, and other little stores.
Renton also has one of the most ghetto Walmart's I've ever been to. They recently renovated it, making it a "Super Walmart" that has a grocery section as well as the normal stuff. I seriously would not feel safe here at night, tho. There are homeless people hanging out at the parking lot, and it just has that ghetto vibe. Up the street on Rainier Ave, I have seen hookers hanging out at the motel.
The traffic to get into Renton is also horrible. You have to take 405 north or south to get there, and it's almost always a parking lot. On Union Ave is a serious speed trap. If you don't go just below the 20mph speed limit you will get a ticket from the camera (whether school is in session or not).
There are some fabulous restaurants that we've frequented. Nan and Curry is a great Indian restaurant downtown. Thai 65 is also great, which is at The Landing. There's ample places to get Pho, and Saars is a cheap grocery store, if you're looking for cheap groceries.
The houses here are pretty pricey considering the appeal of the area. $300k easily for a 1200 sq ft house.
There's only one dog park that I know of. Cedar River Dog Park, which is full of rocks, and only one bench to sit on. It has a nice long path to take a walk, but that's about it. Coulon park is a great place to take kids. It has a nice beach, and a huge playground. You can also watch the fireworks on the 4th of July.