A diverse city built on hops, lots of lettuce and industry
Located between Seattle and Tacoma, the Green River Valley, Kent comes in fourth in population for cities in the Seattle metro area, with approximately 132,000 people. The median age in Kent is about 35 years, average household incomes are over $110,000, and the homeownership rate is over 50%. Kent is one of the most diverse midsize cities in the country, as approximately 30% of residents were born abroad.
The Coast Salish peoples are long-time inhabitants, including those from the Duwamish, Muckleshoot and Puyallup tribes. European Americans settled in the area in the 1850s, and the community developed around agriculture. In the late 19th century, there was a hops boom, which gave the city its name: a nod to England's hop-growing Kent County. In the early 20th century, it was the "Lettuce Capital of the World."
It's the nation's third-largest distribution and warehouse area, and over 20,000 people work in manufacturing. Amazon, Kent Public Schools, Boeing, REI, Oberto Sausage Company and Starbucks are top area employers. The Kent Comprehensive Plan 2044 is underway, with community input on a variety of topics. "We have heard from thousands of residents, businesses and community organizations. Together, we see Kent’s future as one of opportunity and growth," says Kristen Holdsworth, long-range planning manager for the City of Kent. "With good paying jobs in our industrial valley, increasing homeownership opportunities and a continued commitment to creating walkable neighborhoods near transit, there’s a place for everyone."
The City of Kent sits in the Green River Valley and has a population of roughly 132,000 people.
Kent's appeal spans the spectrum from expansive outdoor spaces to bustling retail areas.
There are many public murals an artwork on display throughout the City of Kent.
Green River winds its way along the west side of the Kent neighborhood and is a site to see.
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Commuting, I-5, the DART shuttle and Kent Station trains
Many Kent residents work in the Seattle metropolitan area and commute during the workweek. Tacoma is 19 miles south of Kent, and Seattle is 19 miles north of Kent. Drivers can take Interstate 5 to reach either city. The drive tends to take longer during peak commute times, lasting over an hour on average and under 45 minutes during off hours. To avoid traffic during these times, commuters can take Washington state Roads 181 or 167 part of the way to Seattle.
King County Metro offers transit via Kent Station for those without a car. The Sound Transit system goes directly to downtown Seattle, taking an average of 27 minutes. This transit system also provides commuter and local buses, which incorporate surrounding neighborhoods in the area.
Kent Station is within reach of the neighborhood and offers the ability to travel by train.
Van Doren's Landing Park offers wide trails for folks to get some exercise in via bicycle.
There are many bus stops throughout the East Hill neighborhood.
The Sounder train gives commuters easy access to Seattle and Tacoma.
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Mountain views, homes from $300k to over $1 million
Kent has its share of mountain vistas, with the Olympics in view from the west side, the Cascades to the east and Mount Rainier to the south. There is variety in the offerings, conveniences and types of housing in different parts of the city. "Kent's neighborhoods each offer something unique," says Tracy Taylor, the city's communications coordinator. "Downtown features a charming, walkable environment, a balanced mix of homes and businesses, and the exciting new Space Park. West Hill and East Hill provide expanded retail options and essential infrastructure for daily living. Around Lake Meridian, you'll find some of the city's most desirable homes, while the Lakes neighborhood along the river offers a variety of living options, from condos to single-family homes and apartments."
The average price for homes in Kent is in the $640,000s, compared to King County, at over $980,000, and Seattle, at over $1 million. "People tend to want to live in Seattle for the activity and prestige, but Kent is a much more affordable option with larger lots and more access to nature," says Irena Kolbert, a Realtor at John L. Scott Real Estate who specializes in the Seattle metropolitan area. "Although Kent is cheaper than inner-city Seattle, you're still looking at prices above $500,000 for most homes." Priced from $1 million are spacious new construction homes, lakefront homes and multiacre properties. Condominiums are typically under $400,000 and townhouses are in the low-$300,000s to the $800,000s.
Newer townhomes can be found throughout the West Hill North neighborhood.
Recently built contemporary single family homes can be priced at over $1 million in East Hill.
More expensive homes can be found throughout the Kent neighborhood of West Hill North.
Throughout the West Hill North neighborhood there are many split-level homes.
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Kent School District enrolls about 25,000 students
Kent School District earns an overall grade of B from Niche, which ranks it as the No. 1 most diverse school district in Washington State and No. 4 nationwide. KSD enrolls approximately 25,000 students. Kent-Meridian High School stands out for the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, a venue for student productions and year-round entertainment by local, national and international acts. Annual community fundraiser Kent Has Talent is well-attended. Depending on home addresses, zoning may align with Renton School District, which receives a B from Niche; Tahoma School District, which has an A grade; or Federal Way Public Schools, which has a B-minus.
Earthworks, dozens of trails, Saltwater State Park on the Sound
The City of Kent's Parks Department manages over 50 parks. Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park occupies over 100 acres and is notable for combining Modernist environmental design and water management. Additionally, Earthworks features large landscape sculptures by Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer.
Kent has dozens of walking and cycling routes, from short paths within parks to a 14-mile stretch of the Interurban Trail, which intersects the Green River Trail. About 7 miles west of central Kent is the Puget Sound shoreline. Saltwater State Park has tide pools, a sandy beach, forested campsites and an artificial underwater reef.
Locals can enjoy a scenic walk or go fishing at Lake Fenwick Park in Kent.
Mill Creek Earthworks Park
West Fenwick Park has many amenities, including a basketball court.
Kent's Green River Trail winds along the river and offers a scenic path for folks to bike along.
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Shopping around Kent Station or 104th Avenue
Kent Station shopping mall has more than 50 businesses, including chain retail stores, an assortment of restaurants and an AMC movie theater. Its mixed-use features include the Dwell Apartments and a branch of Green River College. Locally owned stores and national brands are on several sections of 104th Avenue. The city has numerous international businesses and a range of cuisines. Grocery options include Safeway, Asia Pacific Market, Fred Meyer and Trader Joe's. The Kent Farmers Market at Town Square Plaza downtown is held on Saturdays in the summer.
Locals can visit the Kent Station shopping center, which has dozens of shops and restaurants.
Downtown Kent has many dining and entertainment options, including an AMC theater.
For some delicious food in an inviting, game-filled environment, head to egghole in Kent.
Safeway is among the several convenient grocery stores in the Meridian neighborhood.
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Big Kent events, the ShoWare Center for hockey, soccer and more
Popular events include the Fourth of July Splash and the month-long Kent Winterfest. Kent Kids Arts Day brings together the city's arts scene with education and entertainment. Kent has more than 70 permanent public art installations.
Close to downtown, accesso ShoWare Center has a capacity for 6,500 and hosts concerts, sports and community events like high school graduations. The area is the home games destination for fans of the minor-league hockey team, the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Tacoma Stars, a professional indoor soccer team, also draws crowds. In southeast Kent, road racers compete at Pacific Raceways.
Sports lovers and concert goers will be sure to catch an event at Kent's ShoWare Center.
The ShoWare Center in Kent host's many great events throughout the year.
Locals can visit the annual Cajun Fest in nearby Downtown Kent during the summer.
The annual Cornucopia Days in Kent brings the community together for summer fun.
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Flooding in Kent, ups and downs in crime categories
The weather in Kent is typically mild, including humid summers and cool, wet winters. Rainfall tends to be frequent throughout the year. Flooding is a potential concern, especially on James Street, Mill Creek and in the Lake Meridian areas. The Storm Drainage Division inspects 20,000 catch basins and hundreds of stormwater storage ponds as one of the city's flood abatement procedures. Green River flooding was an issue in Kent before King County's Howard A. Hanson Dam was completed in 1962. Since then, it's estimated that $23 billion in flood damage has been prevented along the 65-mile-long river.
The crime rate in Kent is double that of a comparably sized city, Bellevue. According to the Kent Reporter, the number of violent crimes and vehicle thefts increased from 2022 to 2023. There were 13 homicides in 2023 versus 8 in 2022. The number of residential and commercial burglaries, vehicle prowls and non-critical shootings decreased.
Real estate has been at the core of Jim’s endeavors for many years, which eventually led him to open his brokerage back in 1998. Prior to Washington Realty Group, he served as designated broker for Northwest Community Brokers. He is proud to say that with his help, that company grew from having 3 people in the office to over 50.
Since starting his own company, he has shifted his focus to helping people buy and sell individual homes, lots, and investment properties. He has successfully closed more than 2,000 transactions in the past 20 plus years. His extensive experience has expanded his abilities, from marketing homes to helping the public in purchasing their own slice of real estate. The most rewarding aspect of his role is witnessing improvements in his clients’ lives, personally and financially.
As a professional real estate broker, he has prioritized honesty, knowledge sharing, and working openly with reliable communication.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
