This small city located roughly 15 miles southeast of Seattle has blossomed from an agricultural community into one of the most desirable places to live in King County. Accessible via Interstate Highway 5, it has a decidedly suburban feel, which attracts homebuyers who want to come home to a peaceful and wholesome environment.
With a land area of 28.63 square miles, Kent is home to an estimated population of 136,588 (as of 2020). Nestled along the eastern shore of Puget Sound in West Central Washington State, this city offers respite from the demands of daily life.
Landmarks include:
- Pacific Raceways
- Tahoma National Cemetery
- Mary Olson Farm
- Carpinitos Brothers Farm
Historical highlights
The area was home to White River Native Americans who fished and hunted in the valley. European settlers arrived in the 1800s and established a farming community in the area and did trade with the Native Americans.
The completion of the Northern Pacific railroad in 1887 gave farmers a way to bring their products to market as well as providing a dependable means of transportation in the valley.
Named for Kenty County in England because of the hops crop that grew abundantly in both communities, Kent would go on to become an agricultural hub in the United States, with lettuce, eggs, and dairy replacing hops as the major source of income for farmers following the collapse of the hops industry in 1891.
Kent, WA Real Estate
The housing market offers a wide range of single-family homes. The most common architectural types include Traditional, Ranch, Craftsman, and Bungalow, just to name a few.
Redfin considers Kent a “competitive” housing market with most properties getting multiple offers.
Notable Kent, WA neighborhoods include:
- The Lakes
- Scenic Hill
- Riverview
Living in Kent, WA
According to Best Places, healthcare and utilities are generally less expensive in Kent compared to the national average. And while the overall cost of living is slightly higher than elsewhere in the United States, you get value for your money when it comes to the quality of goods and services in the city.
The Kent School District serves students in K-12 with 42 schools and academies throughout the city. Some of these institutions include:
- Grass Lake Elementary School
- Lake Youngs Elementary School
- Martin Sortun Elementary School
- Kent School District
- Meridian Middle School
- Kentridge High School
- Kentlake High School
- Kent-Meridian High School
According to the Chamber of Commerce, major employers include:
- City of Kent
- Kent School District
- King County Regional Justice Center
- Boeing Space & Defense
- Alaska Airlines
- Mikron Industries Inc.
- Sysco Food Systems of Seattle
- Oberto Sausage Company
- Starbucks
Healthcare facilities in and around Kent include:
- CityMD Kent
- MultiCare Kent Urgent Care
- AFC Urgent Care Southcenter
- U.S. HealthWorks Medical Group
Popular attractions in and around the city include:
- Kent Farmers Market
- Carpinito Brothers
- Greater Kent Historical Society Museum
- The Pickleball Museum
- Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum
- Green River Trail
- Interurban Trail
- Kent Valley Loop Trails
- Soos Creek Trail
- Clark Lake Park
- Lake Fenwick Park
- Lake Meridian Park
- Redondo Pier And Boardwalk
- Arbor Heights 360 Park
Closing
If you’ve been captivated by Kent’s suburban charm, don’t hesitate to contact me, Lori Lewandowski. I’m a real estate agent with over 13 years of experience in buying and selling homes in King and Pierce counties.
I belong to the top 1% for sales in areas I mentioned – as a full-time, full-service agent, I work around the clock.
Some of my certifications and designations include:
- Certified Buyers Designation
- Certified Sellers Designation
Contact me at 253.617.5922 to learn more about Kent real estate, community resources, and other related concerns. You can also send an inquiry to LoriLewandowski@gmail.com.
You should also explore other Washington State communities like Black Diamond, Lakewood, and Eatonville.
