Our Community
Kent, Washington comprises 28 square miles of King County, within easy reach of the renowned Puget Sound. Kent’s other major waterways include Green River and Lake Meridian. Kent ranks among the largest cities in King County (population 79,524, 2000 Census) and is the eighth most populous city in WA.
Kent lies equidistant from Seattle and Tacoma, which are both 18 miles away, while the Sea Tac International Airport is seven miles from the downtown district. Interstate 5 and five other state highways provide convenient access to surrounding areas, while the Burlington Northern and the Union Pacific Railroads afford alternative routes. Residents have access to King County Metro transit, Sounder Commuter Rail, a local bus service, and Puget Sound's deep ports of Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle.
Kent’s strong economy features an impressive industrial base that ranks among the nation’s largest. Corporate offices, distributing, manufacturing, retail, and warehousing contribute to the diverse base of economy in Kent, where companies such as The Boeing Company, Seattle Bicycle Supply, and Starbucks Roasting Plant are among the flourishing businesses. Once known as the “Lettuce Capital of the World”, agriculture remains a significant part of Kent’s economic lifeblood.
Named by Seattle Metropolitan as one of the Top Ten places to live, Kent blends business, culture, and education. The public and private schools are outstanding, while those seeking higher education have a wealth of choices in the Puget Sound area. These include Seattle Pacific University, the University of Washington, and the University of Puget Sound. A branch of Green River Community College also opened in Kent Station in 2007.
The construction of Kent Station and other revitalization projects continue to liven up Kent’s downtown district, where various entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants draw a steady stream of visitors. Named WA’s Sportstown of the year by Sports Illustrated in 2003, this vibrant city is home to such sites as Emerald Downs, The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, and Pacific Raceways, which serves as the site of the NHRA Nationals.
Kent's impressive park system includes more than sixty parks with greenbelts, playfields and various sporting facilities open to the public. Kent residents also take pride in their Senior Activity Center, the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum, Kent Arts Commission Performances, the Riverbend Golf Complex, and the Kent Valley Ice Center. In addition to the various sites of interest in the area, Kent features a wide variety of community celebrations including the annual Fourth of July Fireworks, the Summer Concert Series, and Kent Cornucopia Days.
Kent, Washington, in the heart of Green River Valley, enjoys the backdrop of Mount Rainier along with the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges that set the tone for an active northwestern lifestyle.
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