Firstly why Kent, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Kent
• State: Washington
• Population: 132,893 people
• Kent’s quick summary would be Recognized for its vibrant arts scene, including the Kent Station cultural district, and proximity to Mount Rainier.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 15,000 annually
• Net Migration: -5000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features affordable living and access to outdoor activities attracting families

Perk #1: Kent Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $61,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Kent is $64,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $3000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Kent’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 110 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,680
• Property Tax %: 1.1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,300
• Rent for an average house: $2,100
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Kent
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal-Way, and probably could include Bonney-Lake
• Avg. Age of Homes in Kent: 57 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Kent’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Kent are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology
• Kent Job Scene: strong job market centered on manufacturing and logistics
• The General Tech Scene: modest tech landscape primarily centered on logistics and community services , ,
• Kent Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Kent: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Kent

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $130 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Kent connecting it to surrounding areas
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy traffic on Kent Kangley Road
• Transportation Score: 40 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Kent: 80,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Kent: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Kent’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Kent is best described as cool wet winters warm summers with high humidity
• Winter Weather in Kent i’d describe as cool with rain
• Spring Weather in Kent can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Kent are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Kent is usually cool with sunny situations
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 5 days in summer
• Days in a row in Kent below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 40 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local congestion
• Kent Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by urban emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Kent Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Kent 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Kents’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Kent Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Kent Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Kent only Doctors is about 50
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Kent only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Kent’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Kent’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
• Kent’s Water Quality Score: 74

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Kent

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban community with a focus on family-friendly activities
• You might enjoy concerts at the Kent Commons
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Kent  features local dining and bar options that create a friendly atmosphere for social gatherings and events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Kent

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a blend of casual dining and fast food
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Kent
• The Popular Sports Team is Kentwood High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Kent can be described as politically mixed city focusing on diverse population issues
• Kent’s Longer standing religious establishment is Christ Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Kent Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Kent has 30 Parks?
• Clark Lake Park is Kent’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Kent Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, parks, and cycling

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Kent Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Kent can be described as active suburban lifestyle with a balance of residential and commercial areas
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Kent community events visiting parks hiking trails
• The Cities people commute to from Kent are Snohomish 12 miles away Marysville 10 miles away Mukilteo 7 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Kent or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy traffic on Kent Kangley Road. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Kent’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Kent is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Kent are Snohomish 12 miles away Marysville 10 miles away Mukilteo 7 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Kent has 4 days in a row below freezing and 5 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Kent people have an average (positive or negative) $3000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Kent. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city focusing on diverse population issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Kent.

Retiree & Senior Life in Kent

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might access financial support through property tax credits
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Kent Senior Center offers various wellness programs educational activities and social gatherings for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Kent, Washington?

If Kent, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Kent, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!