Kent is located in south King County, WA and is the sixth-largest city in the state. The population according to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2019 was estimated to be 132,319. It is the fourth-largest municipality of the Greater Seattle metropolitan area.
Incorporated in 1890, Kent is the second-oldest incorporated city in King County, after Seattle. Encompassing the Kent Valley, it is generally divided into three areas including the West Hill, which is comprised of a mix of residential and commercial areas along Interstate 5, the Kent Valley which is primarily industrial and commercial, some residential, as well as significant parkland along the Green River, and the East Hill which is primarily residential and retail.
Kent is well connected for commuters to Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, traveling via State Route 167 and Interstate 5, the Sounder commuter train and King County Metro buses.
Parks and recreation in Kent are plentiful and diverse, including The Kent Community Garden, Kent Valley Ice Centre, Showare Center, home of the Seattle Thunderbirds and host of many concerts, exhibitions and local events as well. Kent boasts more than 70 open spaces and parks including skate parks, hiking, biking and equestrian trails.
Let’s not forget the watersports, as lakes are plentiful here, including Lake Meridian which is one of only several in King County which allows motor sports – water skiing and jetskiing! For a slower pace, kayaks, paddle boads, canoes and fishing will do the trick.
If golf is your bag, Riverbend in the Kent Valley is always popular. Meridian Valley Country Club is by membership only and hosted the LPGA Safeco Classic from 1982 to 1999.
