December 5, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

Planning to Move Along the West Coast? Here’s What You Should Know About Moving to Kent

If you’re looking for a diverse and rapidly growing city with plenty of opportunities, moving to Kent can be a good decision. However, there are a few important things to discover before the relocation date comes. Our comprehensive guide can help you get to know this amazing place even before you move there – so read on.

Kent, Washington, located on a map
Follow our guide and learn the most important facts about this exquisite place

Is Moving to Kent a Good Choice?

Once known as the Lettuce Capital of the World, this city is now a hub for industrial and manufacturing companies and home to a diverse and vibrant cultural community. There are many wonderful things about this place, and it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking to move to a new city. Here are some relocation benefits you should think about:

  • The weather is moderate, which means you’ll never have to worry about extreme temperatures.
  • The city offers a diverse range of activities, so you can enjoy anything from outdoor recreation to cultural events and festivals.
  • It has excellent schools, including choices for both public and private education (Kent School District ranks as the most diverse district in Washington).
  • The city’s location in the Puget Sound region provides easy access to both urban and natural attractions.
  • The city government is committed to promoting community development and growth.

Additionally, if you decide to move, note that you won’t be relocating to a big city. Kent is a mid-sized city, which means it has all the amenities of the metropolis but without the exceptionally high cost of living.

Still, one of the best things about this city is its diverse population. People from all walks of life call this city home, and everyone is welcome here. Therefore, there is no chance that making this city your new home will be a relocation mistake – so don’t hesitate to get long-distance movers and start organizing your move.

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Most Notable Neighborhoods to Choose Form

Searching for a house in any area you already know can be difficult, but finding one in a new town can be especially challenging – however, we are here to help. When it’s time to get long-distance moving services, here are some of the best areas to consider:

  • Cedar Heights – a great place to live if you’re looking for a suburban feel without being too far from the city,
  • Soos Creek – it offers beautiful views of the mountains and ample opportunities to go hiking or camping on the weekends,
  • Kentridge – perfect for parents relocating with kids who want to be close to excellent schools,
  • East Hill – a historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and charming Victorian homes.

These areas are just the tip of the iceberg – this city is home to many great neighborhoods that can offer something both for those relocating to a new city alone and with a family. Therefore, once you decide to move here, make researching different areas one of the first tasks on your to-do list.

Kent,_Washington_-_Frager_Road_gate
Choose a neighborhood that suits your needs and preferences the most

There Is Plenty of Jobs and Employment Opportunities for Those Who Wish to Work in the City or Commute

Kent’s economy is made up of manufacturing and industrial operations located inside the city, as well as retail and personal services. However, there is also a large number of commuters who travel to the major urban areas of the Seattle metropolitan region, especially downtown Seattle – since it’s just a short drive away. Therefore, don’t let researching Seattle’s job market become one of the things you forget to do.

There are many large companies located in or close to the city that provide employment opportunities in a wide range of industries. These companies include Amazon, Boeing, and REI. In addition to these major employers, there are also many smaller businesses and startups that are always looking for talented employees. So no matter what your skill set is, there is a significant chance you’ll find a job that’s a good fit for you. After all, the unemployment rate in this city is currently at 3,8%, which is lower than the national average.

A woman at the office after cross-country moving
Once you start a job search, you'll realize just how many opportunities this city has to offer

Biggest Employers

Besides the aforementioned companies, Kent School District is actually the second largest employer, right after Amazon. If finding a job in the education sector is on your move-out list, there is a high chance you may find it here. Other large employers to choose from are:

  • Exotic Metals Forming Co,
  • Blue Origin,
  • Carlisle Interconnect Industry,
  • The City of Kent,
  • King County (Maleng Regional Justice Center).

As you can see, there are plenty of great employers located in this city! Whether you’re looking for a job in aerospace, retail, education, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. However, don’t forget that commuting from this city to Seattle for work can be a great option for those looking to balance both a fulfilling career and personal life. With such a diverse range of possibilities, nothing stops you from starting your job search right away.

Living in This Area Is Reasonably Affordable

What are the basics of Kent’s cost of living? Finding it out must be on your relocation checklist so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right place for you. According to PayScale, living expenses are approximately 20% higher than the national average, which is not insignificant. However, keep in mind that the number goes up to 53% if you wish to move to Seattle, and 33%, when you plan to relocate to Everett, for example. Therefore, you’ll actually be able to save some money after relocating here, compared to other parts of the state.

When planning a move, one of the most important factors to consider is housing costs. Here, the median home price is $580,000, which is considerably higher than the national average. However, Kent’s median rent price is $1,750, which is lower than what you would pay in many other cities. There, if you’re planning on buying a house, you may need to consider relocating to a smaller home, but if you wish to rent an apartment, living on your own shouldn’t be that much of a financial burden.

Another key factor in determining the cost of living in a new city is utility costs (including electricity, gas, water, and sewer), and here it’s below the national average – but groceries and transportation costs tend to be on a higher side. Take a look at the table below to learn more about Kent’s additional living expenses:

No data
Monthly utilities $175
Childcare monthly for one child $1,530
A one-way ticket for local transportation $3.6

In addition, when it comes to the cost of living, don’t forget that Kent’s a city in Washington, a state that doesn’t have income taxes. Some of that money can surely be saved for a bit higher living expenses this city has.

A house decorated after long-distance moving
Renting an apartment is a better option for those on a lower budget

There Are a Number of Options for Getting Around in Kent, WA

Overall, driving in this city is fairly easy. The streets are well-maintained and clearly marked, and there is ample parking available in various areas of the city – therefore, getting car shipping services and transporting your vehicle is more than worth it. However, note that traffic can become congested during peak hours, particularly in the downtown area

In addition to driving, there are a variety of transportation options available here. The city has an extensive public bus system, as well as access to the Sounder commuter train and Link light rail. There are also bike lanes and trails throughout the city for those who prefer to travel by bicycle. Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available for convenient on-demand transportation.

Additionally, keep in mind that Daily DART routes 914 and 916 connect locals to their neighborhoods by providing service to downtown Kent and East Hill. These routes were formerly known as the Shopper Shuttle. The City of Kent, King County Metro Transit, and Hopelink collaborated to provide this free shuttle.

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This City Provides Entertainment Options for Everybody’s Liking

From admiring art to enjoying the great outdoors, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. After getting packing services and transferring your belongings to a new home, make sure you do the following:

  • Visit the historic downtown and browse through local shops and restaurants.
  • Take in a show at the ShoWare Center, a popular events venue for concerts and sports games.
  • Explore nature at Russell Road Park or Lake Meridian Park, both offering hiking trails and beautiful views.
  • Spend the day at the Kent Pumpkin Fest, an annual festival featuring pumpkin carving contests, live music, and food vendors.
  • Check out the exotic animals at Wildlife Safari Park.
  • Explore the interactive exhibits at the Kids Discovery Museum.
  • Spend an evening watching a performance at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center.
  • Take a walk or bike ride along the Interurban Trail, which stretches for over 30 miles through this place and surrounding cities.

For more relocation tips on which place to visit after your cross-country movers help you move, take a look at the following video:

FAQ

Are people moving from San Francisco to Kent?

There is no conclusive evidence that suggests people tend to move here from San Francisco. However, there are some individuals and families who started their relocation day preparations for various reasons, such as seeking more affordable housing options or wanting to live in a quieter suburban area. Overall, the population growth in this mid-size city has been steady but not drastic. Although San Franciscans tend to get movers from California to Seattle, its surrounding areas are still not that popular for those leaving San Francisco.

Are people moving from Los Angeles to Kent?

According to recent data, there does not seem to be a significant trend of people moving from LA to this city. Moreover, many decide to get movers from Seattle to California and move to Los Angeles due to more opportunities for jobs and entertainment. Therefore, the quiet city of Kent has yet to be discovered by people who plan to move from LA.

Are people moving from Seattle to Kent?

While some may choose to move to this city for its relatively lower cost of living and proximity to other cities like Tacoma and Olympia, others may prefer to stay in Seattle for its vibrant city life and job opportunities. Ultimately, the decision to move from Seattle depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Settle in Kent Easily With the Help of a Reliable Cross-Country Moving Company

If you decide that this city can be a good match for you, consider hiring a long-distance moving company to make your transition much easier. Not only do they handle the logistical aspects of the move, but they can also provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process. This can greatly reduce relocation stress and save time, allowing you to move efficiently and focus on all other tasks regarding settling into your new home. If you want a smooth and successful move, hiring movers is your safest bet – so make this wise investment and be worry-free.

Milly Andrews

Milly is a Portland prodigy of packing and relocating! She has been on the move her whole life, and she's got the moving boxes and stories to prove it. With her vast experience in the art of relocation, she's like a human GPS, always finding the most efficient way to navigate the moving process.

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