Kent Apartments and Rentals

Kent has a long and storied history in the Puget Sound area, giving it one of the most seasoned vibes of any city in the Seattle metro region. Home to more than 120,000 residents, Kent has continued to grow despite economic hardships found in the region, which makes Kent apartments for rent a solid and affordable housing option.

Kent is one of the oldest communities in the Puget Sound. It was the second city in King County to be incorporated, back in 1890, according to the city's official website. Originally a large agricultural community, Kent's major crop was hops, yet the city's rich soils and ample access to the Green and White Rivers allowed Kent to grow a wide variety of produce. In the 1920s, Kent was proudly known as the "lettuce capital of the world."

However, large rains would often cause the waterways to overflow their banks, and Kent's floods caused major damage to homes and businesses in the community. In 1963, the final touches were put on the Howard Hanson Dam, allowing Kent residents to bypass seasonal water problems. Today, Kent remains a major business and distribution center in the Puget Sound region.

As a steady presence in the region since nearly the beginning of settlement in the area, Kent's top employers are distinctly Pacific Northwest. The Boeing Company is the city's largest employer, followed by outdoor adventure equipment company R.E.I. While Kent no longer holds its title as the lettuce capital, the city remains a stronghold of the food industry, with Food Service of Seattle headquarters being located in Kent, as well as the Oberto Sausage Company and one of Starbuck's major roasting plants.

The city is home to the Kent campus of Green River Community College, which offers a number of associate degree programs in business, technology and several arts and sciences. The school also offers a number of continuing education programs that offer convenient education opportunities to learners of all ages. Students looking to transfer or attend a nearby four-year university have a number of first-class schools at their fingertips, such as the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University and Seattle University.

Most communities in the Puget Sound region have a cost of living that is slightly higher than average, and Kent is no different. According to City-Data, the cost of living is about 11 points higher than the national average of 100. However, median gross rent in the area is among the lowest, so singles and families who are just starting out will likely be able to find numerous Kent rentals that can fit their budget.

Kent may not have the 5th Avenue Theatre or a world-class art museum like Seattle, but this tiny city is filled with eclectic attractions that are sure to keep residents and visitors entertained. Plant lovers looking for a bit of whimsy can head to the Gnome Botanical Gardens in town, where tiny doors and bearded statues pop up around every bend.

Washington is known for its hydroplanes, and there are few better places to explore these sea and sky vehicles than the Hydroplane and Raceboat museum located in town. Retro designs dating back to the early and mid 20th century provide a history of these sleek watercrafts and the region's love for all things water-related.

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