Kent WA

Kent – Nestled in the heart of the Puget Sound region, Kent blends small-town warmth with big-city convenience. Surrounded by lush parks and scenic views of Mount Rainier, it’s a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and community spirit runs deep. With its rich cultural diversity, active outdoor life, and vibrant local events, Kent offers a refreshing Northwest charm for visitors and residents alike.

• Population: ~136,000
• Weather: Mild with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers (35-80°F); frequent spring showers.
• Places To Visit: Riverbend Golf Complex, Kent Station, ShoWare Center, Clark Lake Park, Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum.
• Top Activities: Exploring trails at Lake Meridian Park, catching a Thunderbirds hockey game, shopping at local boutiques, enjoying summer concerts, tasting global cuisines at local eateries.
• Famous Food: Teriyaki bowls, fresh pho, craft coffee from local roasters, and seasonal farmers market treats.

Kent, WA is a thriving city in the Seattle metropolitan area, known for its diverse economy, strong manufacturing sector, and a growing presence in logistics and technology. With a prime location near major transportation corridors and a supportive business environment, Kent offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Kent, WA offers an array of exciting spots where students can unwind, take a break from their studies, and enjoy some leisure time. Whether you're into nature, food, or arts, Kent has plenty to offer.

Lakeside Picnic at Lake Fenwick Park – Enjoy a serene day by the water at Lake Fenwick Park. With picnic areas, trails, and picturesque views, it's the perfect spot to relax with friends and take in nature.

Kent Station – This open-air shopping center is more than just a place to shop. Catch the latest movie, grab a bite at one of the many eateries, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a hub of activity and great for people-watching.

Old Fishing Hole Park – If you're a fan of fishing or just want a peaceful spot to chill, Old Fishing Hole Park offers a tranquil escape. The calming waters and surrounding greenery create an ideal setting for relaxation.

Green River Trail – Perfect for biking, walking, or a casual jog, the Green River Trail offers miles of beautiful scenery. It winds through Kent and is your go-to place for some exercise or a relaxing stroll.

Boeing Flight Path for Plane Spotting – With Boeing close by, students can enjoy the thrill of plane spotting. Grab a coffee and watch aircraft take off and land. It's a unique way to spend an afternoon.

Showare Center Events – From concerts to sporting events, the Showare Center hosts a variety of entertainment options. Check the schedule and catch a show or game with friends for a memorable night out.

Kent's Night Market – During summer, the Kent Night Market comes alive with food trucks, crafts, and live music. It's a fantastic spot to taste diverse cuisines and experience local culture.

Kent, Washington, located in the Seattle metropolitan area, offers access to a range of public and private colleges and universities that provide quality education in fields like healthcare, technology, business, and the arts. The city is well-connected to regional institutions and two-year colleges that prepare students for both transfer degrees and career pathways.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Kent, WA

Green River College – Kent Campus – A branch of Green River College, this campus offers transfer degrees, professional-technical programs, and adult basic education. Known for its high-quality workforce training and strong student support services.

Highline College – Located nearby in Des Moines, Highline serves many Kent residents. It offers applied bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. Academic strengths include healthcare, cybersecurity, and business programs.

Renton Technical College – Just minutes from Kent, this college provides comprehensive technical education and hands-on training in areas such as automotive technology, computer science, and health sciences. It is known for strong employment outcomes.

South Seattle College – Georgetown Campus – Although primarily in Seattle, this campus is accessible to Kent residents and is recognized for programs in aviation, manufacturing, and apprenticeships in the skilled trades.

Clover Park Technical College – Offering practical, skill-based education, Clover Park provides programs in nursing, information technology, and allied health. The college features strong industry partnerships and career-focused training.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Kent, WA

University of Phoenix – Washington Campus – Located near Kent, University of Phoenix offers flexible online and campus-based degree programs in business, education, healthcare, and technology, catering especially to working adults.

DeVry University – Federal Way Location – A short drive from Kent, DeVry specializes in technology and business programs. It provides online and hybrid learning options and is known for career-focused education and professional development.

Northwest University – A private Christian university based in Kirkland, it offers online and hybrid degree access to Kent students. Academic strengths include nursing, business, education, and ministry.

University of Washington – Tacoma – Though not in Kent proper, UW Tacoma serves the South King County region. It is a respected public university that offers private-college-level student support and academic programs in cybersecurity, business, and social work.

Pacific Lutheran University – Located in nearby Tacoma, PLU is a private university that attracts Kent students seeking a liberal arts education. Its notable programs include nursing, business, and the natural sciences.

Kent, WA is home to a mix of public and private high schools that provide strong academic programs, extracurriculars, and college readiness support. With growing communities and diverse student bodies, these schools offer opportunities for all types of learners to grow and succeed.

Top Public High Schools in Kent, WA

• Kentlake High School – Located in the Lake Fenwick area, Kentlake is known for its Advanced Placement courses and strong music and athletic programs.
• Kentridge High School – With a focus on both academics and the arts, Kentridge offers a wide range of AP classes and maintains a solid graduation rate.
• Kentwood High School – Known for academic achievement and school spirit, Kentwood has one of the highest student success rates in the area.
• Kent-Meridian High School – Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, helping students prepare for global college and career opportunities.
• Tahoma High School – Although technically in Maple Valley, it serves many Kent families and offers strong STEM and environmental science programs.

Top Private High Schools in Kent, WA

• Kent View Christian High School – A faith-based school that focuses on rigorous academics and character education within a Christian worldview.
• Rainier Christian High School – Emphasizes small class sizes and individualized instruction with a strong foundation in spiritual and academic growth.
• The Overcomer Academy – A smaller private school offering personalized learning paths and mentorship for student success.
• Pacific Christian Academy – Located nearby in Federal Way, this K-12 school has strong college-prep programs and is popular among Kent residents.
• Cascade Christian Schools – Junior/Senior High – Though based in Puyallup, it's accessible to Kent families and offers high-quality education grounded in Christian values.

Kent, Washington is a vibrant city located in the Seattle metropolitan area. While it doesn’t have any major league teams of its own, it holds a notable place in the professional sports landscape due to its regional teams and world-class venue. Kent is home to a top-level minor league hockey team and is just a short drive from major teams in nearby Seattle.

🏒 Hockey – Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

• Seattle Thunderbirds – Based in Kent at the accesso ShoWare Center, the Thunderbirds play in the Western Hockey League (WHL), one of the top junior leagues in North America. The team has a passionate local following and has produced several NHL players. In 2017, they won the WHL Championship, marking a historic moment for the franchise. The Thunderbirds focus on developing young talent aged 16 to 20, making them an exciting team to watch for future stars.

🏈 Nearby Football – Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

• Seattle Seahawks – Just over 20 miles from Kent, the Seahawks are one of the NFL’s most beloved teams. They won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014 and have made several playoff appearances led by stars like Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, and Marshawn Lynch. The team plays at Lumen Field, known for its loud and loyal fans – the "12th Man."

⚾ Nearby Baseball – Seattle Mariners (MLB)

• Seattle Mariners – Established in 1977, the Mariners are based at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Though they haven’t yet reached a World Series, the team remains a central part of local sports culture. Legendary players include Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, and Edgar Martínez. Kent fans often make the quick trip north to support their team during the baseball season.

⚽ Nearby Soccer – Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

• Seattle Sounders FC – One of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer, the Sounders have won two MLS Cups (2016, 2019) and multiple U.S. Open Cups. Known for their exciting play and passionate supporters, the Sounders have helped raise the profile of soccer in the Pacific Northwest. Matches are played at Lumen Field, easily accessible from Kent.

🏀 Nearby Basketball – Seattle Storm (WNBA)

• Seattle Storm – Representing the city in the WNBA, the Storm have won four championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). They’ve featured star players like Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Lauren Jackson. The Storm have a large fan base throughout the region, including many supporters from Kent.

While Kent doesn’t have major league teams within city limits, its residents are embraced by a rich sports culture through nearby Seattle franchises and local favorites like the Seattle Thunderbirds. Whether you're a hockey fan or enjoy weekend trips to watch a Mariners game, Kent offers strong connections to professional sports at every level.

Kent, Washington is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Seattle-Tacoma corridor. Known for its diversity, natural beauty, and rich history, Kent has a lot of fun and surprising facts that make it stand out. Here are ten fun facts about Kent, WA:

1. Home of the Thunderbirds – Kent is home to the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team, playing at the accesso ShoWare Center since 2009.
2. Alexa's Hometown – Jeff Bezos’ Amazon introduced its voice assistant, Alexa, which was famously named and tested through facilities partially located in Kent.
3. Aviation & Space Hub – Kent is a center for aerospace innovation. Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has its headquarters here!
4. Fourth-Largest Manufacturing Center – Kent is the fourth-largest manufacturing and distribution center in the U.S. by square footage.
5. Red Canoe Landmark – A large red canoe sculpture sits downtown and has become a beloved city landmark. It's also a popular photo spot!
6. Best of Both Worlds – Kent is nestled between Seattle and Tacoma, offering quick access to both urban life and outdoor adventure.
7. Historic Downtown – The city’s downtown area has a classic charm, featuring 1940s buildings, local shops, and cozy cafes.
8. Kent Cornucopia Days – This signature summer event is one of the largest family festivals in the region, drawing over 300,000 visitors each year.
9. Kent Valley Ice Centre – Known for its ice skating rink, miniature golf, and batting cages, it’s a local favorite for family-friendly fun all year long.
10. Diverse Community – Kent is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Washington, with over 130 different languages spoken in its school district.