Moving from CO to WA in March-info about KENT, WA appreciated (Seattle: affordable apartment, rentals)

[soco3]

My husband, our 2 year old and our small dog are moving from CO to WA in mid/late March. We are hoping to put in resumes and applications and secure jobs by the end of feb or beginning of march. We are sort of in square one but we are looking to be ready for this new season of our lives no later than the end of March. Can anyone tell us what kind of amenities are available in Kent, WA? My husband is looking for a driving job that doesn't require a CDL. He has about 7 years experience with a driving job and is willing to commute about 30 min. if necessary. We would appreciate all the information on Kent, WA that you can share.

Thanks in advance!

[homesinseattle]

One of the cool things about Kent is that the commuter rail (Sounder train) passes right through, you can hop on and get into downtown Seattle without trouble. Kent has a very diverse community ethnically (Sudanese, Filipinos, Ethiopians, all kinds of people), I think that makes it a pretty neat place. The ability to leave town and be on your way to Mount Rainier or Crystal Mountain ski area is pretty fantastic.

[Ira500]

Kent's pluses include that it's one of the least expensive places to live in the Seattle area. It's also got a few farms left. The ethnic diversity is kind of cool: You can get Indian pizza there with a chicken curry topping, or Sinaloan steak tacos, or shrimp and grits, or Challah.
The negatives include that, for the most part, the schools are pretty bad. There are parts of town that are higher crime. Traffic can be brutal to get to both Seattle or Bellevue.
There are lots of warehouses in Kent, so it might be a good place to find a driving job.

[soco3]

homesinseattle

Thanks for letting me know about the sounder train visiting seattle is a great perk for us! We love diversity don't have much in our current neighborhood and we're ecstatic for some lush green areas and those northwest mountains!

Thanks again!

soco3

[homesinseattle]

soco, you are welcome! Hope the move goes smoothly.

[soco3]

Ira500

We are leaning toward a thriftier and more affordable start out there but we know we can work our way up to a mostly ideal lifestyle so that's good to hear about the affordability in Kent. You spoke all the magic words for food choices! My husband will enjoy all the new food options! Our LO isn't schoolage yet but we plan to make our way toward a place that prides in education sooner rather than later...Any recommendations for such an area somewhat nearby? We have read a bit on the crime--east and south hills, is that accurate? Traffic won't be make or break at first but it's good to have the heads up! We're becoming more confident in the job options in regards to the warehouses as well.

Thanks so much for your time and great info!

soco3

[soco3]

homesinseattle

Any chance you can direct us toward a good way to scope out some places for decent and affordable apartment complexes. any info would be grandly appreciated. This is the issue we are having the most trouble with so far

soco3

[homesinseattle]

Soco, I'm more of a home selling guy, I don't really work with rentals. Don't underestimate Craigslist and places like Zillow and Trulia.

[popokoa]

So I've lived most of my life on Kent's East Hill and currently work there. The sketchiest part is around 256th St and 104th Ave. The worst apartment complex there is Somerset (it's on 256th) - they've had 4 homicides in about 4 and a half years at that complex. It's cheap, but unless you're interested in gun violence and drug deals in the parking lot, avoid it. But that general area isn't the safest. I work there; I wouldn't live there. If you're interested in the East Hill, but need something cheap, go further north towards 240th. There's definitely still crime, but it's not AS bad.


Anyways, I love the diversity of Kent. As mentioned above, there's great, diverse food options and plenty of Mexican, Indian, and Asian markets if you want to make your own!