New job in Kent - where to move?

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by ironcouger

Downtown kent is much nicer than downtown Burien so why live in Burien ?

Not sure I agree with you. Have you hung out and felt the vibe in Olde Burien and driven down Maplewild Ave SW to Three Tree Point in Burien? I agree that Downtown Kent has made a lot of progress but Burien has a real charm and pretty close access to Puget Sound. They are different really.

[ironcouger]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Not sure I agree with you. Have you hung out and felt the vibe in Olde Burien and driven down Maplewild Ave SW to Three Tree Point in Burien? I agree that Downtown Kent has made a lot of progress but Burien has a real charm and pretty close access to Puget Sound. They are different really.

Yes I've lived in Burien and now live in Auburn I'm talking about the kent station compared to Burien town center.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by ironcouger

Yes I've lived in Burien and now live in Auburn I'm talking about the kent station compared to Burien town center.

Yeah, I know both. I think it depends on the kind of things you like. Kent Station is more modern with amenities, Olde Burien has more character and neighborhood feel. Again, not better, just different.

[AleeGee]

You will go through a few moves before you settle on a location you like. Just to let you know, I used to live in Kent. Kent is the meth and bike theft capital of King County. Higher priced areas like Covington (which is still Kent, up on East Hill) would be a good place to live. Can you afford around $2,000 - $2500 rent before all other bills? If not then possibly somewhere close like Des Moines? It's on the water, and rent might be a few hundred cheaper, like around $1800. Idk how much the train costs, but that can get expensive, round trip five days a week, I would assume. Suffice it to say, you're moving into a hotbed, the eye of the storm, so to speak. All around you are drugs and crime, from Tukwila to Burien to Auburn to Des Moines to Federal Way. I suppose it's all what you make it, but there are still residual effects of unwanted **** that goes on around you. I would say try to find a good neighborhood, and DON'T move into the Kent Valley. Look at Renton. That could be your totally best location. I would definitely say Renton, or if you can afford it, Covington. There's also excellent shopping in Covington and Renton.
Welcome to Washington and I hope I helped a little. Don't be scared from the things I said, just protect yourself. Common sense rules apply; be careful who you talk to, don't leave anything out to steal, or anything which would garner further interest, choose your friends wisely and go out at night in a group.

[mupsie]

I also recommend Covington. It is a bit pricey but it's nice and clean. Renton has some iffy areas, I wouldn't go there.

Also look at rentals on the eastern part of Kent (around Meridian Lake), that area is at the border between Kent and Covington, also a good area. Stay away from downtown Kent, for other areas go to apartmentratings dot com and look at reviews.

I live in the Meridian Lake area and never had any issues.

[CrazyDonkey]

Many middle class purchasers and renters are looking in "gentrifying" areas for more affordable deals on properties and rentals. However, despite the shifting demographics, many of those areas are still being claimed as "turf" by gangs. That's just the way it is.

[ScottStielow]

Originally Posted by arnette

I've been searching the forums but can't find a thread that suits.

I'm moving up from SF Bay Area in Feb. for a job in Kent but I'm not sure where to move. I'm afraid all the popular areas are going to be a commuting headache so looking for a hip/trendy neighborhood that won't make my want to tear my hair out when it comes to commuting.

As a frame of reference, I commute about 30 mins each way in the Bay and although I'd love to shorten that, it seems doable. I'd also like to find a neighborhood that has a lot of go-out spots as I'm single and no kids. I'm hoping for a large one bedroom rental <$2K but can stretch that if needed.

So... any neighborhood recommendations? What's it like in Kent? I hear good things about West Seattle? Is Capitol Hill too far and too pricey?

I currently live in Redwood City CA and commute to either San Francisco or across the bay as needed. Caltrain is great and I love public transportation if it works for where I'm going, but I do have a car.

Thanks!

I use to live in Kent back until 1968, when, my family and I move to Los Angeles. Up on the hill near Park Orchard Elementary school. It has changed a lot. I always like to Live near where I work Live if that is practicable for you. I have heard the town now has issues so check it out before you move in.


Good luck with your move.