Why Live in Downtown Kent
Downtown Kent, located 20 miles south of Seattle, is a vibrant and walkable neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of small businesses, eateries, and public parks. The area emphasizes local restaurants and shops, creating a town-square feel. Residents can enjoy a variety of things to do, such as grabbing a coffee at Wild Wheat Bakery Café and Restaurant, dining on authentic Kenyan cuisine at Rafiki Restaurant and Lounge, or having a beer at Airways Brewing Tap Room. The neighborhood hosts frequent community events, including a cider ale trail, wine walks, and family-friendly activities like trick-or-treating and art installations. Annual events such as the Cajun Festival and Kent Cornucopia Days draw large crowds. Housing in Downtown Kent is limited, with single-family homes featuring early 20th-century architecture and some senior living apartment complexes. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, with public transportation options like King County Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail providing easy access to Seattle. Parks such as Kherson Park, with its space-themed playground, and Kaibara Park, with its koi pond, offer green spaces for relaxation. The accesso ShoWare Center provides indoor entertainment with ice hockey and soccer games. While the local schools have mixed ratings, Kent-Meridian High School offers career and technical education programs.
