Why Live in Meridian
Meridian, northeast of downtown Kent, WA, features a mix of vintage homes, newer developments, and some rural areas. The neighborhood is known for its affordable cost of living, good schools, and central location in King County. Housing options range from 20th-century ramblers and split levels to contemporary homes in newer developments, with some properties on the east side offering larger plots of land suitable for seclusion or even keeping horses. Pantera Lago Estates caters to those 55 and over, offering manufactured homes and community amenities like a clubhouse and pool. Schools in the area include the highly rated Meridian Middle School and Kentridge High School, which offers over 35 clubs and various athletic programs.
Meridian boasts several parks, including North Meridian Park and Ballfields, which features cricket and baseball fields, picnic areas, and trails. Panther Lake offers a public boat launch and fishing opportunities, while the nearby Lake Youngs Trail provides a 9-mile loop for hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. The Meridian Valley Country Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course and family-friendly social activities.
Retail and dining options are concentrated around 108th Avenue and 208th Street, with highlights such as S Level Tea, Crawfish Chef, and Maza Halal steakhouse. Essential services include a Safeway grocery store and small businesses like Just for You Floral and Wizard's Keep Games. Downtown Kent, about 4 miles southwest, offers additional shopping and dining at Kent Station Shopping Center.
Public transportation is accessible via King County Metro bus stops along 108th Avenue and train service from Kent Station. Major roads like state Routes 167 and 515 connect to Interstate 405. Meridian is approximately 10 miles from Sea-Tac Airport and 20 miles from downtown Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meridian a good place to live?
Meridian is a good place to live. Meridian is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Meridian is a suburban neighborhood. Meridian has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.7 people per acre and a median age of 40. The average household income is $128,492 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 30.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Meridian are home owners, with 26.9% of residents renting and 73.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Meridian can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Meridian neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Meridian?
The median home price in Meridian is $699,999. If you put a 20% down payment of $140,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.26%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,450 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $148K a year to afford the median home price in Meridian. The average household income in Meridian is $128K.
What are the best public schools in Meridian?
The best public schools that serve Meridian are:
- Kentridge High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 22:1 and an average review score of 3.6.
- Kentwood High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Sunrise Elementary School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 16:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
What are the best private schools in Meridian?
The best private schools that serve Meridian are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Meridian, Kent, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Meridian, Kent, WA?
Home Trends in Meridian, WA
On average, homes in Meridian, Kent sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Meridian, Kent over the last 12 months is $688,694, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$688,694
Median Single Family Sale Price
$718,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$432,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$345,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$319,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$379
Number of Homes for Sale
44
Last 12 months Home Sales
274
Median List Price
$699,999
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%