O'Brien
Neighborhood in Kent, Washington
King County 98031, 98032
There are more renters; buyers often pick condos or townhomes
The residential streets are generally concentrated east and south. Listings are limited, and there are far more renters than homeowners. Those who own are most likely to live in a condo or townhome. Prices are typically in the $300,000s to the $500,000s. The Village on James and Watertree Place are gated communities dating to the 1990s and 2000s. There are a couple of communities of manufactured homes with prices under $100,000. O'Brien has a CAP Index Crime Score of 8 out of 10; the national average is 4. However, in 2025, a 5-year low for city crime was reported by Police Chief Rafael Padilla.
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Parks and places to explore along the Green River
Close to the river are many recreational spots: parks, wetlands, fishing holes and a greenbelt. The Green River Natural Resources Area draws walkers and birdwatchers, and Van Doren's Landing Park has a playground. Cyclists and hikers use the Interurban Trail and the Green River Trail. There's a risk of flooding from the river, but Kent has implemented flood abatement procedures for the city.
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Area schools include O'Brien Elementary and Kent-Meridian High
Students may attend Kent School District schools like River Ridge Elementary, Neely O'Brien Elementary School and Mill Creek Middle School, which earn C grades from Niche. Kent-Meridian High School, zoned toward the south, has a B-minus, and Kentridge High School, zoned to areas toward the north, has an A. The Renton School District covers neighborhoods farther north.
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Annual Kent events, plus concerts, soccer and hockey at ShoWare
Among Kent's big events are Kent Winterfest, Kent Kids Arts Day in March and the Fourth of July Splash. Within several miles of O'Brien, the accesso ShoWare Center puts on concerts and community events. The Seattle Thunderbirds, a minor-league hockey team, and The Tacoma Stars, a professional indoor soccer team, are based at ShoWare.There are freeways close to home and bus routes in the area
In addition to Interstate 5 on the west, state Route 167 is on the east, and state Route 516 is on the south. "The area has really good access to freeways," Chmielewski says. People living closest to busy roads may experience some noise issues. Some roads, such as South 196th Street, have bike lanes. King County Metro has a bus route that runs to Downtown Seattle by way of Tukwila; another goes to Burien with a stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, about 6 miles away. Kent Station offers Sound Transit buses and commuter rail service on the Sounder S Line, a route from Seattle to Tacoma and Lakewood.Choices for shopping and dining to the north and to the south
The area around the 68th Avenue South and South 212th Street intersection has some fast-food restaurants and casual dining options, including two barbecue joints: West Valley @ 212th and BBQ Pete's. There's a WinCo Foods on the other side of SR-167, and a few miles north, a 99 Ranch Market and an Ikea store. To the south, Kent Station shopping mall has more than 50 businesses, including chain brands, various restaurants and an AMC movie theater.
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It's mainly industrial, with Blue Origin, Boeing and Amazon
The area is primarily industrial and has several business parks. "For the most part, it's pretty much all factories and warehouses," Chmielewski says. Among the top job sites are the headquarters of space technology company Blue Origin, the Boeing Kent Space Center and an Amazon fulfillment center.
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Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Video By
Luke Basinger
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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David Newberry
David Newberry
Newberry Realty, Inc.
(206) 888-6851
33 Total Sales
1 in O'Brien
$550,000 Price
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Steve McNamer
Steve McNamer
Windermere Prof Partners
(253) 642-8790
151 Total Sales
1 in O'Brien
$307,500 Price
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Alec Klasna Woodward
Alec Klasna Woodward
COMPASS
(206) 558-1169
157 Total Sales
1 in O'Brien
$380,000 Price
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Davey Wilde
Davey Wilde
COMPASS
(253) 652-5612
75 Total Sales
2 in O'Brien
$300K - $426K Price Range
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Jon Bye
Jon Bye
Responds QuicklyJohn L. Scott, Inc
(253) 652-5248
443 Total Sales
2 in O'Brien
$380K - $1.6M Price Range
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Ramon Gutierrez
Ramon Gutierrez
Responds QuicklyJohn L. Scott, Inc
(425) 598-0344
82 Total Sales
1 in O'Brien
$1,325,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 7th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 6th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Hogan Park at Russell Road
- Baseball/Softball
- Bike Trails
- Grills
Van Doren's Landing Park
- Bike Trails
- Grills
- Picnic Area
Briscoe Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Grills
Grandview Dog Park
- Dog Park
- Trails
- Parking Lot
Green River Natural Resources Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | O'Brien | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 6 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 8 | 4 |
| Robbery | 8 | 4 |
| Burglary | 8 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 4 |
| Larceny | 7 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 8 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
O'Brien Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in O'Brien, Kent sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in O'Brien, Kent over the last 12 months is $405,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$408,725
Median Sale Price
$405,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$406,250
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$389,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$346
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
149
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1994
Months of Supply
1.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,383
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,315
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,061
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
800
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
23,304
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$389,950
- 2 Beds
- 2.5 Baths
- 1,161 Sq Ft
- 6711 S 239th Place
- Unit A104
Welcome home to your gated community of Village on James St. This 2 bedroom, 2+ bathroom townhome features an open design, vaulted ceilings, oversized windows. Large open living room with gas fireplace & dining room leading to a fenced patio & small yard. Half bath on the main floor and each bedroom has it's own bath, plus a spacious walk-in closet in the Primary bedroom. Attached 1-car garage +
Cristian Torres John L. Scott, Inc
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$150,000
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,296 Sq Ft
- 24415 64th Ave S
- Unit 36
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious double-wide home offers a peaceful retreat with the benefit of being in a non-profit park—all while being in the heart of downtown Kent. Enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, transit, and entertainment, plus proximity to major highways for effortless commuting. The bright interior features white cabinetry, creating a fresh and inviting space. A double
Andrea Hamre John L. Scott R.E. Lake Tapps
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$145,000
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,440 Sq Ft
- 24415 64th Ave S
- Unit 16
Look no further for the perfect location, style, space and functionality! This spacious 1440sf home features 3 beds and 1.75 baths, Newer roof, Large living room, new en-suite in the primary bedroom and a brand new kitchen with sleek epoxy countertops and gorgeous hardwood floors, throughout. Enjoy the huge yard and TWO decks, perfect for entertaining, gardening or simply unwinding. 2 sheds offer
Shaundra Jackson Best Choice Realty LLC
Homes for Rent
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-
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$1,603 - $2,250 per month
- Alderbrook Apartments
- 1-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 582+ Sq Ft
- 412 E Novak Ln
- Kent, WA
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
7,282
Median Age
35
Population under 18
25.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$44,461
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$68,064
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
15.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.4%
% Population in Labor Force
66.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
39''
Average Winter Low Temperature
37°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
65
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
25
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Riverfront
Neighborhood close to Seattle and Tacoma with mountain views
The Lakes
A suburban development of 19 communities set around lakes
Downtown Kent
Charming homes and abundant amenities in the heart of Kent
Pacific Ridge
A busy neighborhood close to major highways and the airport
South Kent
A mix of residential and industrial, south of downtown Kent
North Park
Small residential community north of downtown Kent
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