$461,544Average Value$349Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
O'Brien, part of Kent Valley, was a town site in the 1860s
O'Brien, an area of King County by the Green River, is several miles north of downtown Kent. The name, used for a former town site, came from the O'Brien family, who moved here in the 1860s. "We kind of refer to it as just 'Kent Valley,'" says Bart Chmielewski, a real estate agent with Windermere Real Estate/PSK Inc. The name is still used in various examples, from a local elementary school to the O'Brien Garden Club. O'Brien is about 17 miles south of Seattle and 22 miles northeast of Tacoma.
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.
With plenty of industrial buildings, O'Brien is a hub for local factories and warehouses.
Folks in the space technology sector might work in O'Brien at the Blue Origin facility.
1/2
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.
Condominiums are some of the most common styles of homes in the O'Brien neighborhood.
Townhomes are abundant in the O'Brien neighborhood and many come equipped with garages.
1/2
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.
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.
Green River Natural Resources Area in O'Brien draws folks to enjoy trials and birdwatch.
The Green River Trail in O'Brien is often found bustling with activity throughout the day.
1/2
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.
A couple barbecue spots in O'Brien, such as award-winning BBQ Pete's, are bustling at lunch.
WinCo Foods near O'Brien is a popular spot for local shoppers to stock up on groceries.
1/2
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.
Mill Creek Middle School is where many O'Brien students can head to before high school.
Kent-Meridian High School near O'Brien has been at its current location since 1951.
1/2
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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve McNamer,
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
Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International
17 min drive
Bus
64th Ave S & W James St
Bus
84th Ave S & S 212th St
Bus
68th Ave S & S 196th St
Bus
S 228th St & 64th Ave S
Bus
S 212th St & 84th Ave S
Bus
E Valley HWY & S 187th St
Bus
E Valley HWY & S 184th St
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
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in O'Brien, Kent sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in O'Brien, Kent over the last 12 months is $406,875, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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 +
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
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
Prose Kent is a new apartment community in the heart of Kent! Spacious and stylish apartment homes with air conditioning in every home, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, quartz countertops, and wood-style flooring. Experience thoughtful living with convenient amenities designed for you.
Welcome to the ReNew on James, Kent's premier luxury apartment community featuring spacious studio, one, two, three-bedroom apartment homes for rent, exquisitely designed with your interest in mind. Indulge in renovated interiors including upgraded carpeting, modernized cabinetry, in-house washer & dryer, vaulted ceilings, and oversized closets. When you're ready to head outside, enhance your
Here at Alderbrook Apartment Homes in Kent, Washington, you will discover the perfect pairing of luxury living at an affordable Price! Alderbrook is conveniently located near Highway 167 and minutes from Kent Station, the Kent Transit Center, great local restaurants, bistros, and coffee shops. Whether you are looking for a spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom floorplans or a relaxing place to lay by the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve McNamer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
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.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
