Chinese Friendship Pavilion in downtown Kent, Washington

Located midway between Seattle and Tacoma, Kent, Washington is the fourth largest city in King County and the sixth largest in Washington state. It currently has a population of 125,000, including a culturally diverse mix of residents from around the globe.

The city is approximately 34 square miles in size and is known for its rolling hills, lush valleys, Green River and views of Mt. Rainier. Boasting dozens of parks and award-winning schools, Kent retains some of its agricultural roots while also serving as an industry hub to companies including Boeing, Blue Origin, Oberto Sausage Company, Flow International and OMAX Corporation and as the home to the Maleng Regional Justice Center and the Kent campus of Green River Community College.

Proud of its local sports programs, the City of Kent was named “Sportstown USA” by Sports Illustrated in November 2003, due to the many sports and recreation programs offered by the city as well as the Kent Valley Ice Centre, Kent-Meridian Pool and the Riverbend Golf Complex. Since this designation, the city was instrumental in building the LEED GOLD certified ShoWare Center which is home to the Seattle Thunderbirds, a junior hockey league, and the Tacoma Stars, an indoor soccer team, and the Seattle Mist, a lingerie football team.

In addition to its lush landscape and sports & recreation opportunities, the City of Kent offers a wide variety of shopping, dining and cultural options for its residents and visitors. Highlights include Kent’s historic district, Kent Station, Pacific Raceways, the Kent Historical Museum and a range of live entertainment at local restaurants, coffee shops and pubs.

Kent also features popular clothing stores (e.g., The Loft, Chico’s, Christopher & Banks) at Kent Station, as well as a wide variety of locally-owned and operated businesses and restaurants. Lake Meridian Marketplace, which has recently undergone major changes, is home to Bartell Drugs, Reber Ranch Pet Center, Trader Joes, Pie Lab and other retail stores.

Foodies and gourmets, in particular, will love our selection of international grocery stores including Hong Kong Market, La Huerta, Sunny Supermarket, Taste of Europe and Asian Pacific Market, just to name a few.

The population is represented in the Kent School District where more than 138+ languages are spoken, and in the informally named “international district” on 104th on the East Hill which features a variety of ethnic businesses including Punjab Sweets, a popular local restaurant serving authentic Indian meals and treats; Agave Cocina & Cantina, a popular Mexican restaurant; and Save-U-More, an international grocery market, restaurant, deli and bakery.

There is never a shortage of things to do in Kent. Come for the day or stay for the weekend. You’ll find dozens of things to see and do. Watch for our monthly “Things to do” list or check out our Google calendar for events and activities.

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