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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Kent, WA

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The sixth-largest city in Washington state, the Seattle suburb of Kent is home to many corporate headquarters and boasts affordable living costs compared to many other cities in the state. Beautiful scenery, mountain views and an extensive park system make this city a desirable place for any lover of the outdoors.

If you are planning or considering a move to Kent, read on for more information to make your relocation a smooth and easy one.

Kent Climate

The city experiences chilly, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Be sure to pack your umbrella, because rainfall is frequent--about 35-inches annually. However, snowfall is infrequent--usually light dustings that only accumulate to several inches annually.

Winter temperatures usually range from the 30s to the mid-40s, and summers are mild with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.

Registering Your Car

As a new resident of Washington, you will be required to update your plates and registration within 30 days of relocating. To do so, you can visit any DOL location or submit the following documents by mail: notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application, out of state title, and check or money order for the associated fees. For more on the required documents, click here.

Your driver's license must also be transferred within 30 days of your arrival in the state. You will need to pass a vision test, show proof of identity (in addition to your current out-of-state license), and your Social Security number. There will also be $35 application fee and a $45 licensing fee, payable with cash, check or credit. Your license can be updated at any Washington DOL office in your area.

Kent Schools

If you will be relocating to the city with children, you will want to find out more about the education system there. The public schools in Kent are operated by the Kent School District, which is the fourth largest system in the state.

There are four high schools, six middle schools, 28 elementary schools, and two academies, with a total enrollment of about 27,000 students. The district serves about 71 square miles, including Kent, a portion of unincorporated King County, Covington, and parts of the Auburn, Black Diamond, Maple Valley, Renton, and SeaTac communities.

Kent Employment

The aerospace industry has a large presence in Kent, with the company Boeing operating a plant in the city. Boeing is the city's largest employer, with over 5,000 employees.

The city is also home to the fourth largest manufacturing and distribution area in the country. The manufacture of steel and metal is a prevalent economic influence, with companies TMX Aerospace, Puget Sound Steel, and Pacific Metal Company all located in the city.

Other major companies include R.E.I., Oberto Sausage Company, and Seattle Bicycle Supply . Due to its proximate location to important transportation routes, the city has a booming warehouse district. Whirlpool Corporation and General Electric Appliances both have regional distribution centers in Kent.

If you are looking for a job with the city, you can get more information and apply for positions on the government website. You can also visit the Kent Chamber of Commerce for information and resources for starting your own business in the city.

Living Costs in the City

The cost of living in the city is 12 percent higher than the national average. Housing costs are the highest expense, at about 27 percent greater than average. A standard one-bedroom apartment in Kent goes for about $1,022 a month, and a two-bedroom will run you around $1,155. The median list price for a home in the city is $240,000.

Transportation and grocery costs are both two percent above the national average, but three percent less than the state average. Healthcare costs are about the same as the typical American city, but 13 percent later than the state of Washington overall.

Utility costs are low--five percent less than the national average. Additionally, the state of Washington does not levy an income tax.

Kent Moving Resources

There are many moving and storage companies located in Kent that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:

Kent Transportation

Public transportation in the city is operated locally by King County Metro and regionally by Sound Transit. You can catch the local or inter-city bus, as well as the Sound Commuter rail at the Kent Station transportation center. Sound Transit regional buses travel to the cities of Bothell, Lynnwood, Everett, Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Auburn, and others.

Culture and Contemporary Life

For leisure and recreation, the city boasts museums, art galleries, shopping, dining, festivals, golf courses, and a variety of other attractions to suit any interest.

Visit the Kent Farmer's Market, held in the Town Square Plaza every Saturday in the summer, and check out the numerous vendors selling fresh seasonal produce, plants and flowers. Attend the Kent International Festival in June for free cultural dance performances and a variety of delicious ethnic foods. If you love the arts, visit one of the city's several galleries, such as the Centennial Art Gallery or Creative Artspace for stimulating and diverse exhibits with original works by local and regional artists. Additionally, the city holds the Kent Downtown Artwalk the second Friday of every month from April to September.

For great shopping and dining, head to Kent Station--an open-air urban village laden with restaurants, shops, cafes, and a cinema. The plaza also hosts many events, including free concerts, holiday festivities, and fundraisers.

Kent Relocation Tips

  • Be sure to pack your umbrella and invest in flood insurance! Like much of the Pacific Northwest, the city is quite prone to rain.
  • Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
  • Pick up a copy of the local newspaper the Kent Reporter to find out more about community news, events and entertainment.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on July 1, 2013

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