Kent WA Moving Companies

Kent, Washington

Located in the heart of the Green River Valley, Kent offers a breathtaking setting features views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The City of Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington State with a population of nearly 115,000 and covers a geographic area of 34 square miles. Those moving to Kent will discover a culturally rich destination with well-established neighborhoods, award-winning parks and great school systems making it a fantastic community to live and raise a family.

History:
Around 1850 changes began to take place in the White and Green River territory. People from other parts of the U.S. and distant lands began to move into the valley and the surrounding hills.

When the City of Kent incorporated in 1890, the population was 763. Kent was the second city in King County to incorporate. Kent began as an agricultural area. Hops were the first major crop, leading to the rapid growth of Kent in its early years. Almost a million pounds of hops were harvested in 1888. During the Great Flood of 1906, the valley turned into a giant lake, as flood waters rose up to two feet in some houses. Truck farming began in 1917, and during the 1920s, Kent became known as the "lettuce capital of the world." Annual floods of the Green and White rivers contributed to the agricultural fertility of the Kent valley. The White River found a new channel into the Puyallup River, thus alleviating some of the flooding in Kent. In 1963, the Howard Hanson Dam was completed at Eagle Gorge on the upper Green River, taming most of the flooding. This enabled industrial development to take place on the valley floor, leading to Kent's rapid rise as a major distribution center.

Economy:
Businesses looking for quality investments will find a community committed to success. The Kent Valley is home to the fourth-largest warehouse and distribution center in the U.S. Manufacturing and distribution of goods has been at the forefront of infrastructure planning for decades. Due to the access of rail lines and interstate trucking, warehouses and distribution centers in Kent receive goods destined for cities throughout the Northwest. New cars from the Pacific Rim, food, building materials and clothing are all shipped through warehouses in the area. Various manufacturing companies are producing their wares in Kent. Glass products, aluminum cans, sheet metal, concrete products, bicycles and water skis are examples of items manufactured here for regional and national use. Over 4,500 businesses call Kent Home. Its prime location provides attractive and efficient access for product distribution as well a highly skilled and centrally located labor force. With over 78,000 jobs and a diverse economic base, Kent has had very steady and strong increases over the past decade in gross business income, taxable sales, total employment and population.

Tourism:
Pacific Grand Prix is a premier outdoor asphalt go-kart track in Kent. Open for go-kart rentals to the public five days a week, Pacific Grand Prix is the perfect place for the race novice, offering tracks for both beginners and those with a bit of experience. While you are in the racing mood, swing over to the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum chronicles the history of hydro racing throughout the Pacific Northwest. Next, the Riverbend Golf Complex, is located 20 minutes from Seattle and Tacoma and offers a championship 18-hole golf course, 9 hole par 3 course, covered driving range, miniature golf course and a fully stocked pro shop. At night, head to one of the city’s many late night eateries and local dive bars to get a taste of local flavor.

Colleges/Universities:

• Green River Community College

Interesting Facts:

• Named one of the "Best Places to Live" by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.
• Kent is the fourth largest manufacturing and distribution center in the country.
• Totaling over $8 billion, Kent has the highest gross business income among its peer cities in south King County.