Kent, Washington

Kent is a city located in King County, Washington. As of the 2005 Census, the population was estimated at over 84,560 residents. Kent is the second largest city in south King County and the ninth largest in the state of Washington. Kent also is the third-largest industrial area in the United States. The city was formerly known as Titusville, as evidenced by a Titusville Station sign still standing on Gowe Street. The median income for a household in the city is estimated at $46,046, and the median income for a family at $52,274.

The land on which Kent sits is considered some of the most fertile farmland in the world. In fact, Kent was once known as the "Lettuce Capital of the World." This farmland is now paved over and populated with industrial buildings and miles of roads. Up until the 1960s and 70s, however, Kent was known for its beautiful pastures and green grass no matter what time of year.

In addition to R.E.I. being headquartered in Kent, Boeing also operates a plant in the city. In 2005, Kent was named Sports Illustrated's Sportstown Washington. In 2006, a major new entertainment center, known as "Kent Station," opened in Downtown Kent. It includes a large movie theater, restaurants such as the Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, and Chipotle Mexican Grill and many shops and other forms of entertainment. Popular events in Kent include Canterbury Faire, an arts festival in mid-August every year at Earthworks Park, Kent Cornucopia Days in July, and the Kent Farmers Market NHRA Nationals held at Pacific Raceways.