East Hill-Meridian - Kent, WA

Kent began as a farming community in 1860 and saw success with a range of different crops until after World War II. The postwar boom in manufacturing and technology brought explosive growth to Kent, which began its development into an industrial city. Boeing began building in Kent in the 60's, accelerating the area's growth into a center of business and industry. As Kent grew, the former Census Designated Place of East Hill-Meridan became a neighborhood within the city.

The Kent Downtown Partnership hosts many events in the city, including wine walks and art fairs, and the Kent Arts Commission sponsors an annual Children's Art Day as well as offering small grants to artists who produce art for the public.

Though the neighborhood itself offers little in the way of nightlife, East Hill-Meridian locals have many a choice for entertainment a short drive away. Nearby Seattle has a multitude of things to do, from chic clubs and restaurants to live music venues and an outstanding craft brew scene. Bellevue, where many Kent dwellers commute for work, is a popular choice for people looking for a more upscale dining experience, and is quickly becoming a nightlife scene unto itself.

Downtown Kent provides many dining options, and East Hill-Meridian residents who drive into the heart of town can park their car and make a night of it. Washington residents from miles around head to downtown Kent to get their sushi fix at Sushi Kuine Japanese Restaurant. This tiny, cash-only restaurant is as traditional a sushi experience one can get outside of Japan. Customers praise its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, such as the sweet squash roll and fresh sashimi.

If residents don't feel like venturing from the East Hill-Meridian at all, the neighborhood has a few choice restaurants all its own. Firestarter Bar and Grill is a sports bar that offers breakfast options, a family-friendly atmosphere, and that perfect neighborhood pub feel. Must-tries include mac and cheese with bacon, orange sriracha wings, and even stuffed hash browns for breakfast. You'll find the place packed for Seahawks games and weekend evenings.

If you're in the mood for pizza, Benson Pizza on the outskirts of the East Hill-Meridian neighborhood is sure to do the trick. Known for great service, large portions and creative pies, you can pick up Benson's to go or dine in. Be sure to try the Butter Chicken Pizza or the Bombay Curry Pizza, fun fusions with classic Indian recipes. Locals recommend asking for a split pizza so you can try more than one flavor.

East Hill-Meridian is a car-dependent neighborhood, with quick access to the major interstates of the Seattle-Tacoma metroplex. East Hill-Meridian provides some bicycle-friendly roads, and avid cyclists can find access to dedicated bike trails that stretch throughout the greater Seattle suburbs. Though bus service in Kent is not extensive, the city provides a park and ride station to encourage carpools for employees who need to commute to various cities around the area. Cab service is available with a telephone call, but Uber is not yet available in any part of Kent.

East Hill-Meridian affords residents multiple opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are many spaces with public art installations in East Hill-Meridian parks, and plenty of parks with play structures for families. Clark Lake Park grants lake access, walking trails and unpaved trails in the less developed sections of the park. Lake Meridian Park, a favorite of local families, provides 16 acres of green space, as well as designated walking and jogging trails, access to the lake, showers and picnic areas. Morrill Meadows Park is home to a greenbelt with multiple trails for walking and jogging, and a large off-leash dog area, with a separate area for shy or small dogs. Additionally, the park system sponsors an annual Easter egg hunt and a summertime concert series.

The cost of living in East Hill-Meridian is about 7 percent higher than the rest of the nation. The average rental rate for a one bedroom residence is $866, and gas is 10 percent higher than the national average. The cost of bus fare to downtown Kent is $2.25, and to downtown Seattle is about $5.00. A beer at a local pub will cost between 5 and 6 dollars.

Residents of East Hill-Meridian can travel to high-end shopping areas in downtown Seattle or downtown Bellevue for access to upscale shopping centers and specialty boutiques. A short drive from East Hill-Meridian gives residents access to Westfield Southcenter, Target, Ikea and Nordstrom Rack.

Residents of East Hill-Meridian will have to drive to do their day-to-day shopping, but the neighborhood is home to an intriguing collection of specialty stores. Makers' Mercantile is a local fiber arts store, with a beautiful space where customers can learn more creative hobbies. Locals praise the knowledgeable, friendly staff, and even if you have no interest in learning a new hobby yourself, and the store is a great place to pick up local gifts of already crafted items.

Kent Station in downtown Kent is an upscale outdoor shopping mall that houses chain stores and local gems alike. It provides an alternative to strip malls, and hosts summertime concerts and entertainment outside.

Shoppers can get everyday groceries at stores like Safeway, WinCo and Fred Meyer, all of which are within easy driving distance from East Hill-Meridian. Nature's Market in Kent supplies a wider selection of natural food and beauty products as well as literature on different diets and lifestyles. The Kent Farmer's Market is held in downtown Kent during the summer, and is a popular pick for local produce, meats and dairy products. Carpinito Brothers sells gardening supplies year-round, as well as local produce, pumpkins and Christmas trees seasonally.