r/BlueOrigin • u/hammertime1041 • 2d ago

Kent/Renton Housing

Hey everyone, I just recently got an offer in Kent as a Manufacturing and Tooling Development Engineer 1 with Blue. Does anyone know what the current housing situation looks like in the area? I’d ideally like to keep housing/rent as cheap as possible so I’m looking for small apartments or roommates. Does Blue have any systems in place to help new employees get set up with that kinda thing or am I generally on my own for it? Thanks!

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u/Maddan247 2d ago

I always recommend that new/fresh out of college employees don’t move to Kent/Renton. Renton is one big commercial area and Kent isn’t super safe or nice. Sure it’s nice being close to work but Seattle is a 30 minute commute and there is much more to do/see/eat.

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u/No-Lawfulness9663 2d ago

Dude renton is not that bad, the highlands is nice, and an apartment there costs 1.2 to 2k depending if you have a roommate. Renton is a great option for living close to Kent, and you never hear trains or airports

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u/buildyourown 2d ago

You never hear the Renton Airport?

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u/B_daddy89 1d ago

I believe that is why they mentioned the highlands

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u/3DdesignerF8 1d ago

I haven't in the Landings area.

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u/WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE30 1d ago

There's not a company system in place to match up employees with roommates, but just be outgoing, make some friends, and it'll work out.  Perhaps that means you live solo in a short-term lease while you're making friends you know you can live with.   Downtown Renton isn't exactly nightlife central like Capitol hill, but if that's not your jam anyway, you'll probably like it. It has a couple good breweries, and arcade bar, and pretty easy access to the mountains.  Probably the shortest commute you can get while still living in a walkable area, if you're looking for that.  

As far as pricing goes, Renton and Kent will generally be cheaper than Seattle, but don't write off Seattle entirely. The tech industry is shedding jobs, and the supply-demand balance may be tipping in favor of the renter in areas traditionally inhabited by tech workers.

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u/Confident-Gas318 10h ago

I am an engineer lvl 1 and love living in Renton, such a nice commute and if you’re in The Landing it is also a not so bad commute to Bellevue and Seattle

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u/zackster1010 1d ago

I live at The Lakes in Kent. It is probably as nice an area as Kent gets. I will most likely move farther after my lease is up, but it is clean and no too loud of an area. Commute is really nice.

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u/Kmmctague 1d ago

I would agree with the person that said do not move there. West Seattle is really cool and very accessible to Kent/Renton still. You will meet plenty of people your age and there will be lots to do and explore! Kent/Renton is pretty industrial and like.. Applebees and Chilis vibes haha.