[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]
What’s so special about Downtown Kent? I’m glad you asked.
Before I relocated to Kent, Ohio to work in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Kent State University, I lived in a variety of cities and states for school and work. These include Philadelphia (earning a master’s degree at Temple University while working for Chilton Publishing Company), Chicago (working in public relations for Sears corporate headquarters), Knoxville, Tennessee (earning a PhD from the University of Tennessee) and, most recently, Boston (working at Boston University). Out of all those cities—which included suburban, urban, and rural settings—Kent reminds me most of my hometown, Springfield, Illinois.
I moved here sight-unseen from Boston. Well, sort of: I saw the exterior of Landmark Apartments when I came for a second job interview at Kent State University in 2016; additionally, I saw photographs of apartment interiors. To say that the cost of living was a draw is to undersell the price-point differential between Boston and Kent. Air conditioning, an elevator, washer/dryer in each unit—and all a 10-minute walk from Kent State University? I was sold.
So, what’s it like to live like a local in Kent? It means you see friendly faces, eat great food, and enjoy great drinks with friends.
It can be lonely moving to a new city. Thankfully, it’s easy to strike up conversations while in line at the local coffee shop (Tree City Coffee). I’ve met wonderful people by initially volunteering for Main Street Kent events, and then joining the Marketing Committee. As a Kent State University faculty member, it’s been exciting to help facilitate connections between the university and Downtown Kent—and to give back to the community in a small way.
I love that my hairdresser (Ichi’s Hair Studio), primary care doctor (Unity Health Network) local market (the Kent Natural Foods), and favorite restaurant (Bricco’s) are all within walking distance. What’s also great is that I can get my favorite hard ciders mere steps away from my apartment at Kent Cheesemonger. I also love that I can take the Parta buses for free with my faculty ID.
So, what’s it like to live like a local in Kent? It means you see friendly faces, eat great food, and enjoy great drinks with friends.
Main Street Kent Businesses
Visit Kent Natural Foods for healthy, natural foods and products at fair prices. They provide bulk, chemical-and-additive-free foods and products that are locally and/or organically grown whenever possible.
Bricco is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. They have amazing Happy Hour cocktails, a cozy interior and relaxing patio.
Do you enjoy Living Like a Local in Kent, Ohio and have a story to share? Message us on Facebook.