Maple Valley is a family-friendly community with high-quality schools, low crime rates, well-maintained parks, and excellent recreational facilities. Various community events and festivals throughout the year promote a strong sense of togetherness. The area was settled in 1879 and became a coal and lumber town. The City of Maple Valley was incorporated in 1997.
Maple Valley is a growing city, yet it retains a small-town vibe and a tranquil atmosphere. The city is surrounded by picturesque scenery and an abundance of natural beauty, with lush forests, pristine lakes, and the scenic Cedar River. Opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities abound. For sports fans, Maple Valley is home to Bigfoot FC, a minor league soccer club with a men’s and women’s team.
Where Is Maple Valley, WA?
Maple Valley is situated at an equal distance from Seattle and Tacoma. The city is about 27 miles southeast of Seattle and 26 miles northeast of Tacoma. The four main bodies of water in Maple Valley are Lake Wilderness, Lake Lucerne, Rock Creek, and part of Pipe Lake. The Cedar River also passes very near the northeastern border of the city.
What County Is Maple Valley WA in?
Maple Valley is a city in King County, WA.
Map of Maple Valley, WA
Explore the suburbs and discover the outdoors with this map of Maple Valley:
Maple Valley WA Population and Demographics
The Maple Valley population is 28,013. Maple Valley has a significant Asian population, making up about 12% of the total population in the city. Although the Asian population is made up of diverse ancestries, the majority of Maple Valley residents are descended from Southeast Asian countries. Immigrants from China, India, and the Philippines constitute most of the Asian population, while residents from Singapore and Nepal also have a notable representation in the city.
Race & Ethnicity
- White alone 73.7% (White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 70.7%)
- Black or African American alone 1.9%
- American Indian and Native Alaskan alone 0.3%
- Asian alone 12.4%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone 0.3%
- Two or more races 9.7%
- Hispanic 5.8%
Here’s an overview of Maple Valley’s demographics:
- Population density: 4,734 per square mile
- Median age: 36.5
- Sex ratio: 51.4% males, 48.6% females
- Median household income: $147,546
- Educational attainment: 96.7% high school degree or higher, 47.5% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 15.5%
- Veteran population: 1,657
Is Maple Valley Safe?
Maple Valley is one of the safest places to live near Seattle. The Maple Valley Police Department, and its 17 sworn officers, is committed to protecting the lives and property of residents. The city has about 1,531 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 33% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in Maple Valley is 71% lower. There are about 106 crimes per 100,000 people in Maple Valley.
Maple Valley WA Cost of Living
The cost of living in Maple Valley is 49% higher than the US average and 31% higher than the Washington state average. Housing is the most expensive component of Maple Valley’s cost of living. Housing costs in Maple Valley are 99% higher than the state average.
The median sale price of a home in Maple Valley is $747,500. The cost per square foot for a home in Maple Valley is $383. There are many homes for sale Maple Valley WA, and the market can be competitive. So be sure to check out the homes frequently if you’re planning on moving to Maple Valley!
The average rent in Maple Valley is $2,165 for an 856-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe. By comparison, renters in Seattle pay about $2,252 a month. You can find plenty of apartments for rent and houses for rent in Maple Valley WA on RentCafe.
Typical Maple Valley Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $17.50
- Domestic beer: $4.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $4.44
- Dozen eggs: $3.62
- 1 pound of chicken: $5.33
- Average Maple Valley monthly utility bill: $120.00
Source: Numbeo, Maple Valley, WA
The Best Neighborhoods in Maple Valley
Maple Valley has some great neighborhoods near Tacoma to choose from, with quiet streets and lots of trees. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in Maple Valley:
Cedar Downs
This is an established community developed in the 1980s, with spacious lots, tall trees, and a mix of architectural styles that includes Northwest Contemporary and Cape Cod. Many homes have large, fenced yards. Pipe Lake is a private lakefront beach in the community with a playground, sports court, and picnic pavilion. The neighborhood is close to shopping, dining, and the Maple Valley Library. It’s perfect for older families living in Maple Valley.
Lake Wilderness Country Club
Lake Wilderness is a premier golf course community with many homes backing up to fairways. Homes were built in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. Lake Wilderness Park and the Cedar River Trail are minutes away. If you love golfing, living in Maple Valley is perfect in this neighborhood!
Maple Ridge Highlands
Homes here were built in the early 2000s, and the community boasts stunning views of Mount Rainier and many community amenities, including a playground with tall slides and a mini-rock climbing wall. The Henry’s Ridge Open Space, with walking trails, is right next door. Tahoma High School and Four Corners Shopping Center are in proximity to the community. If you’re looking for new homes Maple Valley WA offers, this neighborhood is the prime spot.
Maple Valley WA Weather & Climate
Living in Maple Valley offers a mild climate throughout the year and comes with all four seasons. The summers are warm and sunny, and temperatures typically reach into the 80s and occasionally exceed 90°F. Winters are moderate with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. Rain is common in spring, while fall sees warmer temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Maple Valley gets an average of 53 inches of rain per year, well above the US average of 38 inches. So you’ll definitely need rain boots while living in Maple Valley! Snowfall in Maple Valley averages 6 inches per year. On average, you’ll see 156 sunny days per year in Maple Valley. The US average is 205 sunny days. The best time of year to visit Maple Valley is from mid-July to late August.
Things to Do in Maple Valley WA
Maple Valley offers many things to see and fun activities to do, especially outdoor activities, as the city is surrounded by stunning nature. You can also find convenient shopping at Maple Valley Town Square, Sawyer’s Village, and Tahoma Living. Here are some of the best things to do near Maple Valley:
Lake Wilderness Arboretum
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Lake Wilderness Arboretum spans 42 acres and features five gardens that include one of the world’s largest displays of Rhododendron occidentale (Western Deciduous Azalea), an array of Japanese maples, and many native plants. The Arboretum includes a 26-acre forest with hiking trails and the Children’s Discovery Forest.
22520 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038, (253) 293-5103
Gaffney’s Grove Disc Golf Course
Located in a serene setting, Gaffney’s features a short, tight, and technical 18-hole course with woods, low canopies, narrow fairways, and small greens. A great place for fun and competition for people of all ages. Definitely check it out while living in Maple Valley!
22500 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038, (425) 413-8800
New Gnome Trail
The New Gnome Trail, located in the Maple Valley Legacy Site and the Rock Creek Natural Area, winds through a dense forest with tall trees, mushrooms, lichen, moss, and wildlife. A perfect outing for families, the trail is a 0.7-mile loop filled with thousands of gnome sculptures that kids will love.
25719 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
Additional Attractions Near Maple Valley, WA:
- Henry’s Ridge Open Space
- Summit Park
- Maple Valley Historical Society
- Uva Furem Winery
If you’re looking for more activities while living in Maple Valley, there are a number of parks and trails to enjoy. The Green to Cedar River trail covers 3 miles along an abandoned railroad route. Lake Wilderness City Park features a swimming beach, lots of open space, and is home to the annual Maple Valley Days Parade.
Maple Valley WA Restaurants
Maple Valley offers a wide selection of restaurants, from wine bars to American fare to casual dining. Maple Valley has something for every taste. Enjoy delicious dishes at popular dining establishments such as:
HopsnDrops
HopsnDrops is a great place for the whole family, offering great food and a safe, fun atmosphere. The menu includes favorites such as the 100% Angus beef burger, Fish Tacos, and the Monster French Dip. Don’t forget to try one of their signature hand-shaken, real fruit, icy drops when living in Maple Valley.
26420 Maple Valley Black Diamond Rd SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038, (425) 433-1111
Crockett’s Public House
Crocket’s is a casual style restaurant that uses only locally sourced and high-quality ingredients in every dish. The menu offers American comfort food such as juicy, signature burgers, savory sandwiches, and fresh salads, paired perfectly with an array of craft beverages.
26300 238th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038, (425) 358-7214
DaVine Whiskey & Wine
DaVine isn’t only a whiskey and wine bar, featuring premium beer, wine and spirits, but also serves upscale casual artisan American food in a warm, inviting setting. Delicious entrees include Cajun pasta, wicked chicken, and the salmon fillet. It’s a definite favorite amongst those living in Maple Valley!
23836 222nd Pl SE #106, Maple Valley, WA 98038, (425) 433-8610
Jobs in Maple Valley WA
The median income in Maple Valley is $66,108. Living in Maple Valley provides job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, retail, lumber milling, and technical services. Maple Valley’s proximity to Downtown Seattle and Tacoma offers additional employment opportunities.
One of the major employers near Maple Valley is Microsoft. The headquarters in nearby Redmond, WA, has over 50,000 employees. Microsoft is a leading provider of computer software, video games, cloud computing services, and other online services.
Other major employers to look at when living in Maple Valley include Amazon, Providence Swedish, and Boeing. If you’re looking for a job in Maple Valley, check out Indeed, the City of Maple Valley Employment Opportunities, and other job search sites.
Schools in Maple Valley WA
Maple Valley is served by the Tahoma School District which has some great schools, which is why there are so many people moving to Maple Valley WA. The Tahoma School District has one high school (Tahoma High), two middle schools (Maple View and Summit Trail), and six elementary schools, including Glacier Park Elementary and Rock Creek Elementary.
The highly regarded district is known for its dedication to academic excellence, a supportive learning environment, and an array of educational programs to meet the needs of diverse learners living in Maple Valley. Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses are available for high school students.
Excellent private school options near Maple Valley include Impact Academy, Renton Christian School, and Dancing Pines Montessori.
Not quite done with your own education? Options include Bellevue College, Green River College, the University of Washington, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Take a look at the Maple Valley Library, where you can check out books and so much more while living in Maple Valley. Check out the calendar of events for adults, older adults, kids, teens, and tweens.
Maple Valley WA Statistics & Information
- County: King County
- Maple Valley area: 6.18 square miles
- Maple Valley WA zip code: 98038
- Maple Valley area code: 425
- Maple Valley elevation: 499 feet
- Maple Valley time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8 and -9)
- Closest airport to Maple Valley: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 17.5 miles
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