Maplewild

Maplewild is a remote Puget Sound neighborhood that offers the best of two worlds: a serene, beachy waterfront and a culturally rich town. Located 15 miles south of Seattle, Maplewild sits on the sound, facing Vashon Island -- the largest Puget Sound island and popular tourist destination – and is within Burien, the 25th largest city in Washington. Known for its diversity and vibrant cultural scene, Burien attracts people to its lake and waterfront homes. Homebuyers seek the serenity and vibrancy of the Puget Sound lifestyle. They enjoy acres of public parks, hiking trails, waterfront evergreen forests, and well-preserved quiet beaches with breathtaking sunsets. Lucky observers will even see pods of whales every so often.

There are about 2 miles of waterfront beaches and undeveloped, tree-covered acres in Maplewild, so you can find many dream home candidates here. If you want to build from the ground up, you can find about 10,000 square feet of land with a heavy canopy of trees for about $460,000. Waterfront properties of about 0.35 acres sell for around $550,000. Ranch-style homes from the 1950s, with peek-a-boo views of the sound, list for around $1,200,000. According to Sean Boe, Realtor with Windermere Real Estate Midtown, and resident of the Burien area, “Maplewild is not quite as expensive as property north of Seattle, and there are still undeveloped parcels here, which are highly sought after. You can easily walk to downtown Burien which offers a really cool mix of cultural influences; you see that in the restaurants, art galleries and events held throughout the year.”

Kids attend Highline District schools, which have an overall rating of C-plus from Niche. Gregory Heights Elementary offers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and has a C-plus rating from Niche. Sylvester Middle offers sixth through eighth grades and has an overall grade of C from Niche. Highline High is one of the most diverse high schools in Washington State and is also highly ranked for its athletic programs. Niche gives Highline a C-plus grade.

While there are no city parks inside the boundaries of Maplewild, there are several within a five-minute drive. Seahurst Park faces Puget Sound and offers a playground, forested hiking trails, and unbeatable views of the Olympic Mountains. According to realtor Boe, “This park is absolutely beautiful. People come here to kayak, paddleboard and swim – some even swim year-round. The views here rival any you can find in the Puget Sound, but the best part is that the beaches are never crowded, even in summer.” Dottie Harper Park is a favorite destination for young kids with its newly renovated playground. In the summer, it offers regular movie nights. Be sure not to miss the unusual drinking fountain, that was made by running plumbing through a huge granite boulder, accented with a sculpted frog atop the spigot.

You can walk or drive the 1-mile trip into Burien for shopping and dining options. Classic Eats welcomes diners with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of seafood items, as well as, well…classic eats. Try the salmon tacos or the coconut prawns. Tin Room Bar and Restaurant has been around for more than 20 years and is known for its unique décor, retained from its origins as a tin shop. They offer one-of-a-kind cocktails and well-loved menu items including flank steak salad and maple bacon brussels sprouts. You’ll find well-stocked shelves and plenty of organic and specialty items at PCC Community Markets. Prices may seem a bit higher than what you're used to on the mainland, however. When you visit Lucky U Consignment Boutique, it may be hard to believe that many of the treasures you find are pre-owned. From designer handbags and jewelry to home décor and furniture, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you find here.

If you’re looking for the perfect setting for your Puget Sound dream home, be sure to look into Maplewild. From its spectacular views, and quiet sound side beaches, to the vibrant dining, shopping and cultural attractions in Burien, it would be easy to consider this location home.

Written By

Sarah Albiston

Photography Contributed By

Noah Lubin

Video By

Matthew Link