A secluded community in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains
Located within 30 miles of Seattle, this forested King County suburb offers a balanced lifestyle. “What attracts buyers is that we are within an hour of Seattle, so it’s a workable commute to world-class employers,” says Amber Bills, managing broker of The Amber Bills Real Estate Group and long-time resident of Maple Valley. “We’re known for our top-rated school district and the unique geography here. We have three really nice lakes nestled in the valley and the foothills, and then we have miles of trails surrounding the beautiful forests and lakes and rivers.” As remote as the valley can feel, residents don’t have to compromise too much on conveniences. “Any amenity you want is within 15 minutes, like Costco and Walmart,” Bills says. With Microsoft headquarters about 40 minutes away in Redmond, Maple Valley is a big draw for those working in the local tech industry. And while the city is certainly a commuter town because of this, Its increasing commercial activity has helped it develop its own distinct personality. This can be seen in the work planned for one of the city's final undeveloped areas, where a new project to create an official downtown is underway. The new development will include housing, retail, and a public gathering space connected by trails. This project will help to establish a sense of place in Maple Valley, embrace its modernity and unify all parts of the city that make it what it truly is.
Behold incredible views of Mt. Rainier from around the Cedar Grove area.
Scenic Cedar River bridge is a favorite spot for Dorre Don locals to enjoy the sun.
Head minutes from Dorre Don, to downtown Maple Valley for a wide array of shopping options.
This is a Row of Contemporary Builds in Maple Valley.
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What to expect when house-hunting in Maple Valley
Maple Valley is mainly made up of residential housing, with a few pockets of commercial space. According to Bills, the area started to be built out in the 1970s, so there are few homes older than that. The biggest housing boom started in the 1990s and continued steadily after. Now that most of the land within the city’s urban growth boundary is developed, buyers won’t find much brand-new construction. What they will find is a mix of condos, townhouses, brick ramblers and Craftsman-style homes. Some homes offer lakefront living and others are estates with large acreage. Single-family homes tend to cost anywhere from $480,000 to $830,000 for two- to three-bedroom homes, while homes with more bedrooms fetch between roughly $800,000 to $2 million. The median price in Maple Valley is $764,950, and supply is low at .70 months of supply. “We do see multiple offer situations on properties that are well priced and in great condition,” Bills says. Since 2020, average home values have experience gradual ebbs and flows but ultimately, they are on the rise.
Maple Valley Offers a Diverse Selection of Home Styles to Choose From.
Wooded rows of ranch homes and quaint residential lanes, contribute to Maple Valley's charm.
Create new community and meet your neighbors on your street in Dorre Don.
Dorre Don features incredible craftsman homes on private wooded lots.
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Outdoor recreation, Maple Valley style
Outdoor activities are always nearby in Maple Valley. A system of wooded trails spans the entire city, and three lakes offer waterfront activities. Bills says that one of the most popular spots is at Lake Wilderness Park, owned by the city. People come here to swim, meander the arboretum and play golf. Additionally, the city features several expansive forested areas for hiking, biking and even horseback riding, like the 1,240-acre Black Diamond Open Space.
Walk the Cedar River Trail through Dorre Don for an afternoon of fresh air.
It's possible to make new friends when you're out for a walk in Atkinson.
Work on your game at Gaffney's Grove Disc Golf Course near Cedar Grove.
Spend some time on the water at Spring Lake/Lake Desire Park near Cedar Grove.
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Shopping and dining hubs in Maple Valley
Kent Kangley Road and Maple Valley Black Diamond Road are the primary streets for commercial corridors. Shopping centers like Maple Valley Town Square and Wilderness Village make it easy to shop, dine and go on grocery runs. The city also has several local restaurants like Maple Valley Thai, a city hot spot.
Coffee, wine and fun is part of the Vintage Vino & Espresso experience near Landsburg.
Maple Valley Town Square provides locals with abundant retail options.
The nearby QFC serves as Dorre Don's main grocery store.
Head to Stockton's for a drink and some pool in Maple Valley.
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Getting to and from Maple Valley
Drivers can take State Route 169 to Interstate 405 or State Route 18 to get to Interstate 5. King County’s transit agency, Metro, operates two bus lines that take commuters to Seattle, with a park-and-ride at Maple Valley Town Square. According to Bills, Microsoft operates its own commuter shuttle and some employers with multiple employees in the area will also shoulder the cost of Metro vanpool shuttles. The nearest major airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is within 20 miles of Maple Valley.
Maple Valley's quirky and educational events
Every year, unique events are organized by the city, including an Earth Day Fair in April, where attendees are invited out to learn more about how they can help the environment. There is also a Zombie Dash fun run in October and a Hometown Holidays celebration with a tree-lighting ceremony and plenty of Christmas activities in December.
Maple Valley’s public school system
Students in Maple Valley can attend schools in the Tahoma School District 409, which Niche awards an overall grade of A. Serving approximately 8,600 students, the district operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.
Rock Creek Elementary serves Maple Valley Students.
Maple Valley teens attend Tahoma Senior High School.
Maple Valley Elementary School serves students in Maple Valley.
Liberty Sr High School is an option for Maple Valley teens.
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Crime and climate trends for Maple Valley
According to data reported to the FBI by the Maple Valley Police Department, the numbers of both violent and property-related crimes decreased by 22% by the end of 2023. Maple Valley also enjoys mild summers and moderate winters, though data from First Street reports the city has severe air quality risk and moderate wildfire risks.
Additional Writing by Katelin Hill
Brandon Barkema is a dedicated Realtor® with Windermere Yarrow Bay, committed to a Beyond Full Service® experience that covers every detail of your real estate journey. In the past five years, he’s helped over 150 clients buy and sell homes, contributing to more than $250 million in sales. His deep background in construction—combined with his Washington State home inspection license—gives him a unique ability to spot potential issues, identify opportunities in fixer-uppers, and suggest improvements that help homes shine on the market.
Growing up in the Midwest, Brandon brings honest, hardworking values to every transaction. He is passionate about building genuine relationships and advocating for his clients, ensuring your needs are met whether you’re buying your dream home or selling to move on to your next chapter. His goal is simple: to make the process as stress-free as possible while keeping both your happiness and your wallet in mind.
Based in Kirkland, WA at 3933 Lake Washington Blvd NE - Suite 100, Brandon is ready to put his expertise to work for you. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 425-998-6436 or visit brandonbarkema.com. See all my certifications, including: • Real Estate License #120463 • Home Inspection License #20114301 • General Contractor License: BIGRORH783OO • Mold & Radon Cert. #IAC2-23-4717 • FAA Drone License #C1693632
Let’s achieve your goals together and have some fun along the way!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
