Living in Woodway’s Twin Maples neighborhood is an experience unlike any other in the Edmonds area. Twin Maples sits in a charming pocket of this forested city, delivering a perfect blend of privacy, community spirit, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a family searching for a welcoming place to settle or a professional hoping for a serene home base near major job centers, Twin Maples stands out as a special place to put down roots.
The Community Vibe: Welcoming and Connected
The heart of Twin Maples is its neighborly spirit. Residents often describe the area as “close-knit without feeling crowded,” making it ideal for those who value both camaraderie and personal space. With only a handful of tree-canopied streets—like Twin Maples Lane, Hemlock Way, and Poplar Place—community gatherings are genuinely local affairs.
You’ll frequently see neighbors chatting along their front walks, kids biking in safe cul-de-sacs, and families hosting block parties in the summer. The Twin Maples Homeowners Association organizes seasonal events and keeps communication clear with a neighborhood newsletter, helping newcomers feel at home quickly.
Types of Housing: Elegant Homes Among the Trees
Twin Maples is known for its distinctive Northwest architecture. The homes here are primarily spacious single-family residences, many built in the 1980s and updated with modern amenities while retaining classic design features. Expect to find:
- Generously sized lots with mature landscaping and privacy hedges
- Craftsman-style homes with vaulted ceilings and large windows
- Upscale ramblers and two-story colonials, many with 3-5 bedrooms
- Detached garages, lush gardens, and wide driveways
Most properties sit on quiet, non-through streets such as Maple Leaf Drive, reducing traffic and making the area feel especially secluded—even though it’s not far from the action.
Walkability and Daily Life
Twin Maples has a semi-rural feel, so while it’s not highly urban or commercial, it’s very walkable within its own borders and to some neighboring areas. The wide streets are lined with well-maintained sidewalks, perfect for evening strolls with a dog or jogging in the morning dew. The towering maples and evergreens provide plenty of shade and a celebratory autumn display.
Although there aren’t commercial storefronts within Twin Maples itself, a leisurely 10-15 minute walk brings you to downtown Edmonds, with its grocery stores, cafes, and boutique shopping. For more substantial errands, residents often drive to the nearby Westgate neighborhood or head a bit further to Lynnwood for big-box stores and services.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families with children flock to Twin Maples for its highly regarded schools. The neighborhood feeds into the Edmonds School District, with students typically attending:
- Sherwood Elementary — a short, safe drive or walk, known for its strong parent-teacher community
- College Place Middle School — offering robust academic and extracurricular programs
- Edmonds-Woodway High School — highly rated for college prep and the arts
Private school options, such as Holy Rosary School and Soundview School, are also just a short commute away. The streets are quiet, making morning walks to the bus stop a safe and social way to start the day. Many homes back up to greenbelts or hidden play areas, giving kids room to explore while staying close to home.
Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces
One of Twin Maples’ most cherished features is its lush natural setting. Residents love their access to:
- Hickman Park — just south of the neighborhood; has sports fields, a playground, and open space for picnics
- Woodway Nature Preserve — less than a mile away, with scenic woodland trails
- Secret paths — many locals know hidden shortcuts connecting streets or leading down into nearby forested ravines
The dense tree canopy is more than scenic; it brings an ever-present sense of calm and serves as habitat for songbirds, owls, and even the occasional deer.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is consistently highlighted in local surveys and conversations. Twin Maples’ limited entry points minimize through traffic, and its active neighborhood watch helps keep things secure. Residents note that streetlights and the well-tended appearance of homes deter unwanted activity. Parents often note that they feel comfortable letting their children bike or scooter along Maple Hill Road or meet friends for a game of catch at the local park.
Commuting and Proximity to Downtown
Despite its tranquil feel, Twin Maples offers fantastic connectivity. Downtown Edmonds—with its restaurants, ferry terminal, and charming waterfront—is just a 5-minute drive away. Major employers in Everett, Seattle, and even the Eastside are easily accessible via Highway 99 or I-5, typically reachable within 30 minutes outside of rush hour.
- Edmonds train station is a convenient option for those commuting to Seattle.
- Quick access to SR-104 means easy trips to the Kingston ferry or Olympic Peninsula adventures.
Many residents who work in Seattle or Everett say they don’t mind the commute, as returning home to Twin Maples’ serenity is worth every minute on the road.
What Residents Love Most
When you ask Twin Maples neighbors what makes the area special, you’ll hear a few common refrains:
- The towering trees and mature landscaping create a true sense of retreat.
- Friendly, respectful neighbors look out for one another but aren’t intrusive.
- The sense of safety and plenty of quiet for relaxing or working from home.
- Easy access to top schools, Emerald City job centers, and the pleasures of Edmonds—shops, the farmers market, and the Sound’s beaches.
In the words of one longtime resident: “Twin Maples gives you the space to breathe, the people to trust, and the convenience to really enjoy life.”
Final Thoughts: Is Twin Maples Right for You?
If you’re looking for cookie-cutter suburbia with identical homes and constant hustle, Twin Maples may not be your first choice. But for those who value peace, neighborliness, and outdoor beauty—without sacrificing access to modern amenities—it’s tough to imagine a better spot in South Snohomish County.
Whether you’re exploring forested trails, waving to neighbors on evening walks, or watching the leaves turn gold each fall, Twin Maples offers the kind of warm, lasting welcome that turns houses into lifelong homes.