Maple Leaf

History
The neighborhoods of Ravenna and Maple Leaf lie north of the University District and east of Greenlake. Ravenna, named after the ravine that winds through the neighborhood, surrounds beautiful Ravenna Park with its many walking trails and tennis courts for locals to enjoy.  In 1986, Maple Leaf was chosen to be one of three finalists for the Neighborhood of the Year by a national organization. 

Description
The main landmark in Maple Leaf is the blue water tower stenciled with white maple leaves.  Maple Leaf is a quiet neighborhood with lovely, well-preserved homes and nice yards. Its close proximity to Greenlake makes it a common rental spot for residents who desire a young family neighborhood without the higher rental prices of the lakeside homes. Sandwiched between Maple Leaf and the University District is the lush neighborhood of Ravenna, with its tree-lined streets and park.

Residents
The majority of residents are young families and UW faculty and staff, as well as recent university graduates. Residents are attracted to this area by the relatively affordable housing prices and rental rates.

Fun Stuff
At the intersection of Roosevelt Ave and 65th St sits Teddy’s Bar, where motorcycle enthusiasts gather on the first Wednesday of every month. This is the rebellious side to an otherwise quiet residential community. Roosevelt Ave, which stretches from the University District through Ravenna and Maple Leaf, is lined with coffee shops, antique stores and bookstores. Whole Foods Market grocery store offers locals a healthy alternative of natural and organic foods. Also in the area stands Maple Leaf Park, where Little League games and cheering parents are commonly found in the spring.  On 15th Ave and 91st St is the Northwest Puppet Center, where you can see traditional Sicilian marionettes.

Average Rent: $

Primary Housing:

Small Apartment Buildings

Single-Family Homes

Duplexes/Multiplexes

Commute Times:

Downtown 15 minutes

Eastside 20 minutes, 40 minutes with traffic

Nestled a couple of miles north of the University of Washington, Maple Leaf is a well-kept secret. This neighborhood with shady streets and loyal residents is a quiet, unassuming area developed primarily in the 1950s and 1960s.

The rental housing that exists in the Maple Leaf neighborhood is almost exclusively single-family homes. On the main arterials there are a few small apartment and multiplex properties, but the primary rental housing available are modest homes on nicely-kept streets that offer in-city living at a reasonable price.