Maple Leaf Neighborhood
Map | Maple Leaf News | Events | Restaurants | History
Currently bordered by Lake City Way, NE 80th Street, I-5, and Northgate Way, the hilltop neighborhood known as Maple Leaf began life as a real estate plat in the 1890s. Slowly but surely, it has since developed into a well-organized, progressive residential community with natural beauty and many unique features.
Since 1983, the Maple Leaf Community Council has been doing nationally-recognized work in its efforts to improve the neighborhood while maintaining the community’s residential identity. Partly due to this work, Maple Leaf made it to the top 3 of Neighborhoods USA’s “Neighborhood of the Year” award in 1986.
The neighborhood boasts a thriving business district along 5th Avenue NE, Roosevelt, and the intersection of 80th and Lake City Way, featuring a plethora of restaurants and coffee houses. To the south near NE 80th Street, the water tower at Maple Leaf Park―adorned with a painted crown of maple leaves―can be seen from all around Seattle.
Interestingly, a gaudy flock of feral scarlet-fronted parakeets can be seen (and heard) flying about Maple Leaf. The neighborhood is also home to the Northwest Puppet Center, which puts on world-class marionette performances year-round.
To learn more about Maple Leaf, visit the neighborhood’s blog, MapleLeafLife.com
