Maple Valley 85 Exceptional
Maple Valley Livability #24 ranked city in Washington#461 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Pros and Cons of Living in Maple Valley

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Maple Valley?

Maple Valley, Washington is a medium-sized city with a population of 27,291 people. In Maple Valley, there are 4,564 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 80% of Maple Valley residents are White, 9% Asian and 2% Black. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Maple Valley entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 41 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Maple Valley could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Washington if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Maple Valley and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Maple Valley to Washington and the national average.

Maple Valley, WA receives 86 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #15 in Washington and #314 in the USA. Clearly, Maple Valley is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Maple Valley also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Maple Valley ranks very well for amenities (B+), crime (A-) and education (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Maple Valley. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: cost of living (F).

If you're considering living in Maple Valley, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Maple Valley provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Maple Valley gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 109 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Maple Valley, the average school test scores are an impressive 74%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Maple Valley has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Maple Valley. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Maple Valley are affordable. Median real estate prices in Maple Valley come in at $799,464, which is 62.6% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Maple Valley, the home price to income ratio is 4.6, which is 14.8% lower than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Maple Valley

See all the best places to live around Maple Valley

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Compare Maple Valley, WA Livability

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      Maple Valley transportation information

      Statistic Maple Valley Washington National
      Average one way commute41min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work76.3%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.6%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.1%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home11.0%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Maple Valley, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.