Maple Leaf - Seattle, WA

In 2001, the Maple Leaf addition became part of the Green Lake Tract, with its name taken from either the maple trees that used to grow in the area or the Maple Leaf Saw Mill on the east of Lake Washington. The drinking water reservoir built by the Seattle Water Department named the Maple Leaf Reservoir remains the landmark feature of the neighborhood.

Opened in 1950, Northgate Mall stands as the first of its kind in the nation. It was the first suburban mall built in the US, designed by Seattle architect John Graham, Jr. His firm (founded by his father) built several major landmarks in Seattle and beyond, including the Space Needle. Today, the mall is anchored by Macy's, JCPenney, and Nordstrom. It contains shops like LOFT, Lids, Papaya, Vans, and the Walking Company.

Inaugurated in 1924, the Waldo Sanatorium overlooks the Maple Reservoir and the Cascade Mountains, and still stands today between 85th NE and NE 15th. The Carter Family Marionettes reside in the North West Puppet Center, originally a church. Key to the preservation of the Sicilian marionette theater or Opera dei Pupi, the center conducts 250 performances a year for enthusiastic crowds.

Restaurants range from upscale coffee shops to joints dishing up world cuisines, all with a local flair.

Head to Cloud City Coffee on Roosevelt Way NE for fresh sandwiches, coconut bread, and cinnamon rolls. For a healthier option, try the Clean Green Smoothie or the Berry Antioxidant, and discover gluten-free options of breads and veggie frittatas. A kids' play area, free Wi-Fi and a lending library make this place a cool hangout for kids and adults alike. The specialty? Locally roasted coffee with your choice of almond milk, soy milk, or rice milk.

For island fare served up in a relaxing atmosphere, try Kona Kitchen. Located on 5th Avenue NE, this restaurant serves up delectable Kalua pig with cabbage, Mochiko chicken, and Fried Rice Loco Moco. Add the mac salad and some light and tasty guava cake to make it a meal. The joint also serves Hawaiian pancakes and Portuguese sausage for breakfast. Kona Kitchen also cooks up American fare in the form of burgers, sandwiches, beef stew, and chicken fried steak with gravy.

Flying Squirrel Pizza Company offers pizza, beer on tap, and local ice cream with seasonal and local ingredients a focus. Find creative pizza toppings here such as lemon and potato or strawberry, goat cheese, and walnut. The company makes its own dough, sauce, pork and chicken sausages, and offers vegetarian options such as the REM and Eartha Kitt.

Generously sprinkled with pubs, taverns, and bars, Maple Leaf has something for everyone. The Reservoir Tavern makes a great hangout with its pool tables, shuffleboard, digital jukebox, and a big-screen TV, all making it a great option for game night. Wine connoisseurs and those who simply love wine should consider joining Seattle Uncorked for free social events and wine tastings.

If you prefer to park your car at home and hop on a bus, walk, or ride a bike to work, this neighborhood provides the right fit for you. The Northgate Transit Center with park-and-ride options, located conveniently near the Northgate Mall, connects Maple Leaf to Seattle businesses and offices. King County metro buses and transit buses serve this transit center. You can also park at the Northgate Mall park and ride. Share bikes, Zipcar, and car2go also prove convenient options for residents.

Interstate 5 connects Maple Leaf to cities along the West Coast. Uber also remains an option for those who don't drive and don't wish to take public transit. The Sea-Tac International Airport provides an array of international and domestic destinations, including Alaska and Hawaii. International routes include nonstop flights to China, Hong Kong, the Middle East, and Mexico.

One park serves the Maple Leaf neighborhood, but all its amenities make it more than enough. Serving the Northeast part of Seattle, the Maple Leaf Reservoir Park covers 16 acres that boast a zipline and rain gardens. Kids can play in the children's garden, shoot some hoops or play ball. Long pathways for walkers, a pickle ball court and picnic shelters make it a great place to spend time with the family. Stop by the viewpoint to see Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. For a dog-friendly park, head to the neighboring Green Lake Park. Every December this park hosts the Pathway of Lights at Green Lake. Bring a candle or light to illuminate the 2.8-mile path around the lake. Enjoy this free Seattle tradition with luminaria, music, and refreshments.

Living in Maple Leaf comes at a high price, with costs higher than Seattle, but lower than the state. Apartments come in all shapes and sizes, from luxurious gated communities to basic condos. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs roughly $925, while median home prices run approximately $468,500, or a few thousand more than the Seattle average. For a cold glass of beer, expect to pay $3 or less, especially during happy hour. The average price of gas rises 12 percent higher than the national average.

"Shopper heaven" aptly describes Maple Leaf's abundance of stores and boutiques, mostly on Roosevelt Way NE. Northgate Mall houses 130 stores, a food court, and a play area, all indoors and located at the Interstate 5 exit, Northgate Way. It also boasts 12 full-service restaurants.

Chain grocery stores remain easily accessible and conveniently located on Roosevelt Way or Green Lake. For cheaper organic and natural selections with a great cafe and ample parking, head on to PCC Natural Markets on Green Lake, as a great wine selection and happy hour makes it worth the trip. Seattle has several farmers markets, with the nearest, Lake City Farmers Market, opening every Thursday afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.