Thinking about making Woodway Highlands your new home? Nestled in the picturesque enclave of Woodway, Washington, this peaceful neighborhood beckons with its lush greenery, beautifully maintained homes, and a strong sense of belonging. If you’re seeking an authentic, neighborly atmosphere just minutes from Edmonds and a short commute to Seattle, here’s everything you need to know about living in Woodway Highlands.
Community Vibe
What immediately strikes you about Woodway Highlands is its friendly, small-town feel. Residents describe it as “neighborly, quiet, and caring”—the kind of place where folks wave when you drive by, and kids still play safely on the cul-de-sacs. Community events, like block parties and seasonal gatherings in the common green spaces, are common. The neighborhood’s size—centered around estates off North Deer Drive, Lupine Lane, and Highland Drive—fosters strong connections while affording plenty of space and privacy.
Many people move here for the tranquil atmosphere that sets Woodway Highlands apart from denser surrounding suburbs. It’s not unusual to see residents walking their dogs or jogging along wide, quiet streets, enjoying the birdsong and canopy of mature evergreens overhead.
Types of Housing
Woodway Highlands offers a mix of spacious single-family homes, most built in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The architecture has a cohesive look—think Craftsman and Northwest Contemporary styles—giving the neighborhood a harmonious vibe. These are primarily large, custom-built homes with generous lots, beautiful landscaping, and private yards.
You’ll find a mix of layouts, typically 3–5 bedrooms, featuring gourmet kitchens, high ceilings, and bonus rooms ideal for offices or playrooms. Some properties back up to greenbelts or share views of the Olympic Mountains, adding to the sense of retreat.
If you’re seeking condos, apartments, or townhomes, Woodway Highlands may not be the best fit, as it’s almost entirely single-family residences. However, those looking for space, privacy, and upscale touches will feel right at home.
Walkability
Woodway Highlands is deliberately designed with curving, low-traffic streets like Highland Terrace and Crescent Place, which make walking a pleasure—especially for families with younger children. The neighborhood itself is not particularly “urban” in walkability; you’ll need to drive for groceries or dining. However, the inviting sidewalks, lightly trafficked roads, and beautiful landscape encourage a stroll any day of the week.
A walk to Mathay-Ballinger Park or the Woodway Town Hall is a favorite pastime for many residents, offering an easy escape to nature while staying close to home. For errands, the Five Corners area of Edmonds—with its shopping, restaurants, and services—is just a short drive up the hill.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Woodway Highlands is prized by families for access to highly-rated schools in the Edmonds School District. Children typically attend:
- Sherwood Elementary: Known for its nurturing staff and strong parent community
- College Place Middle School: Praised for dedicated teachers and a wealth of extracurriculars
- Edmonds-Woodway High School: Nationally recognized for its IB program, music, and arts
Many families mention that the easy walk to bus stops and the presence of neighborhood children make transitions easier for young students. With low traffic, tree-lined sidewalks, and frequent playdates or impromptu games in front yards, Woodway Highlands feels like a throwback to simpler times. The area also supports a variety of sports leagues, enrichment classes, and scout troops in nearby Edmonds and Lynnwood.
Parks and Green Spaces
If you love the outdoors, Woodway Highlands is ideal. The neighborhood itself features several common green spaces—perfect for a picnic or a friendly game of frisbee. Many homes boast private backyard greenbelts, making barbecues, gardening, or wildlife watching a daily delight.
Nearby, Mathay-Ballinger Park offers walking trails, wooded preserves, and a small playground. Residents also enjoy close proximity to Woodway Town Park, featuring tennis courts and open lawns. For a more robust outdoor adventure, Edmonds’ waterfront parks and the expansive Meadowdale Beach Park are just a few minutes’ drive—think sandy beaches, bluff-top overlooks, and hiking opportunities.
Safety
Safety is a major point of pride here. Woodway Highlands enjoys very low crime rates, thanks to both its secluded location and an active, watchful community. Several households participate in a neighborhood watch program, and local police regularly patrol the area. Kids ride bikes, neighbors look out for each other, and many homes include security systems as an added peace-of-mind.
The lack of through-streets or commercial businesses means outsiders rarely have reason to drive through, further enhancing the quiet and secure feeling.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Despite its quiet surroundings, Woodway Highlands boasts convenient access to both Edmonds and downtown Seattle. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Downtown Edmonds: About 10 minutes by car for boutique shops, restaurants, coffeehouses, and the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry terminal.
- Downtown Seattle: Roughly 30–35 minutes by car (or a quick train or express bus from Edmonds Station), making Woodway Highlands a viable option for tech professionals or downtown commuters.
- Major employers, like Swedish Edmonds, Premera Blue Cross, and Boeing, are all within a 20–30 minute drive.
The location at the southwest edge of Snohomish County is perfect for those who want to be near amenities, but not in the thick of city noise or traffic.
What Residents Love Most
Ask folks what keeps them rooted in Woodway Highlands, and you’ll hear these themes again and again:
- Natural Beauty: The evergreen trees, landscaped lots, and glimpses of mountains create a sense of lush seclusion.
- Community Spirit: Neighbors help each other, organize events, and take pride in keeping the area attractive and safe.
- Peace: Evenings are quiet except for birdcalls. Kids can sleep with windows open in summer.
- Proximity With Privacy: You’re never far from shopping or culture, but at home the vibe is peaceful and private.
In summary, Woodway Highlands is a rare find. It offers that elusive mix of safety, beauty, and genuine neighborliness so many seek, but seldom find in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re raising a family or seeking serene surroundings close to the city, this neighborhood has much to offer. If you visit, be sure to stroll down Highland Drive and take it all in—you might just decide to stay.