Woodway can claim only 1,165 residents and one thing they all agree on is the fewer the better. This wealthy, upscale residential community in the woods was created for solitude in 1912 and that’s the way it is today. The city rests between Edmonds and Richmond Beach along the shores of Puget Sound. It enjoys panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and of ocean bound ships plying the salt water divide in between. David Whitcomb Sr. purchased the original 320 acre tract, added a few to make it 400 and when it was incorporated in 1958 it included 600 acres. There are no gas stations or mini marts; neither a Taco Time nor a Jiffy Lube; no schools, no groceries, no libraries. But “the park” as the old timers call it does have tons of century-old trees, mind-blowing views and historic, palatial homes. Whitcomb would be proud. The town was formed to protect its original concept of rural family living and it has been true to this purpose. The town is proud of its logo displaying a wooded setting as “The Quiet Place.”

The Edmonds Woodway School District serves the families of the town and is one of the most highly acclaimed districts in the state. In 2005, 82% of the tenth graders of Edmonds Woodway High School met or exceeded reading standards on the state standardized test and 66% met or exceeded math standards. The high school also boasted 6 National Merit Scholar Finalists in 2006, the most of any high school in the state. Edmonds and Shoreline Community Colleges, the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University as well as several other higher educational options are readily available to the residents of Woodway.

The 20 acre Woodway Reserve is maintained as a pristine forest and includes a walking trail in the upper park. The nearby scenic beauty of the Edmonds waterfront and marina and its quaint shopping district are attractive places for Woodway citizens to spend some time. A short drive to the Alderwood Mall or one of the many stores in Lynnwood offer lots of shopping variety. The great outdoors offers skiing, sailing, golf, fishing, scuba diving, camping and hiking and countless other activities including just looking at the spectacular scenery. There are a number of churches in which to participate and many volunteer options.

Woodway is one of the top 10 wealthiest communities in the State with an average family income of over $100,000 and home values reflect it. It has existing homes of every style including English, French provincial, colonial homes, Palatial mediterranean-style stuccos, victorians and Tudors with pools. Gates and intercoms aren’t unusual. But there are neatly kept, but more modest, bungalows, cottages, ramblers and split-levels throughout the city, as well.