Living in Olympia: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of Living in Olympia

Compared to nearby Seattle, Olympia offers a significantly more affordable cost of living, though it's still above the national average. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to spend in various categories:

While Olympia isn't the cheapest place to live in Washington, it offers good value compared to other Puget Sound cities. The absence of state income tax helps offset some of the higher costs in other categories, particularly for higher-income residents.

Housing Market

Olympia's housing market has seen steady growth in recent years, though not as dramatic as Seattle or Tacoma. The city offers diverse housing options, from historic homes near downtown to newer developments in the outskirts.

Home Buying in Olympia

The median home price in Olympia is approximately $450,000 as of 2025, though this varies significantly by neighborhood. Downtown and the South Capitol neighborhood command higher prices, while areas farther from the city center tend to be more affordable.

Housing styles vary widely, from Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes in historic districts to mid-century ranches and newer construction in suburban areas. Waterfront properties on Budd Inlet or nearby lakes command premium prices.

Renting in Olympia

Rental options in Olympia include apartments, condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Average rental prices as of 2025:

• Studio apartment: $950-$1,200/month
• 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300-$1,600/month
• 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500-$1,900/month
• 3-bedroom house: $2,000-$2,800/month

The rental market tends to be competitive, particularly during the legislative session when temporary housing is in demand. Students from The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College also impact the rental market, especially near campus areas.

Olympia Neighborhoods

Olympia offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and amenities. Here's an overview of some of the most popular areas:

Employment Opportunities

As the state capital, government employment dominates Olympia's job market, but the economy is diversifying with growth in healthcare, education, and small businesses.

Major Employers

• Washington State Government (various departments and agencies)
• Providence St. Peter Hospital
• Olympia School District
• Thurston County Government
• The Evergreen State College
• South Puget Sound Community College
• City of Olympia
• Capital Medical Center

Job Market Outlook

Olympia's unemployment rate typically runs slightly below the national average, largely due to the stability of government employment. The job market is strongest in:

• Public administration
• Healthcare and social assistance
• Education
• Retail
• Accommodation and food services

The city has seen growth in small businesses, particularly in the downtown area, with new restaurants, breweries, and specialty shops opening in recent years. Remote work has also become increasingly common, allowing more people to live in Olympia while working for companies based elsewhere.

Education

K-12 Schools

Olympia is served by several school districts, with the Olympia School District covering most of the city proper. North Thurston Public Schools serves the Lacey area, while Tumwater School District covers Tumwater.

The Olympia School District is well-regarded, with several schools receiving high ratings from GreatSchools. Notable schools include:

• Olympia High School
• Capital High School
• Jefferson Middle School
• Washington Middle School
• Roosevelt Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary

Private school options include Olympia Waldorf School, Nova School (middle school), and Pope John Paul II High School.

Higher Education

Olympia is home to several higher education institutions:

• The Evergreen State College - A public liberal arts college known for its interdisciplinary programs and narrative evaluation system instead of traditional grades.
• South Puget Sound Community College - Offers associate degrees, professional certificates, and transfer programs.
• Saint Martin's University - Located in nearby Lacey, this private Catholic university offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

Transportation

Getting around Olympia and connecting to other cities in the region is relatively straightforward, though a car is still the most convenient option for most residents.

Public Transit

Intercity Transit provides bus service throughout Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm. The system is reliable and affordable ($1.25 per ride or $36 for a monthly pass), with most routes running seven days a week. The Dash shuttle offers free service between the Capitol Campus and downtown Olympia.

Regional Connections

• Amtrak - The Centennial Station in Lacey offers Amtrak Cascades service to Portland, Seattle, Vancouver BC, and points in between.
• Greyhound - Bus service to major cities from the downtown Olympia station.
• Intercity Transit Express - Connects to Tacoma, where riders can transfer to Sound Transit for service to Seattle.

Airports

Olympia doesn't have its own commercial airport, but is served by:

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - About 60 miles north, approximately 1-1.5 hours by car depending on traffic.
• Portland International Airport (PDX) - About 120 miles south, approximately 2 hours by car.

Walkability and Biking

Downtown Olympia is quite walkable, with most amenities within easy reach. The city has been improving its bicycle infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes on many major streets and the Woodland Trail providing a car-free route between Olympia and Lacey. The Chehalis Western Trail offers a scenic route for recreational cycling.

Recreation and Culture

Olympia offers a rich array of recreational and cultural activities, from outdoor adventures to arts and entertainment.

Outdoor Recreation

• Priest Point Park - 314 acres of forest with hiking trails and beach access.
• Percival Landing - Waterfront boardwalk with views of Budd Inlet and the Olympic Mountains.
• Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge - Excellent bird watching and walking trails through protected wetlands.
• Capitol State Forest - Over 100,000 acres of forest with trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Olympia Farmers Market - One of the largest in the state, open year-round with local produce, crafts, and food vendors.

Arts and Culture

• Washington Center for the Performing Arts - Hosts concerts, theater productions, and other events.
• Olympia Film Society - Screens independent and foreign films at the historic Capitol Theater.
• Hands On Children's Museum - Interactive exhibits for kids and families.
• Washington State Capitol Campus - Tours of the legislative building and grounds.
• Olympia Artspace Alliance - Supports local artists and hosts gallery events.

Dining and Nightlife

Olympia has a surprisingly diverse food scene for its size, with an emphasis on local, sustainable ingredients. Downtown offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to fine dining. The city also has a strong craft beer culture, with several local breweries including Fish Brewing Company and Three Magnets Brewing.

Nightlife is modest compared to larger cities but includes live music venues, bars, and theaters. The city is known for its independent music scene, which has produced notable bands over the years.

Annual Events

• Procession of the Species - A creative community celebration of nature and art held each spring.
• Capital City Pride - LGBTQ+ pride festival and parade.
• Olympia Harbor Days - Maritime festival featuring vintage tugboats.
• Lakefair - Summer festival with carnival rides, food, and fireworks.
• Olympia Film Festival - Annual showcase of independent films.

Weather and Climate

Olympia has a temperate marine climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The city receives about 50 inches of rain annually, most of which falls between October and May.

The "rainy reputation" of the Pacific Northwest is based in truth, but Olympia actually receives less annual rainfall than cities like Miami or New York. The difference is that Olympia's precipitation is spread out over more days, often as a light drizzle rather than heavy downpours. Summers are typically dry and pleasant, with low humidity and long daylight hours.

Pros and Cons of Living in Olympia

Tips for Moving to Olympia

As professional movers who've helped many families relocate to Olympia, we've gathered some practical advice to make your transition smoother:

1. Visit during the rainy season - If possible, visit Olympia between November and March to experience the wet weather firsthand. This will give you a realistic impression of what winter is like.
2. Research neighborhoods thoroughly - Each area of Olympia has a distinct character. Spend time in different neighborhoods to find the one that best matches your lifestyle and preferences.
3. Prepare for the climate - Invest in quality rain gear, including waterproof shoes or boots, a good rain jacket, and umbrellas. Also consider light therapy lamps if you're sensitive to seasonal changes.
4. Plan your move timing - Summer is the ideal time to move to Olympia, with dry weather and longer daylight hours. If possible, avoid moving during the legislative session (January-April in odd-numbered years, January-March in even-numbered years) when housing can be more competitive.
5. Connect with the community - Olympia has a strong community spirit with many volunteer opportunities, interest groups, and civic organizations. Getting involved is one of the best ways to meet people and feel at home.
6. Explore beyond the city - Some of Olympia's greatest assets are the natural areas surrounding it. Make time to explore Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, the San Juan Islands, and other regional attractions.
7. Embrace local culture - Support the farmers market, attend community events, shop at local businesses, and try the local craft beers and coffee. Olympia has a proud "buy local" ethos.