Olympia, WA


39 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Olympia, WA

About Olympia, WA

Olympia, Washington is a scenic city located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Home to the majestic Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound, Olympia offers an unrivaled combination of urban amenities and spectacular natural beauty. Visitors can explore its vibrant downtown district with its numerous shops, galleries and restaurants or spend time outdoors enjoying activities like fishing, hiking, kayaking and bird watching. With a thriving arts community, diverse population and welcoming atmosphere, Olympia is a great place to visit or call home! Moderate-size metro area set in the coast and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Primary industries include government and healthcare. Noteworthy assets include shoreline and state capital. - Situated in western Washington, at the south end of Puget Sound and 55 miles southwest of Seattle..

Location Details

State: Washington
County: Thurston County
Metro Area: Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Metro Area
City: Olympia
Zip Codes: 98501 98502 98506
Cost of Living: 12.1% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 203 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Olympia.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Olympia

The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metro area in Washington State is a place with a long history and beautiful natural surroundings. This region, which includes the state's capital, Olympia, has been shaped by its geography, being near the Puget Sound and surrounded by forests, hills, and the Olympic Mountains. This setting provides a stunning backdrop and numerous outdoor activities for its residents.

Historically, this area has been home to indigenous tribes before European settlement. Olympia's role as the state capital has significantly influenced the region's development and economy. The local economy benefits from a mix of government, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. Government jobs, in particular, due to Olympia's status, stabilize the region's economy. There's also a growing presence in the healthcare and tech industries, providing a range of employment opportunities.

When it comes to politics, the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater area tends to support progressive and environmentally conscious policies. This reflects in the community's active engagement in sustainability and social justice issues. Residents value the natural environment highly and are involved in efforts to preserve it.

The area offers a wealth of activities, especially for those who love the outdoors. With its proximity to both the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, residents can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. The region also boasts a strong arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, theaters, and events that cater to a wide range of interests.

Living in the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metro area means experiencing a blend of city conveniences and access to nature. The climate is mild, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers, ideal for enjoying the outdoors year-round. New residents should be prepared for the rainy weather typical of the Pacific Northwest. Embracing the outdoor lifestyle and the community's commitment to environmental stewardship will help newcomers feel at home.

New residents should also be aware of the area's focus on sustainability. Recycling, composting, and supporting local businesses are common practices here. Participating in community events and initiatives is a great way to integrate into the local culture. Additionally, the cost of living can vary, with some areas being more affordable than others. The housing market can be competitive, so it's wise to research in advance.

Overall, the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metro area offers a peaceful and engaging living experience. It's a community that values its natural beauty, supports a healthy lifestyle, and is actively involved in shaping a sustainable future. For those moving to the area, embracing these aspects will enrich their living experience and help them become part of the community.

Olympia Cost of Living
$$$$

Hour to Seattle, shoreline, and very low humidity make Olympia a great place to live.

$472,500
+28.4% higher than avg
$67,975
-1.5% lower than avg
$1,460 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+2.1% higher than avg
Olympia Crime
61.2 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Olympia, Washington
$90,360
for a family
$50,000
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Olympia
   Hour to Seattle
High home prices
   Shoreline
High unemployment
   Very low humidity
Gloomy weather
Reviews for Olympia
    See all (39)

We moved here from Kitsap Bremerton/Silverdale WA area and this beats it all the way in all material ways. The only reason not to give it 5 stars is the cost of  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

The city is horrible. The business have been chased out by homeless. The city government makes it for difficult for businesses to thrive. If you like what Seattle is  More

   |    Reply

Having lived all over the world we decided to retire in Olympia and live on the Puget Sound. Yes it rains but the weather can change dramatically in a day with sun and  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Olympia

Cost of Living
Compare Olympia, WA
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Olympia, Washington to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.