Moving to Olympia, WA
Your 2026 Capital City Guide
Where government meets nature, and progressive culture thrives. Washington's capital city offers stable employment, affordable living, and a community that values sustainability, arts, and the great outdoors.
Quick Answer
Olympia is ideal for: Government employees, educators, environmentalists, artists, and families seeking affordable Pacific Northwest living with small-city charm. Expect stable employment, progressive politics, exceptional farmers markets, and easy access to Olympic National Park, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.
Discover Washington's Capital
A progressive city where government, nature, and culture converge
Key Facts About Olympia
In This Guide
Why Move to Washington's Capital?
Olympia isn't just any Pacific Northwest city - it's Washington's seat of government, a designation that shapes everything from employment opportunities to community character. While Seattle gets the tech headlines and Tacoma claims urban revival, Olympia quietly offers something increasingly rare: affordable, stable, principled living in a stunning natural setting.
The Capitol Campus dominates the city's identity and economy. The domed Legislative Building, completed in 1928, stands as one of the tallest masonry domes in North America. But beyond the architecture, the campus represents thousands of career-track government positions with benefits, pensions, and job security that the private sector rarely matches. State agencies from the Department of Ecology to Social and Health Services employ workers across every specialty.
What makes Olympia special isn't just government employment - it's how that stability allowed a genuinely progressive, arts-focused community to flourish. The Evergreen State College, founded in 1967 with an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum, infused the city with creative energy that never left. Today you'll find more coffee roasters, independent bookstores, and art galleries per capita than almost anywhere in Washington.
Perhaps most importantly, Olympia remains remarkably affordable. While Seattle's median home crosses $850,000 and even Tacoma approaches $500,000, Olympia's median hovers around $450,000. Rent a one-bedroom for $1,400-$1,800 instead of Seattle's $2,500+. The savings compound when you factor in lower restaurant prices, cheaper groceries, and free parking nearly everywhere.
Government Employment Hub
As Washington's capital, Olympia offers unparalleled access to stable government careers with excellent benefits.
Employment by Sector
Major State Agencies
Why Government Careers in Olympia?
Job Security
State positions offer stability rarely found in the private sector, with union protection and clear advancement paths.
Comprehensive Benefits
Medical, dental, vision insurance plus the PERS retirement system - one of the nation's best pension programs.
Work-Life Balance
Generous PTO, holidays, and increasingly flexible remote work options across many agencies.
Cost of Living: Seattle Alternative
Here's the number that brought you to this page: Olympia's median home price hovers around $450,000. Compare that to Seattle's $850,000+ and you understand why remote workers, government employees, and families seeking quality of life over urban density have discovered Washington's capital.
Renting tells a similar story. Average one-bedrooms run $1,400-$1,800/month depending on neighborhood. In Downtown Olympia's walkable core, you'll find character apartments for what a basic unit costs in Seattle's outer neighborhoods. Newer developments in Tumwater or the Eastside offer modern amenities at even lower prices.
| Expense | Olympia | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$450,000 | $850,000+ | ~$400K |
| Average Rent (1BR) | $1,400-$1,800 | $2,300-$2,800 | ~35% |
| Groceries (monthly) | ~$350 | ~$450 | ~22% |
| Dining Out (meal) | $12-18 | $18-28 | ~30% |
| Utilities (1BR) | ~$130/mo | ~$170/mo | ~24% |
What Salary Do You Need in Olympia?
For comfortable living in Olympia - renting a one-bedroom, owning a car, dining out occasionally - a single person should target $50,000-$65,000 annually. A family of four renting a three-bedroom should aim for $85,000-$110,000 household income. These numbers are significantly more achievable than Seattle's requirements.
Olympia's Best Neighborhoods
From the walkable downtown core to family-friendly suburbs, Olympia offers distinct neighborhoods for every lifestyle.
Downtown Olympia
WALKABLEArts | Culture | Farmers Market
The vibrant heart of Olympia with the famous Farmers Market, independent shops, coffee houses, and waterfront access. Walk Score of 87. Historic buildings house apartments, galleries, and locally-owned businesses.
Westside
FAMILY FRIENDLYAffordable | Parks | Schools
A family-oriented neighborhood with excellent parks, good schools, and the most affordable housing in Olympia proper. Close to Evergreen State College. Diverse community with strong neighborhood bonds.
Eastside
ESTABLISHEDQuiet | Good Schools | Mature Trees
Olympia's most established residential area with tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and proximity to the Capitol Campus. Popular with state employees who want a short commute and suburban feel.
Tumwater
SUBURBANBreweries | Falls | Shopping
The adjacent city offers suburban living with its own identity. Home to Tumwater Falls Park, the historic Olympia Brewery site, and excellent shopping. More space and newer construction at lower prices.
The Evergreen Effect
No discussion of Olympia is complete without acknowledging The Evergreen State College. Founded in 1967 as an experimental public college, Evergreen rejected traditional grades, majors, and lecture halls in favor of interdisciplinary study, narrative evaluations, and student-directed learning. The result? A distinctly progressive institution that permanently shaped Olympia's character.
Evergreen alumni include Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Nirvana's founding bassist Krist Novoselic, and countless artists, environmentalists, and activists. The college's emphasis on sustainability, social justice, and creative thinking infused Olympia with values you'll find reflected in everything from the zero-waste co-ops to the vibrant mural scene.
College Town Culture
Coffee shops stay open late. Bookstores host readings. Music venues nurture local bands. The college-town energy persists long after graduation.
Environmental Focus
Olympia leads in sustainability with robust recycling, urban farming, and bike infrastructure. Green values aren't just talked about - they're lived.
Arts & Music Scene
From the riot grrrl movement to current indie scenes, Olympia punches above its weight in music and art. Venues like the Capitol Theater and numerous galleries showcase local talent.
Local Food Movement
The Olympia Farmers Market (one of Washington's oldest) anchors a food culture that values local, organic, and sustainable sourcing.
Progressive Arts & Culture
Olympia's creative community thrives on independence, sustainability, and local support.
Olympia Farmers Market
One of Washington's premier markets with 100+ vendors selling local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. Open April-December, plus winter markets.
Indie Music Heritage
Birthplace of K Records and the riot grrrl movement. Venues like Le Voyeur, The Clipper, and house shows continue the DIY tradition.
Coffee Culture
Olympia Coffee Roasting, Batdorf & Bronson, and numerous independent cafes. Coffee here is serious business with direct-trade sourcing.
Independent Bookstores
Orca Books, Browser's Bookshop, and specialty stores serve a literary community that still values physical books and local authors.
Craft Brewing
Three Magnets, Fish Brewing, and the historic Olympia Brewery legacy. Tumwater's brewery district honors the city's beer-making heritage.
Gallery Scene
Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Childhood's End Gallery, and monthly Art Walks showcase regional artists in accessible venues.
Gateway to the Olympics
Olympia's location offers something Seattle can't match: genuine proximity to wilderness. The Olympic Peninsula begins just across Puget Sound, and Olympic National Park's rainforests, beaches, and mountain peaks are day-trip accessible. Mount Rainier stands 90 minutes away. The Pacific Coast is two hours.
But you don't need to leave town for outdoor recreation. Capitol Lake anchors downtown with a waterfront trail system. Priest Point Park offers old-growth forest within city limits. The Chehalis Western Trail provides 22 miles of paved pathway for biking and running. Kayak and paddleboard on the southern reaches of Puget Sound, watching seals and occasional orcas.
Nearby Destinations
- Olympic National Park - 2 hours
- Mount Rainier National Park - 90 min
- Pacific Coast Beaches - 2 hours
- Mount St. Helens - 2 hours
Local Recreation
- Priest Point Park - Urban forest
- Chehalis Western Trail - 22 miles
- Percival Landing - Waterfront walk
- Tumwater Falls - Historic park
Pros and Cons of Living in Olympia
Pros
- Affordable Housing: 35-40% cheaper than Seattle with quality homes available under $500K
- Job Stability: Government employment offers security, benefits, and pensions
- Outdoor Access: Olympic Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and coast all within 2 hours
- Progressive Culture: Arts, sustainability, and community values are genuine, not performative
- No State Income Tax: Washington's tax-free income benefits everyone
- Small City Feel: Know your neighbors, support local businesses, avoid urban anonymity
Cons
- Limited Nightlife: Options exist but don't compare to Seattle or Portland
- Seattle Distance: 60 miles means concerts, sports, and airports require planning
- Rainy Winters: Classic PNW grey skies from October through May
- Government-Focused Economy: Limited private sector diversity can feel constraining
- Smaller Restaurant Scene: Great spots exist but variety is limited
- Homelessness Issues: Like many West Coast cities, visible homelessness exists downtown
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Olympia offers excellent quality of life for those seeking affordable Pacific Northwest living with small-city charm. The combination of stable government employment, progressive culture, outstanding outdoor recreation, and genuine community makes it attractive to families, professionals, and retirees alike. It's particularly ideal for those who value sustainability, arts, and nature over urban nightlife and corporate career climbing.
State government dominates Olympia's job market with 25,000+ positions across all agencies. Other major employers include Providence St. Peter Hospital, The Evergreen State College, Thurston County government, and the Olympia School District. Healthcare, education, and social services round out employment options. Private sector jobs are more limited, making remote work increasingly popular for those wanting Olympia's lifestyle with non-government careers.
Olympia is approximately 60 miles south of Seattle, about 1 hour via I-5 in normal traffic. Tacoma is closer at 30 miles/30 minutes. While some people commute to the Seattle-Tacoma area, most Olympia residents work locally. Sea-Tac Airport is 45-60 minutes away, making air travel reasonably accessible. Amtrak also connects Olympia to Seattle and Portland.
Olympia is generally safe, particularly in residential neighborhoods like the Eastside, Westside, and Tumwater. Like most West Coast cities, downtown has visible homelessness and associated issues. Property crime exists but violent crime rates are below national averages. Residential areas are peaceful, and most residents feel comfortable walking neighborhoods and using parks.
Washington state government jobs offer excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance, the PERS pension system, generous PTO, and paid holidays. Average salaries range from $45K for entry-level to $100K+ for senior positions. Job security is strong with union representation. Remote work options have expanded significantly. Positions span every field from IT and finance to environmental science and social work.
Olympia has classic Pacific Northwest weather: mild, wet winters and pleasant, dry summers. Temperatures rarely exceed 85F or drop below 30F. Annual rainfall is about 50 inches, mostly October through May. The trade-off is stunning summers with long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures. If you're moving from a sunny climate, prepare for grey skies and invest in good rain gear.
Ready to Move to Washington's Capital?
Next Phase Moving specializes in relocations to Olympia and throughout Washington State. Our experienced crew understands the unique needs of government employees, families, and professionals making the move to the capital city.
Serving Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and all of Thurston County