Is Olympia a Good Place to Live?
Discover what it's really like to live in Washington's capital city. From affordable housing and government jobs to progressive culture and waterfront living—here's the honest truth about Olympia.
Quick Answer
Yes, Olympia is an excellent place to live, especially if you value affordability, stable employment, progressive values, and a quieter lifestyle. As Washington's state capital, Olympia offers unique advantages including government jobs, beautiful waterfront access, and a median home price of $475,000—significantly lower than Seattle or the Eastside.
The city is ideal for government workers, families seeking affordable housing, progressives who value community activism, and those who want proximity to nature without the big-city hustle. However, it may feel too quiet for those seeking vibrant nightlife, and the 60+ minute commute to Seattle makes daily commuting challenging.
Experience Olympia
Washington State Capitol
Iconic legislative building and capitol campus
Downtown Waterfront
Walkable downtown with Puget Sound access
Affordable Neighborhoods
Family homes at $475K median price
Nature Access
Minutes from forests, water, and trails
Budd Inlet & Marina
Boating, kayaking, and waterfront recreation
The Evergreen State College
Progressive liberal arts institution
Quality of Life Metrics
Data-driven analysis of what it's really like to live in Washington's capital city
Overall Quality Comparison
Category Ratings
Key Strengths
Considerations
Best Neighborhoods in Olympia
From family-friendly suburbs to walkable downtown living—find the right fit for your lifestyle
West Olympia
Top PickFamily-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools, parks, and suburban feel. Close to shopping and amenities.
Downtown Olympia
Walkable urban core with waterfront access, local shops, farmers markets, and progressive culture. Vibrant and artsy.
Tumwater
Affordable adjacent city with great parks, breweries, and the historic Tumwater Falls. More budget-friendly option.
Southeast Olympia
Newer developments with modern homes, quiet streets, and easy freeway access. Growing suburban area.
Lacey
Adjacent city with shopping centers, chain restaurants, and suburban conveniences. More commercial feel.
Capitol Campus Area
Historic homes near the State Capitol with tree-lined streets and architectural character. Premium location.
Honest Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Affordable Housing: $475K median home price, far below Seattle ($850K+) and Bellevue ($1.5M+)
- Stable Government Jobs: State capitol provides secure, well-paying employment with excellent benefits
- Progressive Culture: Liberal, community-focused values with strong activism and inclusivity
- Waterfront Access: Puget Sound, Budd Inlet, and beautiful marina for boating and kayaking
- Nature & Outdoors: Minutes from forests, hiking trails, and state parks
- Walkable Downtown: Farmers markets, local shops, breweries, and community events
- Quality Schools: Olympia School District and Tumwater School District are above average
- Small City Charm: Quieter pace, tight-knit community, less traffic than Seattle
- Evergreen State College: Unique progressive liberal arts education option
Drawbacks
- Long Seattle Commute: 60-90 minutes via I-5 makes daily commuting challenging
- Limited Nightlife: Fewer bars, clubs, and entertainment options than bigger cities
- Smaller Job Market: Employment heavily concentrated in government and education sectors
- Moderate Crime: Not as safe as Bellevue or Issaquah; some property crime issues
- Rainy Climate: Pacific Northwest weather with overcast, drizzly days most of the year
- Fewer Amenities: Limited shopping, dining, and cultural options compared to metro areas
- Not a Tech Hub: Few private sector tech jobs compared to Seattle/Bellevue/Redmond
- Can Feel Isolated: Smaller city may feel too quiet for those used to urban energy
Who Is Olympia Best For?
Olympia thrives for certain lifestyles and demographics—here's who fits best
Government Workers
State employees who work at the capitol campus benefit from short commutes, stable jobs, and being at the center of state politics.
Affordability Seekers
Families and individuals priced out of Seattle/Bellevue who want home ownership at a reasonable cost while staying in Western Washington.
Progressives
Those who value liberal politics, community activism, environmental advocacy, and progressive culture will feel at home in Olympia.
Nature Lovers
Outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to water, forests, parks, and hiking without sacrificing city amenities.
Small-City Seekers
Those who prefer a quieter, slower pace with less traffic, fewer crowds, and tight-knit community connections.
Evergreen Students
Students attending The Evergreen State College seeking progressive education and an alternative college experience.
Young Families
Families who want good schools, safe neighborhoods, parks, and affordable housing without the big-city cost or chaos.
Retirees
Those seeking a peaceful retirement with waterfront beauty, walkable downtown, and lower cost of living than the greater Seattle area.
Key Details About Living in Olympia
Schools & Education
Olympia-area schools are solid with above-average ratings. Not as elite as Bellevue or Mercer Island, but provide quality education.
- Olympia School District - Above average ratings
- Tumwater School District - Well-regarded, family-friendly
- Capital High School - Strong academics and sports
- Olympia High School - Historic, well-established
- The Evergreen State College - Progressive liberal arts
- South Puget Sound Community College - Vocational training
Jobs & Employment
Olympia's economy is dominated by stable government employment, healthcare, and education. Limited private sector tech jobs.
- State Government - Capitol campus, agencies, legislature
- Healthcare - Providence St. Peter Hospital
- Education - Evergreen State, SPSCC, school districts
- Nonprofits - Advocacy and environmental organizations
- Service Industry - Restaurants, retail, hospitality
- Avg State Worker Salary - $60K-$90K with benefits
Housing & Cost of Living
Olympia offers significantly more affordable housing than the greater Seattle metro area, making homeownership accessible.
- Median Home Price - $475,000
- 2BR Apartment Rent - $1,600-$2,000/month
- Property Taxes - ~1% of home value annually
- No State Income Tax - Washington advantage
- Utilities - Moderate, similar to Seattle area
- Overall COL - 15-25% lower than Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olympia a good place to live in 2026?
What is the cost of living in Olympia?
What are the best neighborhoods in Olympia?
Are schools good in Olympia?
What jobs are available in Olympia?
How far is Olympia from Seattle?
Ready to Move to Olympia?
Next Phase Moving specializes in relocations to Washington's capital region. From Seattle to Olympia, Tacoma to Tumwater—we handle your move with care and professionalism.