Living in Olympia, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Commutes & Real-Life Lifestyle Insights (2025 Guide)

Olympia is one of those Washington cities that surprises people. Most buyers know it's the state capital, but they don’t always realize how much this area actually offers—waterfront views, a vibrant arts community, top-rated outdoor access, excellent schools, and one of the most stable housing markets in the South Sound.

Whether you’re moving for work, relocating from out of state, or trying to find the right spot near JBLM, Olympia is a place that gives you a balanced lifestyle without feeling overwhelming. It has personality, charm, and a slower pace that people tend to fall in love with once they spend time here.

This guide walks you through Olympia the same way I walk clients through it in real life—clearly, honestly, and with the context you need to know before choosing to live here.

1. Where Olympia Is Located — And Why It’s So Strategic

Olympia sits at the southern tip of Puget Sound, surrounded by water, evergreen trees, and some of the cleanest trail systems in Washington. It borders Lacey and Tumwater, creating a tri-city ecosystem where everything you need is within minutes.

Key Commute Distances

• JBLM (Dupont or Madigan gate): 20–30 minutes

• Tacoma: 30–40 minutes

• Seattle: 60–75 minutes, depending on traffic

• Lacey: 5–10 minutes

• Tumwater: 5–10 minutes

If you're relocating because of military orders or want a realistic view of cities around the base, this guide goes deeper:
Housing Near JBLM: The Best Cities, Commutes & Neighborhoods for Military Families (2025 Guide)
 

Olympia is especially appealing for anyone who wants nature, culture, and amenities while still having reasonable access to JBLM.

2. What Life Feels Like in Olympia (The Part Buyers Don’t See Online)

Olympia has an energy that is different from any other South Sound city. It’s artistic, laid-back, outdoorsy, and extremely community-focused. People here take pride in local businesses, weekend farmers markets, being near the water, and finding a balance between work and life.

Clients who choose Olympia often tell me they love:

• A slower, more intentional pace

• Access to parks, lakes, and walking trails

• The waterfront boardwalk and marina

• Local cafes, small businesses, and arts

• Tight-knit neighborhoods

• Strong public schools

The city has the feel of a small town with pockets of big-city convenience. That combination is what draws a wide range of buyers—from families, to retirees, to professionals who can work remotely.

3. Olympia Neighborhoods: Understanding Each Area Before You Decide

Olympia has a mix of historic charm, suburban convenience, and peaceful rural acreage. Here’s how I break it down for clients:

Eastside

One of the most walkable areas near downtown with older homes, tree-lined streets, and quick access to local parks. Perfect for buyers who want a neighborhood feel with character.

Westside

A blend of newer and older homes, shopping centers, and easy highway access. This is one of Olympia’s most convenient areas for everyday living.

South Capital Neighborhood

Historic homes, beautiful character, and walkability to Capitol Campus. Buyers who appreciate craftsmanship often fall in love here.

Cooper Point

A standout area offering upscale homes, peninsula waterfront, and spacious properties. Great for buyers who want privacy and nature without giving up access to town.

Boston Harbor

A coastal, marina-style community with gorgeous water access and a lifestyle centered around the Sound.

Rural Olympia

A little outside city limits, you’ll find acreage, quiet roads, and forested settings—ideal for buyers who want space and privacy.

If you’re trying to compare these areas to nearby cities, this guide may help:
Living in Pierce County, WA: Best Cities, Schools, Neighborhoods & Real-Life Lifestyle Insights (2025 Guide)
 

4. Schools in Olympia — Why Families Choose This Area

Olympia School District is one of the highest-regarded districts in the South Sound. Families often choose Olympia specifically for:

• Academically strong schools

• Engaged parent communities

• Long-established programs

• Arts, music, and STEM opportunities

• High-performing extracurriculars

Nearby Lacey’s North Thurston Schools and Tumwater Schools also share strong reputations, which makes the entire region one of the most appealing for buyers with school-aged children.

5. Outdoor Lifestyle: Trails, Lakes & Coastal Access

Olympia shines in outdoor recreation. Buyers relocating from out of state are often shocked by how close everything is.

Some favorites:

Percival Landing

A waterfront boardwalk in the heart of downtown—perfect for morning walks, sunsets, and weekend events.

Capitol Lake

A beautiful loop trail with some of the best scenery in the city.

Priest Point Park

Forest trails, water views, and picnic areas.

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

Right on the border between Olympia and Lacey—this is one of the most breathtaking natural preserves in the region.

Local Lakes

• Long Lake

• Ward Lake

• Pattison Lake

If an outdoor lifestyle matters to you, Olympia offers more of it than many larger Washington cities.

6. Cost of Living in Olympia Compared to Nearby Cities

Olympia tends to be:

• More affordable than Tacoma or Puyallup

• Far more affordable than most King County cities

• Slightly more expensive than Lacey or Tumwater in certain areas

• More stable in pricing than cities with volatile markets

Housing options include:

• Historic neighborhoods

• Newer suburban developments

• Townhomes and condos

• Waterfront properties

• Acreage and rural homes

For buyers who want character, space, and access to the water, Olympia provides opportunities that are much harder to find farther north.

7. Who Olympia Is a Good Fit For

In my experience, Olympia works beautifully for:

• Remote workers who want nature and community

• Families looking for strong schools

• Buyers wanting a slower pace without sacrificing amenities

• Military buyers who want a calm home base with a manageable commute

• Retirees downsizing into a peaceful environment

• Buyers who love local shops, restaurants, and walkable areas

Olympia appeals to people who want balance—community, culture, and nature all woven together.

8. Real Estate in Olympia: What Buyers Should Expect in 2025

Olympia’s market is one of the most stable in the South Sound because:

• Inventory is diverse

• Schools and quality of life remain consistent draws

• State jobs create steady buyer demand

• There is a limited supply of high-quality historic homes

• Waterfront and acreage properties maintain value

Compared to surrounding areas, Olympia offers a unique mix of history, modern convenience, and lifestyle-driven neighborhoods.

9. Pros & Cons of Living in Olympia

Pros

• Highly rated schools

• Strong arts and local culture

• Beautiful waterfront areas

• Abundant nature and trails

• Easy access to Lacey and Tumwater

• Stable real estate market

• Manageable JBLM commute for many

• Great neighborhoods with character

Cons

• Certain areas experience heavy traffic during peak times

• Limited “big box” shopping in some pockets

• Higher prices than Lacey or Tumwater for some property types

• Rainy season can feel long if you're new to Washington

Overall, Olympia remains one of the most desirable places to live in the South Sound.

10. Is Olympia a Good Place to Live? My Honest Take as a Washington Realtor

Absolutely. Olympia has a way of feeling both peaceful and alive at the same time. It’s a city with heart, history, community, and natural beauty stretched across every corner.

If you're drawn to walkable areas, tree-lined streets, waterfront access, arts, nature, and strong schools, Olympia is worth considering. Many buyers who come here thinking they’ll “just take a look” end up falling in love with the lifestyle.

And if you're comparing Olympia with Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, or Pierce County cities, I’m happy to walk you through those differences — city by city, neighborhood by neighborhood.

If Olympia is on your radar, I’d love to help you explore neighborhoods, compare commute options, and find the right home that supports your lifestyle. Reach out anytime, and we’ll make a plan that fits your goals and budget.

 Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence