5 Great Neighborhoods in Olympia, WA

Olympia, WA | The capital of Washington State is just 60 miles south of Seattle (1 hour without traffic) and 114 miles from Portland, OR. It’s almost exactly in the middle of these two popular cities making Olympia an extremely attractive place to call home. Budd Inlet goes right into the center of the city which provides gorgeous views and sunsets. The mountains are also just a short drive away, making it perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Olympia is a city for many different types of people. There is something to do for everyone and is a great place to settle down. Rock climbing, backpacking, and kayaking are great for people who love to be outside. Ocean Shores, The Hood Canal, and Mayfield Lake are less than an hour away making for great getaways or vacation spots. Heritage Park, Capital Lake, & Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge are all within city limits.

Those looking for family friendly activities, there is the Hands on Children’s Museum & The Wet Science Center which are great educational activities that are great for all ages. Children attend Olympia School District. There are 11 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools. South Puget Sound and Evergreen State College provide associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs.

Each neighborhood in Olympia is unique to its own restaurants, parks, architecture, etc. Some have sweeping views of the sound, some are super close to downtown, some are excellent for families, and others are on the outskirts where it’s quiet. Here are a few that stand out!

Wildwood

Wildwood is a small neighborhood about a mile south from downtown. Median home price is $500,000. This is a family community with residential homes, parks, convenience stores, and churches. Walking distance to Tumwater Falls, Watershed Park, & Briggs YMCA. Wildwood is on the border of Olympia and Tumwater with North street dividing the school district. The homes here are historic and hold their character value a lot longer than most others in Olympia.

Cain Road

835 newer upscale homes supported by an active homeowner’s association. Home prices vary from $350,000 to $930,000. Burnaby park is one of the upscale inlets where people tend to stay in the same house for years because of the community that has been built. Very close to downtown and freeways. Median household income is twice that of the rest of Olympia.

Boston Harbor

One of the many neighborhoods located on the water of Olympia. The drive from downtown is a little bit of a trek, about 20 minutes but the views of the drive are undeniable. A lot of people move there to get out of the city and feel more rural. Most homes have acres of land. The beach is in your backyard and on weekends in the summer there are many events like 4th of July fireworks & live bands on the dock. Close parks are Burfoot and Priest Point Park which are gorgeous places for hikes, picnics, and swimming. Median home is $650K up to $1.2 million.

South Capital

Located south of downtown and the state capital building. Great place for those who are looking for a job in the government. Median home is worth $577,000, and the homes are all very historic. Baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and walking paths are all found at Stevens Field. Walking distance to Vic’s Pizzeria, Olympia Coffee Roasters, and Spuds (a local organic grocery store).

Goldcrest

Located on the Westside of Olympia. This area is unique to being close to shopping centers, restaurants, and fitness centers. Also is about 5 minutes from Evergreen State College. Homes here average in price from $420,000 to $550,000. There are a lot of walking trails and very dog-friendly.

Moving to Olympia, WA

While these are only 5 of the 33 neighborhoods, Olympia is a great place to plant roots. People love calling this city home because of its many activities, gorgeous scenery, safe streets, and fresh produce and seafood. With the pandemic moving people into larger homes and to the outskirts, don’t overlook Olympia as an option.