Tumwater is a charming city located in the greater Puget Sound area in the state of Washington with a population of approximately 18,365. Living in Tumwater offers just about everything that one would need to live comfortably and has a lot of prospects for those who are looking for work.
If you’re considering moving to Tumwater, here’s a guide on what you can expect regarding real estate, amenities, education, and more!
In its early years, Tumwater was a logging town where much of Tumwater Falls’ lumber was hauled from to be milled in Olympia. Tumwater became an important link between Puget Sound cities and the mining towns of eastern Washington.
Tumwater’s citizens also harvested timber that helped build the city of Tacoma and constructed other cities far removed from the area such as Chicago and Minneapolis, causing Tumwater to become a true bedroom community for nearby cities like Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, and Olympia.
As time went by, more people started coming into the little town not only for recreational activities but to take up Tumwater Falls as a permanent residence. The population grew through the 1960s and 1970s, and Tumwater became an official city in 1977.
Living in Tumwater, WA
Many Tumwater residents live in the area because of the close proximity to Olympia and other larger cities like Seattle, Portland, Tacoma, and Spokane.
Tumwater has an abundance of single-family homes that have been custom-made to suit the Washington lifestyle. The city also offers more affordable prices than those found in nearby cities. Real estate found among the Tumwater listings range between $275,000 to $750,000.
This beautiful city is perfect for anyone looking for a natural, suburban living experience with the convenience of the amenities of the surrounding, larger cities.
Neighborhoods
Tumwater has a number of neighborhoods that are perfect for all lifestyles. Some of the top neighborhoods found in the area include:
Tumwater Heights
Tumwater Hill
Tumwater Knolls
Tumwater Meadows
North Tumwater
There are a multitude of options to consider, whether you’re looking for an affordable home or a luxury home. For anyone that is interested in living in the Tumwater area, this gives them plenty of opportunities to find something perfect for their needs.
Education
The Tumwater School District provides an exceptional education program. The schools cater to kindergarten students straight through to the twelfth grade as well as college courses through local institutions in order for students to earn their associates degrees if they wish to continue on with their studies after graduating from Tumwater’s high school system.
There is also opportunity for private schooling at Evergreen Christian School, where students can still get an education through accredited courses but with church-based values instead of government-instituted values.
Additionally, there are many other educational institutions available for Tumwater residents to attend within a reasonable distance, including Pierce College and Washington State University.
What to do in Tumwater, WA
Tumwater has plenty of indoor activities to offer locals. One place in particular is the Thurston County Fairgrounds. This location hosts many festivals and fairs including the annual Tumwater Kids Fair. The Fairgrounds also host other events like the Tumwater Fall Festival.
Tumwater has a diverse range of entertainment venues for all its residents, young and old. Just to name a few:
Olympia Center
Tumwater Roller Rink and Skate Park
Outdoor Activity
In the summer, there are many parks available for residents with children, including Chehalis Western Trail, a trail that is dedicated to equestrian use only and is located on fifteen acres of land near the Tumwater Airport. The park has a stable house built right in so that horses and riders can visit the park from nearby towns such as Lacey, Olympia, and Yelm.
In the winter months, Tumwater locals are able to enjoy various activities such as ice skating, snowboarding, sledding, and many other activities suited for the cold weather. Residents can also view holiday-themed displays at Tumwater’s parks.
Arts & Culture
The city is host to a variety of events that occur throughout the year, including Oktoberfest and Tumwater Days, two annual events that feature local vendors and entertainment while offering many different fun activities for everyone to enjoy!
There are also many other small events that occur throughout the year, including an event celebrating National Coffee Day, and a festival featuring an array of seafood dishes to enjoy.
Downtown boasts a theater where locals can see all sorts of theatrical productions, movie screenings, or concerts come through for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Shopping & Dining
Tumwater features an assortment of retail shops to visit on the weekends. There are also stores located close by in Olympia or Tacoma, where Tumwater residents can venture to in order to find whatever else they might need or enjoy.
Downtown Tumwater has a variety of eating and shopping establishments with which residents can spend their time and money on or enjoy with friends and family members as well as various art galleries that will allow anyone to express themselves and enjoy some local, original artwork.
Dining in Tumwater is a unique experience that showcases the best of this relatively small city. There are many options for restaurants to choose from, ranging from coffee shops to cafés, and even eateries specializing in delectable seafood dishes.
Tumwater is a city that has something for everyone. Young or old, there are options available to fill your days with fun and education both inside the classroom and out of it. If you’re looking to move to a fabulous new city filled with friendly locals and plenty to keep you busy, Tumwater is definitely one to consider!
Comments