City Guide

Olympia, WA

Overview
Living In Olympia
Cost of Living In Olympia
Migration
Things to do
Transportation

Overview

Olympia, WA is recognized for being the capital of Washington state. Living in Olympia will provide a smaller city setting with a population of around 56,000 people. An interesting fact is that in a little over an hour's drive, you'll find yourself at the Olympic National Park, a park filled with lush rainforests, canyons, and waterfalls. Interestingly, it is home to a Lavendar farm in Evergreen Valley that grows 13 different types of lavender.

What’s it like to live in Olympia, WA ?

If you're looking to buy a home for sale in Olympia, WA you'll find that the median sale price is and homes stay on the market for 15 days. You'll find that the median sale prices of a single family home and a condo/co-op in Olympia are and , respectively. Olympia area townhouses have a median sale price of , making them less expensive than single family homes. If you’re not ready to buy a home, consider one of the many apartments for rent in Olympia, WA

Explore our Olympia housing market page for insights about how home values have changed over the years and how Olympia home prices compare to other markets. Explore our Olympia rental market trends page for insights about how rental prices have changed and how Olympia rental prices compare to other rental markets. If you're curious about the most valuable home features in Olympia, or looking for a new home improvement project, discover what home features and design trends may help increase your home's value.

Popular neighborhoods in and around Olympia

Neighborhood	Median Sale Price	Compete Score	Walk Score	Real Estate
Tumwater Hill	$560,000	86 / 100	--	For Sale For Rent
Littlerock	$601,475	65 / 100	--	For Sale For Rent
North East Olympia	$488,250	71 / 100	32 / 100	For Sale For Rent
Northwest Olympia	$449,000	85 / 100	49 / 100	For Sale For Rent
Mottman-Black Lake	$949,900	--	--	For Sale For Rent

Note: Home prices vary by seasonLast Updated: 2024-06-30

Popular homes for sale in Olympia

See all homes for sale

$439,000
3 beds
2 baths
1312 sq ft
2101 Swanee Cir SE, Olympia, WA 98501
$765,000
4 beds
2.5 baths
2498 sq ft
2225 Vista Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
$445,000
4 beds
2.5 baths
1724 sq ft
2111 SW Silvan View Ct SW, Olympia, WA 98512
$350,000
2 beds
0.75 baths
2616 sq ft
1102 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502
$605,000
3 beds
2 baths
1650 sq ft
717 Cushing St SW, Olympia, WA 98502
$280,000
1 bed
1 bath
688 sq ft
1224 Miller Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506
$755,000
3 beds
1.75 baths
2586 sq ft
4029 San Mar Dr NE, Olympia, WA 98506
$649,900
2 beds
1.5 baths
2542 sq ft
3033 28th Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502
$465,000
3 beds
1.75 baths
1460 sq ft
408 Central St NE, Olympia, WA 98506
$685,000
4 beds
2.25 baths
2096 sq ft
1200 37th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Rental listings in Olympia

See how much rent you can afford See all rental listings

1 / 9
$1,225+ /mo
0-1 beds
1 bath
403-647 sq ft
The Malt House Apartment Homes | 505 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment
The Malt House Apartment Homes - 505 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 22
$1,225+ /mo
0-1 beds
1 bath
383-683 sq ft
Market Flats Apartment Building | 310 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment
Market Flats Apartment Building - 310 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 75
$1,300+ /mo
0-2 beds
1-2 bath
425-989 sq ft
The Lurana | 215 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 10 units available
The Lurana - 215 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 20
$1,195+ /mo
1-2 bed
1 bath
415-755 sq ft
The Elks | 611 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 4 units available
The Elks - 611 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 25
3D WALKTHROUGH
$1,495+ /mo
1-3 bed
1-2 bath
711-1,120 sq ft
Twill at the Mill | 8146 Sweetbrier Ln SE, Lacey, WA 98513
Apartment • 10 units available
Twill at the Mill - 8146 Sweetbrier Ln SE, Lacey, WA 98513
1 / 68
NEW 11 HRS AGO
$1,275+ /mo
0-2 beds
1-2 bath
382-970 sq ft
Westman Mill | 510 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 7 units available
Westman Mill - 510 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 16
$1,999/mo
2 beds
2 baths
1,008 sq ft
Summers Manor | 5730 Normandy Dr SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 1 unit available
Summers Manor - 5730 Normandy Dr SE, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 19
$1,245+ /mo
1-2 bed
1 bath
450-600 sq ft
Emerald Greens | 7917 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516
Apartment • 6 units available
Emerald Greens - 7917 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516
1 / 12
DEAL
$1,449/mo
0 beds
1 bath
668 sq ft
Mulberry Place | 501 Franz Anderson Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 1 unit available
Mulberry Place - 501 Franz Anderson Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 34
NEW 11 HRS AGO
3D WALKTHROUGH
$2,295+ /mo
2-3 beds
2-2.5 baths
1,137-1,728 sq ft
Woodbury Crossing | 5004 4th Way SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Apartment • 4 units available
Woodbury Crossing - 5004 4th Way SW, Olympia, WA 98502
1 / 26
$1,275/mo
0 beds
1 bath
462-510 sq ft
Annies Artist Flats | 322 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Apartment • 3 units available
Annies Artist Flats - 322 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
1 / 30
$1,365+ /mo
1-2 bed
1 bath
695-900 sq ft
Westlakes Apartments | 1919 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Apartment • 1 unit available
Westlakes Apartments - 1919 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502

What is the cost of living in Olympia?

The cost of living in Olympia is 12% higher than the national average. Housing is typically the largest expense for most American households. In Olympia, the average monthly rent is $1,955, while the median home price is $575,000. Overall, housing in Olympia is 30% higher than the national average. Groceries, like produce, dry goods, and other essential household items, cost 4% higher in Olympia. Though healthcare costs 21% higher in Olympia compared to the national average, costs vary greatly by location, person, personal health, and health insurance. In Olympia, an optometry check-up costs around $229.86, while a dentist appointment is $154.34 on average. Learn more about the cost of living in Olympia. Discover how utilities, transportation, and lifestyle, compares against the national average.

Compared to the national average

12%

Cost of living

30%

Home prices

Cost of living calculator

Compare cities across the U.S.

Olympia Migration & Relocation Trends

In Feb '25 - Apr '25, 22% of Olympia homebuyers searched to move out of Olympia, while 78% looked to stay within the metropolitan area.

Where are people moving to Olympia from?

Across the nation, 3% of homebuyers searched to move into Olympia from outside metros.
Spokane homebuyers searched to move into Olympia more than any other metro followed by San Francisco and Houston.

Where are people from Olympia moving to?

78% of Olympia homebuyers searched to stay within the Olympia metropolitan area.
Phoenix was the most popular destination among Olympia homebuyers followed by Portland and Bellingham.

Number of People Moving to Olympia

least

most

People are moving to Olympia from

Inbound		Net inflow
Metros		Feb '25 - Apr '25
1	Spokane, WA	1,151
2	San Francisco, CA	852
3	Houston, TX	583
4	Washington, DC	211
5	Los Angeles, CA	100
6	Hermiston, OR	95
7	New York, NY	90
8	Manitowoc, WI	72
9	Denver, CO	11
10	Visalia, CA	10

People are leaving Olympia for

Outbound		Net outflow
Metros		Feb '25 - Apr '25
1	Phoenix, AZ	5,021
2	Portland, OR	3,637
3	Bellingham, WA	3,122
4	Aberdeen, WA	2,555
5	Ellensburg, WA	2,351
6	Wenatchee, WA	2,174
7	Boise, ID	1,344
8	Dallas, TX	1,298
9	Las Vegas, NV	1,139
10	Port Angeles, WA	1,001

Methodology

This data does not reflect actual moves. The latest migration analysis is based on a sample of about two million Redfin.com users who searched for homes across more than 100 metro areas. To be included in this dataset, a Redfin.com user must have viewed at least 10 homes in a three month period. This dataset excludes all rentals data.

What is there to do in Olympia, WA ?

Olympia, WA, is home to many enjoyable activities like watching the sunset at one of its many parks to enjoying a bite to eat at fan-favorite restaurants. For those looking to check out a museum, Olympia has 8 you can explore, including WET Science Center, Olympic Flight Museum, and Hands On Children's Museum. Check out the Washington Center for the Performing Arts and Olympia Little Theatre, one of the many performing arts venues. There are plenty of green spaces in Olympia where you can enjoy a picnic or stroll. Stop by Heritage Park, Priest Point Park, or Percival Landing Park for bayfront views. For a taste of Olympia's cuisine, there are a couple of local eateries you don't want to skip. Iron Rabbit Restaurant & Bar, Mekong Restaurant, and Lemon Grass Restaurant are just three of the many restaurants you should stop for a meal at.

Explore some of the best things to do in Olympia

All
Foodies
Pet Lovers
Fun for All
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Arts & Culture

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
The Pet Works
Squaxin Park
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Mud Bay Coffee Co.
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club
American Heritage Campground
Dancing Goats Espresso Bar
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Farm Fresh Market
Friendly Grove Boarding & Daycamp
Oly Taproom
1 Korean BBQ
Shari's Restaurant
Hearthfire
Casa Mia

Foodies

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, or simply love great food, Olympia has many restaurants, cafes, and dessert shops to choose from.

Pet Lovers

Pet lovers unite! Explore the many pet-friendly amenities in Olympia, like dog parks, pet stores, groomers, veterinarians, and more.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Discover the many outdoor activities in Olympia. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks, nature preserves, campgrounds, and more.

What's the best way to get around Olympia, WA ?

The best way to get around Olympia is by car, but there are many methods for getting around the city. If you’re exploring the city by foot, Olympia has a walk score of 39, meaning this area is car dependent. Another way to get around the city is by public transportation. Olympia has a transit score of 35, with a few nearby public transportation options. Most bus stations and rail stations are located in 98501 and 98502. You can also get around Olympia by bike. With a bike score of 59, there is some amount of infrastructure for biking.

39 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

35 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

59 / 100

Bikeable

Bike Score®

Olympia Transportation

Bus Station

Buses can be found throughout the city and are easily accessible to commute in the city.

Rail Station

Olympia has 1 heavy rail station; Green Personal Training. This means you might be able to use heavy rail to commute or travel, depending on where you live and where you want to go.

Tram Station

Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.

Metro Station

Our data indicates this city does not have this transportation type.

Car & Bike Rentals

Renting a car is another good way to get around the city. There are 6 car rental locations.

Airports

Olympia has 2 airports which allows you to easily travel.

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