Firstly why Olympia, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Olympia
• State: Washington
• Population: 52,916 people
• Olympia’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for its beautiful Capitol Building, vibrant arts scene, and scenic waterfront along Budd Inlet.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 4,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital offers government job opportunities and a vibrant arts scene attracting professionals

Perk #1: Olympia Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 56%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Olympia is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Olympia’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,820
• Property Tax %: 1.12%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,350
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Shelton, and probably could include Tenino
• Avg. Age of Homes in Olympia: 43 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Olympia’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Olympia are  Government, Healthcare, and Education
• Olympia Job Scene: limited job market primarily in government and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech landscape mainly centered on government services and local economies , ,
• Olympia Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Olympia: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Olympia

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 runs through Olympia providing critical access in Washington
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on I-5
• Transportation Score: 39 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Olympia: 40,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.8
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Olympia: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Olympia Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Olympia’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Olympia is best described as mild winters cool summers with consistent precipitation
• Winter Weather in Olympia i’d describe as cool with rain
• Spring Weather in Olympia can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Olympia are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Olympia is usually cool and rainy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 3 days in summer
• Days in a row in Olympia below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 45 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality generally experienced with few pollution issues
• Olympia Winter Air generally good air quality with minor fluctuations

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Olympia Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Olympia 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Olympias’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Olympia Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Olympia Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Olympia only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Olympia only Police Officers is about 60
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Olympia’s Monthly utility bill average is $110
• Olympia’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Olympia’s Water Quality Score: 80

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Olympia

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a mix of history and community activities
• You might enjoy local performances at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Olympia  has a local vibe with friendly bars and restaurants perfect for socializing in a warm community atmosphere

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Olympia

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes family-friendly dining and a mix of casual eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Olympia
• The Popular Sports Team is Olympia High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Olympia can be described as state capital with a politics focused on social issues and community
• Olympia’s Longer standing religious establishment is Olympia First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Olympia Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Olympia has 20 Parks?
• Olympic National Park is Olympia’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Olympia Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Olympia Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Olympia can be described as moderate pace with a blend of government culture and outdoor activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Olympia hiking trails community activities exploring local parks
• The Cities people commute to from Olympia are Tukwila 15 miles away Kent 13 miles away Seattle 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Olympia or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on I-5. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Olympia’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Olympia are Tukwila 15 miles away Kent 13 miles away Seattle 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Olympia has 4 days in a row below freezing and 3 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Olympia people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   200 homeless people living in Olympia. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a politics focused on social issues and community could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Olympia.

Retiree & Senior Life in Olympia

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax relief based on income and age
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is the Ridge
• Olympia Senior Center features health workshops recreational activities and social engagement for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Olympia, Washington?

If Olympia, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Olympia, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!