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Moving to Olympia in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Olympia.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Olympia.

Planning to move to Olympia?

Olympia is a city in Washington with a thriving economy and job market. It is a state capital, and thus, government jobs dominate the economy. The cost of living is affordable compared to other cities but slightly higher than the national average. The city is an attractive destination for families because of its strong education system and friendly community. The city enjoys a lot of rain and mild summers. Olympia has numerous parks, forests, and water bodies, offering plenty of recreational opportunities. There are several details that you must know before you start packing your house to move to Olympia. Explore the city virtually through our moving guide-

Quick Facts of Olympia

Let us explore interesting facts about Olympia-

Olympia is the capital of Washington state.: The early name of Olympia was “Smithfield” and “Smither” after the early settler Levi Smith.; The city was named after the nearby Olympic Mountains.; Olympia was once known for its abundant artesian wells.; The city was the hometown of Rachel Corrie, an activist.; Olympia hosts the state’s largest annual Earth Day celebration known as the Procession of the Species.; Several tiny home villages are used as housing solutions in the city.; The first Thurston County Fair, held in 1871, aimed to attract settlers.

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Top reasons to move to Olympia

A new city means a new lifestyle and better living. But there are several aspects of moving to a new city. Here we have listed some of the top reasons to move to Olympia-

Education- Olympia is known to have a strong public school system that makes it an attractive location to move with family. There are renowned universities and colleges in the city.

Sense of Community- The city is known for its welcoming spirit and a strong sense of belongingness.

Recreational opportunities- Olympia is surrounded by Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and other places that offer various outdoor recreational opportunities.

Art and Culture- The city is known to have a thriving art community with theatres, galleries, and more. It celebrates several festivals, art walks, and performances throughout the year.

Lifestyle- The residents of the city enjoy a relaxed pace of life with easy access to urban amenities. You can find opportunities for a healthy work-life balance with access to nature and outdoor recreation.

Pros & Cons of Living in Olympia

Learning about the pros and cons of living in a new city will help you prepare for the challenges. Here is the list of pros and cons of living in Olympia-

Pros of living in Olympia	Cons of living in Olympia
The city offers breathtaking views and options for outdoor recreation	The city receives a significant amount of rain
It is known for friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a feel of close-knit community	The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average
The city boasts thriving arts community with galleries, theatres, and music venues.	The job market in the city is competitive and limited in some sectors
The city has easy access to the amenities	Public transportation in the city is limited compared to larger cities
Olympia is known for its progressive and inclusive atmosphere	The nightlife in the city is not diverse or abundant

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Best Neighborhoods in the Olympia

A new neighborhood is the first source to connect with the community. So, while choosing a neighborhood be cautious. Here we have listed some of the best neighborhoods in Olympia-

South Capitol- This is a historic neighborhood boasting older homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. It is a family-friendly neighborhood as there are excellent schools.

Cain Road Area- This location features new, upscale homes with a suburban feel. The city is close to the downtown are and has good schools and parks.

Eastside- This is another historic gem that offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is conveniently located near downtown.

Easy Bay Drive- This neighborhood is a waterfront location with stunning views and easy access to water activities. There are plenty of beachfront properties in this neighborhood.

Downtown Olympia- This is the heart of the city with a mix of apartments, historic homes, and condos. It has easy access to shops, entertainment, and restaurants.

Northwest Olympia- This is a family-friendly neighborhood with waterfront properties, excellent schools, natural beauty, and parks.

Cost of living in Olympia

The cost of living in a new city is the major factor considered while planning a move. It will help you estimate the expenses and set the moving budget. The cost of living in Olympia is moderately high, with housing costs being a significant factor. The other expenses, including transportation, groceries, and, utilities are also expensive in the city. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Olympia-

Category	Olympia (in USD)
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	$2000 - $3500
Utilities	$200 - $400
Food	$500 - $1000
Transportation	$200 - $500
Healthcare	$200 - $500
Entertainment	$100 - $300
Other	$200 - $500

Housing Market in Olympia

The housing market of Olympia is currently considered balanced, with a median sale price of around $500,000. The number of homes for sale is gradually increasing.

Average rental cost in Olympia

The average rental cost of a house in Olympia is around $1,809 per month.

Olympia job market

Olympia is a state capital and thus its job market is considered healthy. The economy is diverse in the city with an unemployment rate lower than the national average. The job market can be competitive as new job opportunities are developing across various areas.

Top Career Options in Olympia

There are a variety of employment opportunities in Olympia. Here are the statistics for career options, average salary, entry-level salary, and total employees.

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Software Engineer	$100,000 - $150,000	$70,000 - $90,000
Registered Nurse	$80,000 - $120,000	$60,000 - $75,000
Teacher	$50,000 - $75,000	$40,000 - $55,000
Healthcare Administrator	$85,000 - $130,000	$60,000 - $75,000
Accountant	$60,000 - $90,000	$45,000 - $60,000
Marketing Specialist	$55,000 - $80,000	$40,000 - $55,000
Social Worker	$55,000 - $80,000	$45,000 - $60,000
Construction Worker	$50,000 - $70,000	$40,000 - $50,000
Food Service Manager	$35,000 - $55,000	$28,000 - $35,000
Retail Sales Associate	$25,000 - $35,000	$20,000 - $25,000

Median Salary in Olympia

The median salary in Olympia is $73,851 per year.

Transportation And Navigation In Olympia

Traffic, transportation, and road conditions play a major role in the decision-making process. If you move to a city where you have to spend most of your time in traffic, it will affect your quality of life. In Olympia, several options for transportation make commuting easy.

Public transportation- The Intercity Transit is the primary public transportation provider in the Olympia area. They offer a network of free bus routes across the city. Private transportation- The city has designated lanes for bikes and trails for walking. There are several locations in the city with pedestrians to offer more walkability to the residents. Navigation- The city has a well-maintained road system that makes driving relatively easy. It is easy to navigate the routes in the city with online apps like Google Maps, Waze, and MapQuest.

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Major industries in Olympia

Olympia is home to several major industries including

Government

Education

Healthcare

Tourism

Education System in Olympia

Finding a good educational institution for your children in a new city can be difficult. But if you explore these schools, colleges, or universities before moving to the new city, you can easily find the right option-

Elementary Schools in Olympia
McKenny Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Pioneer Elementary School
Roosevelt Elementary School
Madison Elementary School

Middle Schools in Olympia
Washington Middle School
Jefferson Middle School
Reeves Middle School
Thurgood Marshall Middle School
Chinook Middle School

High Schools in Olympia
Olympia High School
Capital High School
Timberline High School
Avanti High School
North Thurston High School

Colleges and Universities in Olympia
The Evergreen State College
Saint Martin’s University
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC)
Pierce College
Pacific Lutheran University

Best things to do in Olympia

The best way to get to know the city is by exploring its history and connecting with the locals. These are the activities that you can do after moving into Olympia-

Stroll along the Percival Landing boardwalk enjoy the waterfront and visit Olympia Farmers Market.

Visit the Olympic National Park to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Olympic Peninsula, beaches, mountains, and forests.

Observe wildlife at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Take a tour of the Washington State Capitol Building and learn about the state government.

Discover unique shops, art galleries, and theatres in Downtown Olympia.

Plan a tour of the Tumwater Falls Park and explore it.

Enjoy the local craft beers at the Brewery Park.

Taxes in Olympia

There are different types of taxes that the residents of Olympia have to pay. Here are the details of local and state taxes-

Income Tax: There is no state income tax in Washington State.

Sales Tax: Olympia has a combined sales tax rate of 9.8%.

Property Tax: Olympia has a median property tax rate of 0.91%, which is slightly lower than the national median.

Type of insurance required in Olympia

When you move to a new city, you might need some insurance that will protect your belongings from different hazards. Here are the details of different insurance you might need in Olympia-

Auto Insurance: This is mandatory insurance with the minimum required coverage. This insurance covers damages you cause to other people’s property or injuries to others in an accident. The breakdown for minimum coverage limits:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury or death

$50,000 per accident for bodily injury or death

$10,000 per accident for property damage

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is required for most employees in Washington State. It covers the medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

Health Insurance: This insurance is essential for covering medical expenses including hospital visits, hospital stays, and medicine bills.

Life Insurance: This insurance will provide financial assistance to your family in the event of your death.

Homeowners Insurance: This insurance protects your house and belongings from damage caused by fire, theft, and other covered events.

Renters Insurance: This insurance will protect your belongings from theft, fire, and other covered perils.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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