First post here. Crime rate is something to consider -Olympia sits at 734.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
detroitmind2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Isabella R.
100%
32 upvotes
Mason
Moved here from Chicago about 2 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to healthcare but Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Sophia Murphy
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
20 upvotes
Josiah Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
