We're a young couple and With a population of 55,583, Olympia is a smaller city. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development.
27 upvotes
14 Replies
wild_jameson26
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
39 upvotes
Isabella Collins
been saying this for years
39 upvotes
Ryan M.
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Madeline Cooper
I've lived in Uptown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Valentina M.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's average.
30 upvotes
angel_life
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Luca Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 50, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Alyssa P.
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
nathan_vibes
facts
19 upvotes
Zoe W.
been saying this for years
18 upvotes
Eva Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Cameron Hernandez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Michelle R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Fairview and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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