Honest thoughts on life in Olympia

Isabelle May 9, 2025

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.

**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.

19 upvotes

Aaron May 12, 2025

This.

14 upvotes