Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $76,930 in Olympia. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Olympia sits at 476.7 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Low crime in most areas
- Good schools
- Active local events
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
- Not enough green space
Thanks for reading. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
17 upvotes
12 Replies
sd_wesley
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Pine Hills area are decent. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Savannah Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Megan S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
noladude2026
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Genesis Taylor
Moved here from Austin about 12 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Jackson Young
haha yep pretty much
29 upvotes
Gabriel K.
glad someone said it
27 upvotes
Eli J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - 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 dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
17 upvotes
Henry Walker
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Noah Green
hmm interesting perspective
15 upvotes
Cameron Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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