Olympia’s accurately-named East Bay Drive neighborhood is a mostly residential area located along the eastern shore of Budd Inlet. Its proximity to downtown Olympia and views of the water make it a popular landing spot for those looking to balance scenic surroundings with access to shopping, dining and entertainment. “You get some great lake views, and you’re right next to downtown,” says local Realtor Sue Smith of Olympic Sotheby’s International. “It’s a great spot if you like the outdoors, not just because of the water. It’s right next to the parks on the north side.”
Experience peaceful living with breathtaking views on East Bay Drive, Washington.
Experience coastal living in East Bay Drive’s inviting and picturesque homes.
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Luxury homes and condos with inlet views
The housing market on East Bay Drive is made up of a combination of waterfront condos, cottages and luxury homes. Most of the homes here are right on Budd Inlet. A few homes have private docks, but nearly all have features to make the most of the view, like large windows and decks or patios. Evergreens often shroud the houses, creating a sense of privacy and space, even if many homes are situated fairly close to each other. Styles range from older, midcentury homes to custom-built modern beach houses along the waterfront. Single-family homes in this relatively exclusive neighborhood generally sell for $1 million to $2 million dollars, about twice the price of homes in inland northeast Olympia. Condos along East Bay Drive typically go for $350,000 to $500,000.
Charming East Bay Drive homes offer scenic views and serene waterfront living.
East Bay Drive homes feature stunning waterfront vistas and relaxing environments.
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Scenic Squaxin Park
One of the defining features of East Bay Drive is its access to the outdoors. Squaxin Park, one of the largest parks in Olympia at 300 acres, is located just to the north of the neighborhood and offers over a dozen miles of forested walking trails, not to mention some excellent water views. East Bay Drive’s location on Budd Inlet means that residents spend a lot of time enjoying water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing. Many people in the neighborhood take advantage of the nearby Swantown Marina & Boatworks, located just across the bay from the neighborhood.
Discover the beauty of the water at Swantown Marina, East Bay’s boating hub.
Swantown Marina offers full-service boatworks and stunning waterfront views in East Bay Drive.
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Highly-rated Olympia School District
The neighborhood's public schools are overseen by the highly-rated Olympia School District, which has an overall A grade on Niche. The schools in the East Bay Drive pipeline, Roosevelt Elementary, Reeves Middle School and Olympia High School, all have an A-rating on Niche as well. Olympia High was recognized as one of the U.S.’s best high schools by U.S. News and World Report in 2024 and offers college credit to students via its Running Start program, which partners with nearby South Puget Sound Community College.
Roosevelt Elementary School has an enrollment of 424 students.
Reeves Middle School is a public school located in Olympia, WA
Olympia High School has a 23:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Shopping and dining in downtown Olympia
East Bay Drive itself doesn’t have any retail to speak of, but most of its residents are within a mile of downtown Olympia, where locals can find extensive local shopping and dining options. This includes the impressive Olympia Farmers Market, which is held Thursday through Sunday from April to October and features over 100 vendors. Downtown is home to most of Olympia’s favorite restaurants. Eateries like Dockside Bistro & Wine Bar and Anthony’s HomePort offer seafood and waterfront views. The Bread Peddler, a local bakery and cafe, is known for its pastries and brunch. Downtown is also where residents can find the city’s most beloved local shops, including Browsers Bookshop and Danger Room Comics. Big box shopping is also fairly close at hand. East Bay Drive is less than 3 miles from Lacey's shopping centers, which are home to multiple supermarkets and department stores.
Wine and dine by the bay at Dockside Bistro, a culinary gem near East Bay Drive.
Dive into comics and pop culture at Danger Room Comics near East Bay Drive.
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Getting around Olympia
The East Bay Drive neighborhood runs along its namesake, East Bay Drive, which leads directly into downtown, making commuting or visiting the city center quick and easy. It’s a 2-mile drive from the neighborhood to Interstate 5, which connects to the rest of the Puget Sound region, including Tacoma and Seattle. Intercity Transit operates multiple bus routes along East Bay Drive, though getting anywhere besides downtown or north Olympia requires a transfer.
East Bay Drive combines coastal living with the convenience of nearby city amenities.
East Bay Drive is within walking distance to Downtown Olympia where public transit is abundant.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Welcome to the quintessential Olympia waterfront location with gorgeous views of Budd Inlet, the city, & State Capitol. Imagine having Squaxin Park and everything it has to offer as your playground, parcel borders the Park. The home sits just feet away from the concrete bulkhead on a 90ft+/- low bank waterfront lot, providing you the true feeling of "living on the water". Enjoy spectacular
Rare opportunity for a home in a historic area of Olympia with spectacualr views of Swantown Marina, the city of Olympia and Budd Inlet. This charming home has its own personality with potential for a great remodel.
Ultra-desirable East Bay location with splendid views of Budd Inlet, the Olympics, the marina, and the city! Low bank waterfront with concrete bulkhead. Enjoy dazzling sunsets from your spacious view deck. Low maintenance grounds. Excellent curb appeal. Roomy living room with a real rock gas fireplace. Spacious primary suite with view balcony and his/hers walk-in closets. This special place is a
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
279
Median Age
54
Population under 18
14.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
35.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$116,319
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$130,925
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.6%
College Graduates
67%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
46.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
35/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
47/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
