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South Westside

South Westside

Suburban Neighborhood in Olympia, Washington

Thurston County 98502

$531,364 Average Value
$325 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Centrally-located residential neighborhood

South Westside is a mostly residential neighborhood in Olympia, conveniently located between downtown Olympia and the major shopping centers on the west side of town. The neighborhood is also bordered by Olympia’s scenic Capitol Lake and sits across the water from the Washington State Capitol Building and Campus. “The biggest selling point is definitely the convenience.” says local Realtor Sue Smith of Olympic Sotheby’s International. “You’ve got the Capitol Mall shops on one side and downtown Olympia on the other. And if you work in the state government, you’re just a few blocks from your office.”
South Westside is mostly residential but located near retail and restaurants in the area.
South Westside is mostly residential but located near retail and restaurants in the area.
South Westside is divided into grids with some cul-de-sacs in the area.
South Westside is divided into grids with some cul-de-sacs in the area.
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A wide variety of home styles

The neighborhood’s residential blocks were developed in stages over the 20th century, and as a result, the South Westside housing market is one of the most diverse in Olympia. Properties range from historic 1920s-era homes, including the Spanish revival-style Edward Anderson home, to midcentury cottages and contemporary two-story homes. Duplexes and smaller cottages in the neighborhood can go for as low as $250,000 to $350,000, while more spacious properties usually sell for $400,00 to $700,000. Residential streets in South Waterside form a grid, meeting at right angles and giving the area a slightly urban, planned feel. Alleyways cut behind many houses in the northern part of the neighborhood, and homes often have garages or carports in these alleys. This is less common in the southern part of the neighborhood, where most homes have open driveways. The neighborhood is green all over — evergreens and other trees are common, and most houses have grassy front and backyards. South Westside has a CAP Index Crime Score of 7 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4 out of 10.
South Westside has a selection of widely diverse homes in the area.
South Westside has a selection of widely diverse homes in the area.
A quaint ranch-style home with a single car garage is seen in South Westside.
A quaint ranch-style home with a single car garage is seen in South Westside.
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Capitol Lake running

Capitol Lake on the east side of the neighborhood is surrounded by some of Olympia’s most popular greenspaces, including Heritage Park and Marathon Park. Although swimming and boating in the lake are currently prohibited due to an infestation of the invasive New Zealand mud snail, the 1.7-mile loop trail around the lake is one of the most scenic running and walking routes in town and has great views of the Washington Capitol Building. Decatur Woods Park, located in the heart of South Westside, is home to the neighborhood’s only major playground, along with a few small athletic fields and walking trails.
Enjoy an evening stroll around Capitol Lake near South Westside.
Enjoy an evening stroll around Capitol Lake near South Westside.
Feel like a kid again at Decatur Woods Park in Olympia.
Feel like a kid again at Decatur Woods Park in Olympia.
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Highly rated middle and high schools

The public schools in South Westside are administered by the Olympia School District. Julia Butler Hansen Elementary has a B-plus rating on Niche, while both Thurgood Marshall Middle School and Capital High School have A-minus ratings. Both the middle and high schools offer a 1:1 Chromebook program, providing all students with their own Chromebook laptops free of charge to promote computer literacy among students.
Thurgood Marshall Middle in Olympia provides a positive environment for students.
Thurgood Marshall Middle in Olympia provides a positive environment for students.
Students enjoy the atmosphere at Capital High School in Olympia.
Students enjoy the atmosphere at Capital High School in Olympia.
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Capital Lakefair

The Capital Lakefair is held every July in Heritage Park, on the shores of Capitol Lake, and draws thousands of visitors from around the area. It features, rides, fireworks, live music and an Olympia-themed parade. Capitol Lake also hosts a number of running events throughout the year, including regular 5k and 10k races.
Marathon Park in Olympia is a great place to get away from it all.
Marathon Park in Olympia is a great place to get away from it all.
Listen to local artists and shop the vendors at the Olympia Farmer’s Market near South Westside.
Listen to local artists and shop the vendors at the Olympia Farmer’s Market near South Westside.
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U.S. Route 101

Harrison Avenue on the north side of the neighborhood connects South Westside to downtown and east Olympia, while U.S. Route 101 to the south of the neighborhood connects to Tumwater and Interstate 5. It’s a 4-mile drive to Tumwater, 30 miles to Tacoma, and about 55 miles to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the nearest major commercial airport. A number of bus routes, overseen by Intercity Transit, provide direct connections to downtown and west Olympia.
Residents of South Westside have access to public transportation in the area.
Residents of South Westside have access to public transportation in the area.
Residents enjoy the quiet streets of South Westside.
Residents enjoy the quiet streets of South Westside.
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Capital Mall and downtown Olympia

While South Westside itself is mostly residential, it’s bordered to the west by Olympia’s largest shopping centers, The Olympia West Center, Capital Mall and Capital Village Shopping Center. These centers are home to a wide variety of supermarkets, boutiques and big box stores, along with West Olympia’s only major movie theater, the Cinemark Century Olympia. There are also a number of eateries in the area, ranging from national fast-food chains to cozy spots like Mexican restaurant El Sarape. However, most locals will argue that the best dining in the area is actually found east of the neighborhood, in the Olympia Downtown Historic District. The historic district is home to dozens of bars, breweries and restaurants, from classic Pacific Northwest pub McMenamins to highly rated modern eateries like Octapas Cafe.
Downtown Olympia offers residents of South Westside local shopping and dining options.
Downtown Olympia offers residents of South Westside local shopping and dining options.
Shop big box stores at Capital Village Shopping Center near South Westside.
Shop big box stores at Capital Village Shopping Center near South Westside.
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Andrew Moreno
Written By
Andrew Moreno
Kory Ross
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Munoz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Westside US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

South Westside Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$522,450
Median Sale Price
$514,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$527,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$224,975
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$239,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
43
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$325

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
927
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,700
Below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,599
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,224
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Jun 14
    10 - 11:30am

    1709 Fern St SW, Olympia, WA 98502

    $570,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,938 Sq Ft
    • 1709 Fern St SW
    • New 2 days ago

    Live close to it all in this well-appointed Olympia home; minutes to I-5, HWY 101, Capital Mall shopping, & downtown. This property backs to a greenbelt with mature trees that add beauty & privacy. Its low-maintenance front yard provides a stunning array of colorful blooms, while the backyard is a gardener’s oasis with raised garden beds & a covered patio that includes a built-in counter height

    Jana Ross Windermere Abode

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  • Saturday, Jun 14
    12 - 1:30pm

    2004 15th Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98502

    $600,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,209 Sq Ft
    • 2004 15th Ave SW
    • New 2 days ago

    Experience the best of Olympia in a home that’s well-maintained from top to bottom. Major updates in 2023 & 2024 include a new roof, water heater, furnace, heat pump/AC, appliances, garage door opener, LVP flooring, lighting, & more. A central stairway anchors the layout and creates an amazing flow between the home’s 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, generous kitchen, & dual living spaces while south &

    Jana Ross Windermere Abode

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jason Munoz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,080
Median Age
37
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$45,955
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,405

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
38.3%
Advanced Degrees
17%
% Population in Labor Force
60.7%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
5''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

59 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

42 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Westside