Rainier offers rural properties in a peaceful community
Named for its mountain views, Rainier is a small Washington community offering a rural retreat from the big cities along Puget Sound. "Lot sizes are larger. It's not as populated as some of the other areas around Thurston County," says Dan Olague, a broker at John L. Scott Real Estate since 1989. "Some of the homes have mountain views. It's a situation where it's just a more peaceful, smaller community." The area's serenity comes with a trade-off, as Rainier has very little commercial activity. Shops and restaurants aren't far away, though, with the cities of Yelm and Olympia within quick reach.
21st-century homes on acreage are available in Thurston County
Craftsman houses and ranch-style homes make up much of the community. About half of the properties in the area were built in the 21st century, and older homes tend to be from the 1970s to the '90s. Tall pines frame the streets, contributing to Rainer's rural feel. The location is popular with buyers looking for acreage. “There are very few subdivisions. A small lot in Rainier would be around 10,000 square feet,” Olague says. Most lots are at least a quarter-acre, and buyers can easily find larger properties with more room for garages, workshops or RV storage. Prices range from $400,000 to $730,000.
City, state and national parks feature wide-ranging activities
Rainier has multiple parks offering a variety of recreation. Wilkowski Park is the largest in the area, with a playground, basketball court and picnic shelter. It hosts the city's annual Rainier Roundup Days event, which includes a parade and a three-day bluegrass music festival. The Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail also passes through this park. Runners, bikers and equestrians can enjoy the nearly 15-mile paved path connecting to nearby cities. The trail also intersects with the Chehalis Western Trail, offering a path northwest to Olympia. For adventure beyond the community, Millersylvania State Park is about 15 miles west and has miles of hiking trails plus a lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing. Mount Rainier National Park is about 70 miles east of the region and is home to the tallest mountain in Washington.
Nearby communities have locally owned restaurants and big-box stores
Shops and restaurants in Rainier include a couple of pizza parlors and a convenience store on Binghampton Street. Yelm is about 6 miles northeast and has more options, including fast-food chains, locally owned coffee shops and pubs. The Local serves elevated bar food alongside craft beer and cocktails, while Pizzeria La Gitana offers wood-fired pizza and homemade tiramisu. Yelm also has stores like Safeway, Grocery Outlet and Walmart.
State highways and bus systems offer commutes through Washington
Binghampton Street, also known as state Route 507, is the main road through the area, leading northeast to Yelm or southwest to Tenino. Olympia is about 17 miles northwest of the community along Rainier Road. Seattle is about 68 miles north via Interstate 5. The Thurston Regional Planning Commission operates a bus route, connecting Rainier to Yelm, Tenino and Tumwater. The closest hospital is Providence St. Peter in Olympia.
Students get ready for life after high school at Rainier High
Rainier Elementary School receives a B from Niche, while Rainier Middle School gets a C-plus. Rainier High School earns a B-minus and offers several ways to prepare students for life after graduation. Career and technical education courses include agriculture, business and robotics. The school also participates in the Running Start program, offering dual credit through local colleges.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
