$533,953Average Value$295Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
Tumwater and Olympia are connected
Environment, sports and history define Tumwater, a quiet city in northern Washington. The city is closely tied to Olympia, next door to Tumwater. “You don’t really know when you go from one city to another,” says Jim Clifford, a Broker with Washington Realty Group, who’s sold homes in the city. “They’re conjoined.” The state government has built several office buildings in Tumwater, deepening the connection between the two cities. “A lot of people who live in Tumwater work in Olympia, and vice versa,” says Clifford. When not commuting to work, many residents are seen at the local high school's many sporting events.
One tree in Tumwater is almost as old as America, and it helps define the community. The Davis Meeker Oak Tree is over 400 years old and was a landmark on the Oregon Trail and the Cowlitz Trail. Due to safety concerns surrounding the tree, the city attempted to remove it in 2024. A citizen-led group opposed the removal and successfully lobbied for the Davis Meeker Oak to stay in the ground. A solution to the safety, environmental and civic concerns about the historic tree is currently in the works.
Residents of Tumwater can take advantage of the area's many trails and walking paths.
Pioneer Park in Tumwater has spacious soccer fields.
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Brewery Park is historic and has access to the Deschutes River
Tumwater has several parks and access to area lakes, plus a golf club that was built around a series of springs that used to supply the Olympia Brewing Company’s brewing process. People tend to take it easy in Tumwater and enjoy visiting the parks or setting up a tee time. Brewery Park is one of the city’s most notable parks. When the historic Old Olympia Brewery closed in 2003, its land was donated to the city, creating the 15-acre park. It offers hiking trails and access to the Deschutes River, open for swimming, kayaking and canoeing. It’s also close to neighborhoods like Tumwater Hill. Plus, just south of the city is Millersylvania State Park.
Brewery Park is a tranquil escape with waterfalls and well-maintained walking paths.
Deschutes river is a major feature of the community.
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High amount of homeowners is Tumwater
The median price of a home in Tumwater is $520,000, about $100,000 higher than the national average. Tumwater’s housing stock is newer than Olympia’s, and most people own their homes. “Tumwater is a hidden gem,” says Peggy Costley, a Realtor with Windmere Real Estate – Marysville, who’s sold homes in the city. “I would say there’s a lot of pride in ownership.” Properties tend to be about 2,500 square feet, and many were built in the early 2000s. There are also manufactured home communities on the city’s west side.
Cottages can be found in the north side of the Deschutes neighborhood.
The Trosper neighborhood features newer developments with spacious two-story homes.
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Tumwater has shopping essentials, Olympia has shopping fun
Big box stores and national retailers can be found in shopping centers off Interstate 5. Local restaurants are within a mile of the busy interstate, and the local food selection includes Italian restaurants and pizza shops. The city also has a variety of breweries. For larger shopping trips or an evening out, most people drive 5 miles to Downtown Olympia, which has a bustling downtown with restaurants, bars and shops.
Safeway offers fresh produce in the Trosper neighborhood.
Mount Olympus Brewing serves up delicious craft beer and tacos.
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Tumwater Public Schools
The city is served by the Tumwater School District 33, which has a B-plus rating on Niche, and 12 campuses. The Tumwater Thunder Birds, the local high school team, brings the community out on game nights to watch football, basketball and volleyball.
Black Lake Elementary School serves grades K-6.
Tumwater High School has a student teacher ratio of 23-1.
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Driving between Tumwater and Olympia
Interstate 5 runs through the heart of Tumwater, leading north to Olympia. Cars are the primary way to get around the Olympia-Tumwater area and beyond, and there is public transit via Intercity Transit. Olympia Regional Airport is in the southeastern corner of Tumwater. Most people in the city don’t experience noise pollution from incoming and outgoing flights. The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is about 50 miles northeast.
The Old Olympia Brewery serves as a landmark along I-5 from Tumwater to Olympia.
Southeast Capitol Boulevard locals utilize the free bus routes to get around town.
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Crime in Tumwater
Tumwater is part of Thurston County, and according to the county's Sheriff's office, all violent crime rates generally stayed the same from 2022 to 2023, and property crime rates fell.
Written By
Conor Lobb
Photography Contributed By
Kory Ross
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Larry Weaver,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Tumwater, WA sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Tumwater, WA over the last 12 months is $545,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
SPECIAL FINANCING 3.875% FIXED FOR 5 YEARS for VA & FHA financing with preferred lender! Three Lake Crossing by Soundbuilt Homes. 45 New homes 8 floorplans w/ presales to customize & completed homes to move in right away with high end standard specs. 3cm slab counters throughout, open railings with iron balusters, fully landscaped and fenced yards and more! Lot 2 features the Juniper plan. This
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing, an exceptional new community of 45 homes by award-winning local builder SoundBuilt Homes. Pre-sales and completed homes available. Seven floor plans range from 2,191 to 3,162 sq ft, offering up to five bedrooms with bonus rooms, lofts, and dens. Enjoy high-end finishes throughout, including 3-cm slab countertops in quartz or granite in the kitchen and all
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing by award-winning Soundbuilt Homes! The Chinook Plan on Lot 38 offers open-concept living with a main-floor guest suite. Standard features include granite or quartz countertops, soft-close doors & drawers, open railings & LVP floors in main living areas. This home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, & fully fenced yard w/covered patio. The kitchen with eat-in island &
Enjoy lakeside living on Black Lake in Olympia with this waterfront gem! This home features brand-new hardwood floors, a remodeled bathroom, and a private EV charging station. With stunning lake views from your windows and community amenities like boat storage and direct lake access, this is the perfect spot for a peaceful, adventure-ready lifestyle.
SPECIAL FINANCING 3.875% FIXED FOR 5 YEARS for VA & FHA financing with preferred lender! Three Lake Crossing by Soundbuilt Homes. 45 New homes 8 floorplans w/ presales to customize & completed homes to move in right away with high end standard specs. 3cm slab counters throughout, open railings with iron balusters, fully landscaped and fenced yards and more! Lot 2 features the Juniper plan. This
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing, an exceptional new community of 45 homes by award-winning local builder SoundBuilt Homes. Pre-sales and completed homes available. Seven floor plans range from 2,191 to 3,162 sq ft, offering up to five bedrooms with bonus rooms, lofts, and dens. Enjoy high-end finishes throughout, including 3-cm slab countertops in quartz or granite in the kitchen and all
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing by award-winning Soundbuilt Homes! The Chinook Plan on Lot 38 offers open-concept living with a main-floor guest suite. Standard features include granite or quartz countertops, soft-close doors & drawers, open railings & LVP floors in main living areas. This home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, & fully fenced yard w/covered patio. The kitchen with eat-in island &
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing, an exceptional new community of 45 homes by award-winning local builder SoundBuilt Homes. Pre-sales and completed homes available. Seven floor plans range from 2,191 to 3,162 sq ft, offering up to five bedrooms with bonus rooms, lofts, and dens. Enjoy high-end finishes throughout, including 3-cm slab countertops in quartz or granite in the kitchen and all
LOT 35 COMPLETED HOME WITH MOVE IN READY, WASHER/DRYER/FRIDGE AND BLINDS !!!!!Three Lake Crossing by Soundbuilt Homes. 45 New homes 8 floorplans w/ presales to customize & 6 completed homes to move in right away high end standard specs. 3cm slab counters throughout, open railings with iron balusters, fully landscaped and fenced yards and more! Lot 35 features the Juniper plan. This 2493 sq ft
OUR LAST CEDAR PLAN .... PRESALE PICK YOUR COLORS....Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing, an exceptional new community of 45 homes by award-winning local builder SoundBuilt Homes. Pre-sales and completed homes available. Seven floor plans range from 2,191 to 3,162 sq ft, offering up to five bedrooms with bonus rooms, lofts, and dens. Enjoy high-end finishes throughout, including 3-cm slab countertops
Welcome to Three Lakes Crossing, an exceptional new community of 45 homes by award-winning local builder SoundBuilt Homes. Pre-sales and completed homes available. Seven floor plans range from 2,191 to 3,162 sq ft, offering up to five bedrooms with bonus rooms, lofts, and dens. Enjoy high-end finishes throughout, including 3-cm slab countertops in quartz or granite in the kitchen and all
Located at the end of a quiet dead-end street/cul-de-sac, clearly, this home sits on one of the best lots in the neighborhood! Meticulously maintained, this 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home boasts 1,985+/- sq. ft. and features newer LVP flooring throughout the main floor, heat pump (with A/C), and a private, park-like back yard, with a gazebo and storage shed, that overlooks the community greenspace. The
Beautiful custom home with stunning finishes and territorial views on a large potentially developable lot (buyer to verify).Features include wood floors, tall doors, two living areas w/gas fireplaces, built-in speaker system, and large windows for abundant natural light. Chef's kitchen w/eat in nook & formal dining. Spacious primary suite offers a 5-piece bath & private balcony. Enjoy two back
Start your day with coffee and pastry from the Wildwood Olympia Coffee and then wander back home to enjoy sitting on the back deck and overlooking your large, fenced lot with raised garden beds and the wrap-around porch of this piece of Olympia History. New bark and new gravel in the circular driveway. The Israel House was built in 1904 in the Foursquare American style with columns and wide porch
Michelle Mewhinney-AngelWindermere Real Estate Olympia
Discover your dream home in this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem featuring a versatile den and spacious bonus room! Perfect for modern living, this residence offers an open layout with bright, airy spaces that seamlessly blend style and functionality. Enjoy generous bedrooms and ample room for entertaining or creating your own retreat. Located in a desirable neighborhood close to schools,
Rockwell brings a brand-new type of urban living to Tumwater that you are sure to appreciate!With a variety of studio, 1-, & 2-bedroom floorplans to choose from, each apartment is thoughtfully designed with you in mind. Enjoy warm and inviting decor throughout the community, well maintained grounds, and ample parking for your convenience. Month to month leases at no additional
Tumwater Hill home with 3 bedrooms plus bonus room, 2.5 bath & 2567 sqft in Sunrise Ridge. Stainless Steel appliance package in kitchen with open concept leading into living room with gas fireplace. Spacious master bedroom with inviting 5 piece master bath, soaking tub, two walk in closets and vaulted ceiling. Formal living plus family room with gas fireplace, additional space and room in
Kingswood brings a brand-new type of urban living to Tumwater that you are sure to appreciate!With a variety of studio, 1-, & 2-bedroom floorplans to choose from, each apartment is thoughtfully designed with you in mind. Enjoy warm and inviting decor throughout the community, well maintained grounds, and ample parking for your convenience. We have a roof top lounge with pickleball
Prime corner retail space for lease in the iconic Chambers Block Building at the intersection of 4th Ave & Capitol Way - two of Downtown Olympia's busiest streets. Located in the heart of the Creative Arts District, this high-exposure storefront offers exceptional pedestrian and vehicle traffic, large display windows, and classic historic character. Position your business at one of the most
Welcome to Overlander Apartments! Here it's all about location. Situated in a beautiful wooded setting surrounded by nature, you might almost forget that you are only minutes from fine dining, shopping and recreation, and an easy commute to work. Overlander is also about quality, carefree living, and personalized service, too. Our large floor plans offer the features you've been looking for,
Breckenridge Apartments Homes offers spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom homes. Located on the gorgeous Somerset Hill, with views of the Olympic Mountains and Black Hills, you'll find living on top the hill an ease. We offer Self Guided Tours! Call Today to Schedule! 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms homes available. Enjoy the peaceful pace of urban living and the excitement of a vibrant city at your back
Tumwater's award winning community!Where prestige and convenience meet atop Sommerset Hill. Breckenridge Heights is surrounded by nature, with picturesque views of the Olympics, and the Black Hills can be seen from spacious one, two, and three bedroom apartment homes. First class amenities await you: swimming pool, racquetball, theater room, lounge, and residential business center.
Montair at Somerset Hill is tucked into a tree-lined community just blocks from historic Tumwater Falls, our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments for rent in Tumwater are private and pristine.
Lakeside Living for Active Adults 55+ – Walk to Ward Lake and Local Favorites!Welcome home to a vibrant 55+ community where comfort, connection, and convenience come together. Enjoy peaceful evening strolls around beautiful Ward Lake, just steps from your door — the perfect way to unwind and take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.Start your morning with a fresh brew from
HELLO DIFFERENTMagnificently huge red framed windows on the street side shine bright as you drive by. The windows aren't the only cool find you will see at this Industrial style building, an open deck off the back of the building is designed for all the tenants to enjoy.Well built urban Studios, corner 1 Bedrooms, and 2 Bedroom -2 Bath units ready NOW.
At Views on Fifth, we are committed to delivering unparalleled customer service in the apartment management community. Our mission is simple to go above and beyond for all our residents, ensuring you feel proud to call Views on Fifth your home.Our community reflects the essence of modern, luxurious living. With apartments that feature floor-to-ceiling windows that flood your space with
Located at the heart of Tumwater and nestled along the banks of the Deschutes River, Tumwater Hill stands out for its scenic parks and historic sites. Benefiting from its proximity to neighboring Olympia and Lacey, the community also offers plenty of entertainment options and activities. "There are many historical sites in Tumwater, such as the old brewery,” says Matt Murray, a decades-long resident and Realtor with Van Dorm Realty. “The Olympia Brewing Company was a significant beer factory founded in Tumwater. It's where the famous slogan ‘it's in the water’ originated. The beer brewers used water from artesian wells."
Constructed in 1906 along the Deschutes Valley Trail, the Old Olympia Brewery made way for a second building in 1934. The original structure ceased operations upon the completion of the second building in 2003. While the site is not open to the public, visitors can catch a glimpse of the historic architecture from the Tumwater Historic District. Other landmarks in this district include the Henderson House Museum, constructed in 1889; the Crosby House Museum, built in 1860; and the Schmidt House, completed in 1904.
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, a scenic 15-acre green space with waterfalls and walking trails, lies less than two miles from the community. Residents gather at Tumwater Falls to witness Chinook salmon returning from the Pacific Ocean. "The park overlooks the river," says Jessica Strauss Tomy, area resident and Program Aide for the city of Olympia Parks and Recreation. "One of the most exciting events at the Falls is during spawning season. People enjoy watching salmon jumping out of the water during the annual salmon run. It's fun to watch."
The dog-friendly Tumwater Hill Park has well-maintained trails and opportunities for wildlife watching. Overlook Point Park offers views of the entire city and downtown Olympia. Both green spaces also provide sweeping views of Mt. Ranier. Nearby, the Tumwater Valley Golf Club spans 10 acres, including 18 holes, and hosts community events like Trivia Nights, Father’s Day Brunch, and the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest.
Capital Boulevard SE serves as the central shopping and dining hub. This area has several national restaurants and retail chains, including Walmart and Safeway. Level Up Coffee Shop not only serves morning java and breakfast burritos but also hot dogs, smoothies and tamales for lunch before closing at 1 p.m. Hops on the Hill is an ideal spot for after-work or weekend hangouts, renowned for its craft beer and Texas-style barbecue. Percival Restaurant offers upscale American and seafood dishes in an elegant setting. Nearby Downtown Olympia beckons with its vibrant mix of boutiques, locally owned shops, theaters and nightlife.
Some homes on the hill offer views of Mt. Ranier. The neighborhood comprises single-family homes, though various housing options are available. Craftsman and contemporary homes, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, built in the 2000s, can range in price from $450,000 to $800,000. Condos and cottages under 1,000 square feet, built from the 1960s to the 1990s, are also available and can go for $300,000 to $450,000. Klahowya Estates also offers specialized manufactured homes for those aged 55 and older, priced between $260,000 and $360,000.
Education can begin at Tumwater Hill Elementary, continuing through Tumwater Middle School, and culminate at A.G. West Black Hills High School. All three schools earn a B-plus Niche grade. A.G. West is notable for its standout sports teams, such as equestrian and varsity girls' volleyball.
Capitol Boulevard SE has fare-free Intercity Transit bus stops, making local travel easy. Interstate 5 offers convenient access to nearby cities such as Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland. The Olympia Regional Airport on Old Highway 99 SE provides chartered flight services for air travel.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
