Why Live in Bigelow Highlands
Bigelow Highlands in Olympia is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood known for its historic charm and proximity to Puget Sound. The area features extended sidewalks along State Street, making it easy to walk from Downtown Olympia. The neighborhood is home to the Bigelow House Museum, the oldest residence in Olympia, dating back to the 1850s. Housing options include charming ramblers and bungalows, typically offering between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet of space. Many homes are set back from the street with large front lawns, and the neighborhood is characterized by its large trees and lush greenery, reminiscent of a rainforest. The Bigelow Neighborhood Association (BNA) actively engages in community beautification and hosts events like picnics, barbeques, and an Annual Block Party. Bigelow Springs Park, spanning 1.5 acres, offers views of East Bay and features an artesian well, grassy areas for picnics, and activities like Big Little Yoga. Dining options include Zoe Juice Bar, 5th on 4th Sandwiches, State & Central, and Left Bank Pastry. For groceries, Ralph’s Thriftway and the Olympia Farmers Market are nearby. The neighborhood is served by highly rated schools, including Roosevelt Elementary, Reeves Middle, and Avanti High. Public transportation is convenient with Intercity Transit bus stops along State Avenue NE, and the I-5 expressway provides easy access to Tacoma and Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bigelow Highlands a good place to live?
Bigelow Highlands is a good place to live. Bigelow Highlands is considered fairly walkable and a biker's paradise with good transit options. Bigelow Highlands has 2 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 42. The average household income is $88,406 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 59.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Bigelow Highlands are renters, with 51.3% of residents renting and 48.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Bigelow Highlands can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Bigelow Highlands neighborhood guide.
Is Bigelow Highlands, WA a safe neighborhood?
Bigelow Highlands, WA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Bigelow Highlands?
The median home price in Bigelow Highlands is $584,990. If you put a 20% down payment of $117,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,030 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $130K a year to afford the median home price in Bigelow Highlands. The average household income in Bigelow Highlands is $88K.
What are the best public schools in Bigelow Highlands?
The best public schools that serve Bigelow Highlands are:
- Olympia High School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 23:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Reeves Middle School has an A- Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 17:1.
- Avanti High School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
What are the best private schools in Bigelow Highlands?
The best private schools that serve Bigelow Highlands are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Bigelow Highlands, Olympia, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Bigelow Highlands, Olympia, WA?
Home Trends in Bigelow Highlands, WA
On average, homes in Bigelow Highlands, Olympia sell after 203 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Bigelow Highlands, Olympia over the last 12 months is $395,000, up 76% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$395,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$395,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$797,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$309
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$584,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
25%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
76%