Why Live in Downtown Olympia
Downtown Olympia, known locally as “Downtown Oly,” is a vibrant neighborhood at the heart of Washington’s state capital, offering scenic views of Capitol Lake and the Puget Sound. The area is renowned for its thriving local art scene, with public art projects like murals and the Traffic Box Wrap project turning streets into galleries. The Creative District spans 30 blocks and includes over 100 creative businesses, such as record shops, galleries, and performance venues. Notable attractions include the Washington Center for Performing Arts and Harlequin Productions, which offer a variety of shows and performances. The neighborhood hosts events like The Olympia Arts Walk and the quirky Procession of the Species parade. Dining options are diverse, featuring American, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, and South Indian cuisines, with popular spots like the Olympia Oyster House and Well 80 Brewhouse. Shopping includes unique stores like Archibald Sisters and Danger Room Comics. Housing primarily consists of townhouses and condos, with some single-family homes near the Washington State Capitol. Heritage Park and Percival Landing Park provide green spaces for recreation, while the Yashiro Japanese Garden offers a tranquil retreat. Education is supported by highly rated schools such as Madison Elementary, Washington Middle School, and Avanti High. The neighborhood benefits from a fare-free transit system and extensive bike lanes and pedestrian trails, with Interstate 5 offering easy travel to Tacoma and Seattle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Olympia a good place to live?
Downtown Olympia is a good place to live. Downtown Olympia is considered very walkable and a biker's paradise with good transit options. Downtown Olympia is a suburban neighborhood. Downtown Olympia has 20 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.2 people per acre and a median age of 42. The average household income is $59,724 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 48% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Olympia are renters, with 93.9% of residents renting and 6.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Olympia can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Olympia neighborhood guide.
Is Downtown Olympia, WA a safe neighborhood?
Downtown Olympia, WA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 8 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Olympia?
The median home price in Downtown Olympia is $512,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $102,400 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,650 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $114K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Olympia. The average household income in Downtown Olympia is $60K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Olympia?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Olympia are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Olympia?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Olympia are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Olympia, Olympia, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Olympia, Olympia, WA?
Are home prices dropping in Downtown Olympia?
Yes, home prices in Downtown Olympia are down 27% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Downtown Olympia, WA
On average, homes in Downtown Olympia, Olympia sell after 13 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Olympia, Olympia over the last 12 months is $440,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$440,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$546,990
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$160
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
2
Median List Price
$512,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%
