Why Live in South Westside
South Westside in Olympia is a diverse neighborhood with a range of housing options developed over the 20th century. Home styles include historic 1920s-era properties like the Spanish revival-style Edward Anderson home, midcentury cottages, and contemporary two-story houses. The neighborhood's residential streets form a grid pattern, with alleyways behind many homes in the northern part, while the southern part features open driveways. Green spaces are abundant, with evergreens and grassy yards common throughout. Capitol Lake, located on the east side, is surrounded by popular greenspaces such as Heritage Park and Marathon Park, offering scenic walking and running trails. Decatur Woods Park provides a playground and small athletic fields. South Westside is bordered by major shopping centers like The Olympia West Center, Capital Mall, and Capital Village Shopping Center, which include supermarkets, boutiques, and a movie theater. Dining options range from fast-food chains to local favorites like El Sarape, with more diverse eateries found in the nearby Olympia Downtown Historic District. The neighborhood hosts events such as the annual Capital Lakefair and various running events around Capitol Lake. Harrison Avenue and U.S. Route 101 provide easy access to downtown Olympia, Tumwater, and Interstate 5, with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 55 miles away. Public schools in the area, including Julia Butler Hansen Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Middle School, and Capital High School, are highly rated and offer a 1:1 Chromebook program for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Westside a good place to live?
South Westside is a good place to live. South Westside is considered car-dependent and bikeable with some transit options. South Westside is a suburban neighborhood. South Westside has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.6 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $70,405 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 38.3% of residents. A majority of residents in South Westside are renters, with 68.6% of residents renting and 31.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving South Westside can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
South Westside neighborhood guide.
Is South Westside, WA a safe neighborhood?
South Westside, WA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 7 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in South Westside?
The median home price in South Westside is $775,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $155,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $4,020 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $172K a year to afford the median home price in South Westside. The average household income in South Westside is $70K.
What are the best public schools in South Westside?
The best public schools that serve South Westside are:
What are the best private schools in South Westside?
The best private schools that serve South Westside are:
What are the most popular zip codes in South Westside, Olympia, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near South Westside, Olympia, WA?
Home Trends in South Westside, WA
On average, homes in South Westside, Olympia sell after 131 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South Westside, Olympia over the last 12 months is $755,000, up 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$755,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$745,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$4,997,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$680
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$775,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
34%