Why Live in West Bay Drive
West Bay Drive in Olympia is a neighborhood known for its diverse housing options, including custom-built hillside homes with bay and downtown views, modern condos, and houseboats at West Bay Marina. Many homes feature second-floor decks and large east-facing windows to maximize water views. The northern part of the neighborhood is dominated by West Bay Woods, limiting housing inventory. West Bay Park offers coastal walking paths, picnic areas, and a small beach along Budd Inlet, while West Bay Woods provides a nature trail popular with mushroom hunters. The Olympia Country & Golf Club, located about a mile north, offers an 18-hole golf course with views of Puget Sound. Boating, fishing, and paddleboarding are common activities, with many residents keeping boats at West Bay Marina or The Olympia Yacht Club. Dining options within the neighborhood are limited, with Tugboat Annie’s being a notable seafood spot. However, the vibrant downtown Historic District, just 1 to 2 miles away, features local shops, bars, restaurants, and the renowned Olympia Farmers Market. The neighborhood is well-connected via West Bay Drive, providing easy access to downtown Olympia, Harrison Avenue, and the shopping centers in West Olympia, including Capitol Mall. Public transportation is available, with buses running regularly along West Bay Drive. The highly rated Olympia School District serves the area, with Jefferson Middle School and Capital High School receiving high marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Bay Drive a good place to live?
West Bay Drive is a good place to live. West Bay Drive is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. West Bay Drive has 4 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 46. The average household income is $112,139 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 56% of residents. A majority of residents in West Bay Drive are home owners, with 33.9% of residents renting and 66.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Bay Drive can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Bay Drive neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Bay Drive?
The median home price in West Bay Drive is $555,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $111,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,810 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $120K a year to afford the median home price in West Bay Drive. The average household income in West Bay Drive is $112K.
What are the best public schools in West Bay Drive?
The best public schools that serve West Bay Drive are:
- Jefferson Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.3.
- Capital High School has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 21:1 and an average review score of 3.7.
- Avanti High School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.0.
What are the best private schools in West Bay Drive?
The best private schools that serve West Bay Drive are:
What are the most popular zip codes in West Bay Drive, Olympia, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Bay Drive, Olympia, WA?
Are home prices dropping in West Bay Drive?
Yes, home prices in West Bay Drive are down 28% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in West Bay Drive, WA
On average, homes in West Bay Drive, Olympia sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Bay Drive, Olympia over the last 12 months is $450,000, down 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$450,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$380,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$638,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$607,500
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$280,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$377
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median List Price
$555,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
13%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-36%