Why Live in Wilderness
Wilderness in Olympia, WA, features a mix of late-midcentury ranch-style homes, two-story houses, and contemporary developments with Craftsman design elements. The neighborhood includes upscale condos on the south side near Yelm Highway. The Wilderness Property Owners’ Association HOA maintains the area’s manicured appearance, though custom homes add unique character, especially on the north side. Homes typically range from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. The neighborhood has a low crime risk, with a crime score well below the national average. Wilderness lacks extensive public outdoor spaces but offers trails connecting to LBA Park, which features a playground and baseball fields. Nearby Ward Lake provides boating and fishing opportunities, while Pioneer Park in Tumwater offers soccer leagues and trails along the Deschutes River. The Chehalis-Western Trail, popular with cyclists, is just a mile west. Shopping and dining options are less than 2 miles away at Yelm Highway and College Street, with more extensive options in downtown Olympia and central Lacey. The neighborhood is known for its elaborate Christmas and Halloween decorations. Primary travel routes include Yelm Highway and Boulevard Road, with bus routes connecting to Olympia and Lacey transit centers. Wilderness is 4 to 5 miles from downtown Olympia and the Washington State Capitol Campus, and just over 15 miles from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The nearest full-service medical center, Providence St. Peter Hospital, is under 5 miles away, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 50 miles distant. Schools in the area, including Centennial Elementary, Washington Middle, and Olympia High School, are highly rated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilderness a good place to live?
Wilderness is a good place to live. Wilderness is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Wilderness is a neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Wilderness has 2 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 39. The average household income is $88,733 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 49.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Wilderness are home owners, with 44.9% of residents renting and 55.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Wilderness can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Wilderness neighborhood guide.
Is Wilderness, WA a safe neighborhood?
Wilderness, WA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Wilderness?
The median home price in Wilderness is $435,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $87,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,250 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $96K a year to afford the median home price in Wilderness. The average household income in Wilderness is $89K.
What are the best public schools in Wilderness?
The best public schools that serve Wilderness are:
What are the best private schools in Wilderness?
The best private schools that serve Wilderness are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Wilderness, Olympia, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Wilderness, Olympia, WA?
Are home prices dropping in Wilderness?
Yes, home prices in Wilderness are down 23% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Wilderness, WA
On average, homes in Wilderness, Olympia sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilderness, Olympia over the last 12 months is $435,000, down 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$435,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$435,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$629,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$230
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$435,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-31%
