Walking the streets of historic Downtown Olympia, or as the locals call it, “Downtown Oly,” reveals the city’s appreciation for creativity and innovation displayed through public art. From murals to Olympia’s Traffic Box Wrap project, the community streets become unofficial galleries. Downtown Olympia sits at the core of Washington’s state capital, offering scenic views of Capitol Lake and the Puget Sound. Along with a thriving local art scene, the area houses more than 450 businesses, serving as a hub for retail, business and culture. “Downtown Oly is a vibrant place for artists' programs and for artists to succeed,” says Matt Murray, a 20-year resident and Realtor with Van Dorm Realty, Inc. “The city supports local artists through programs such as the Olympia Art Alliance, and each year residents get to vote on public art projects like the traffic box wraps. Artists use these obscure traffic boxes on the side of the road as their canvasses and turn them into beautiful art. It’s really cool to see.”
A beautiful mural featuring the name if the city.
The capital building in Downtown Olympia.
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Murals, live shows and a costume parade
The Arts, Cultures and Heritage (ARCH) initiative funds Downtown’s Creative District, encompassing 30 blocks and houses over 100 creative businesses. The district includes record shops, galleries, performance venues, eateries and historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s, such as the Old Capitol Building. Downtown’s theatre experience includes the Washington Center for Performing Arts, which features comedy shows and jazz performances by artists like the Dmitri Matheny Band and Dungeons and Drag Queens, where the audience watches drag queens play a live DND game. Harlequin Productions offers rotating plays, cabarets and more, from local productions to major works such as Sweeney Todd and Pride and Prejudice. Sandwiched between the vintage clothing boutique Hot Toddy and the Compass Rose gift shop, is the SS T.J. Potter Historic Alleyway, a back pathway filled with murals. The alleyway reflects just one of the wall art displays downtown. The city has a self-guided tour with nearly 100 displays depicting activism, political statements and public figures. “One of the biggest celebrations of art would be The Olympia Arts Walk, which happens twice a year,” Murray says. “Many businesses transform their spaces into creative hubs for demonstrations and performances. And then there’s this quirky parade called the Procession of the Species, where people dress up like their favorite animals, walking around downtown with DIY and homemade animal costumes.”
Unique stores abound in Downtown Olympia.
Downtown Olympia is home to many unique and quirky cafe shops you can only find here.
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Long-standing businesses and eclectic cuisines
Downtown Oly’s shopping and dining choices are just as rich as the art scene. From American, Thai and Vietnamese to Mexican and South Indian, eclectic eateries and shops proudly state: “Locally owned is the way of life.” With the lake as its backdrop, downtown houses bookstores, apothecaries, and novelty shops within walking distance. String lights hang overhead from trees and between buildings, creating an illuminated canopy.
A staple in the community since 1975, Archibald Sisters is a fragrance and eccentric gift store that is the go-to for personal care essentials, with its anchor fragrance Oly Girl, a blend of rain and coconut and unconventional gifts like the emotional support chicken. Danger Room Comics imprints the arts scene with its collection of beloved visual images.
Hearty morning meals at coffeehouses, such as New Moon Cooperative Café, help start the day, while food trucks like Akashic Food Trailer serve South Indian-American dishes for lunch on the go. Dining al fresco with views of the lake from the decks of the Olympia Oyster House or Anthony’s Hearthfire Grill provides a relaxing way to end the week. Breweries rank high among favorites in Downtown Oly, with Well 80 Brewhouse offering classic pub fare and using artesian well water for brewing. “Cascadia Grill is the epitome of the Pacific Northwest,” says Murray. “They serve up Pacific Northwest dishes with a twist. They have pictures all over the walls of beavers, Bigfoot, and people who have gotten fame in the Cascadia region. We also have the 1889 Prime Steakhouse. It’s the bomb if you’re willing to spend $100. It’s the year when the state of Washington became a place.” The Olympia Farmers Market stays packed with residents and local farmers. It’s open year-round with vendors selling fresh produce, crafts and artisan foods. Traditional grocery shopping can be done at the Bayview Thriftway market.
Cascadia Grill's walls are adorned with celebrity's who have a connection to the North West.
Unique stores abound in Downtown Olympia.
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Homes under $1 million
The housing landscape comprises mainly townhouses and condo communities, some with sweeping lake views. The price ranges from $450,000 to $600,000, depending on square footage and amenities. The few available single-family homes lie near the Washington State Capitol and on the outskirts of either the Westside or Eastside of Downtown. These homes have modest front lawns and rest on single lots with an average of 2,000 square feet of interior living space. These detached homes are similar in price to the condos, with the price increasing depending on renovations and upgrades.
A stunning yellow craftsman style home in Downtown Olympia.
A charming home typical of Downtown Olympia's unique style.
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Outdoor events and drinking from artesian wells
Stretched across 24 acres, Heritage Park overlooks Capitol Lake, and its pedestrian paths are ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll while its amphitheater hosts events. Heritage is home to the annual Capital LakeFair, a summer carnival experience with a car show, live performances and rides, and concludes with a fireworks show. Percival Landing Park, a waterfront green space on Puget Sound, features a boathouse and offers a venue for casual gatherings and public events. Every year, the Percival Plinth Project showcases sculptures by local and regional artists. The Yashiro Japanese Garden provides a modest space with ponds, sculptures, and tranquil paths. Several artesian wells offer free water for refilling bottles along all green spaces in the area. “The wells run all day, and we can fill up as many jugs as we want with fresh water,” says Murray.
Heritage Park is a stunning outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
Downtown Olympia is a city you need to get out to enjoy fully.
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Top-rated schools and volunteer opportunities
Education can begin at Madison Elementary, which earns a B-plus Niche score. Washington Middle School earns an A rating, while Avanti High, which receives a B-plus, provides students with volunteer opportunities with Olympia Film Society and Harlequin Productions. They can also participate in community activism through local political parties and Thurston County Food Bank. When school is out, education continues at the Hands-on Children’s Museum with activities like pet parades, summer camps and field trips. The Puget Sound Estuarium also provides interactive learning experiences about marine life, allowing for up-close and personal encounters with animals.
Avanti High School in Olympia, WA.
Washington Middle School in Olympia, WA.
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Fare-free transit and pedestrian-friendly trails
Getting around town is made accessible via the Intercity Transit bus, a fare-free transit system. The community also has over 30 miles of bike lanes and 10 miles of pedestrian trails. Additionally, Interstate 5 runs through the community, providing a convenient way to travel north to Tacoma and Seattle.
Downtown Olympia is well served with public transportation.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Percival Landing Playground
Yashiro Japanese Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Capitol Lake Park
Beatty Memorial Park
Heritage Park
Sylvester Park
East Bay Public Plaza
Olympia Water Fountain
Port Plaza
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Olympia
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Olympia, Olympia sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Olympia, Olympia over the last 12 months is $507,000, down 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Close in Olympia lot, tucked away on a paved road, double lot, fairly private in a quiet area, Olympia Schools, Lot 2 has gone through Olympia's Planning and Development and is ready to build, selling both lots 1 and 2 for $115000 Contact the City of Olympia Urban Planning and Development for buildability.
First time on the market in nearly half a century! This Downtown Olympia mixed use building features a fully equipped 3,000+/- sq ft restaurant space with a bar on the lower level, and a separate entrance to the 7 studio apartments upstairs. The kitchen is stocked with fryers, stoves, spacious walk-in refrigerator, a type-1 hood, and more! Apartments are easily leased and below market, with coin
Unique Investor or Developer Opportunity in Downtown Olympia! Don't miss this one! Listing includes a duplex and 7-plex on one parcel and a leased parking lot. Under market rents, all tenants on month to month tenancy. Units offer a mix of studios and one-bedrooms. Parking spots lease for $30/mo with over 20 stalls! Close to downtown, waterfront, and shopping. Zoned UR (Urban Residential), allows
HELLO DIFFERENTMagnificently huge red framed windows on the street side shine bright as you drive by. The windows aren't the only cool find you will see at this Industrial style building, an open deck off the back of the building is designed for all the tenants to enjoy.Well built urban Studios, corner 1 Bedrooms, and 2 Bedroom -2 Bath units ready NOW.
Blending community, culture, and convenience to build beautiful urban spaces where people can live and thrive .Westman Mill Apartment homes are located on the old site of the first worker-owned cooperative plywood factory in Olympia comprised by Ed Westman in 1921. The investor-workforce plywood engineers set up shop and flourished into the 1950’s.This location now produced 87
Boardwalk Apartments is pleased to offer senior affordable living options for ages 62+. Income and age restrictions apply.Vibrant living in the heart of downtown Olympia is what youll discover at Boardwalk Senior Apartments. Our active senior living community is convenient to transportation, shopping, and healthcare. Entertain or rest and relax in your affordable 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, or
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,046
Median Age
42
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$36,000
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,724
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
48%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
99/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
