Olympia has parks, a farmer's market, and easy access to nature, though it is not known for food. (Reddit, Reddit)
As the state capital, Olympia offers decent job availability, though some residents report a tough hiring climate. (Reddit, Reddit)
Housing in Olympia is seen as more affordable than Seattle or Portland, making it attractive to newcomers. (Reddit)
Residents describe Olympia as having a laid back, hippie leaning culture alongside good schools. (Reddit, Reddit)
Some newcomers struggle to build a social circle, with repeated posts asking how to make friends. (Reddit)
“It's very pretty and easy to get out into nature.” (a resident)
Who tends to love Olympia, WA
Outdoor enthusiasts: Numerous parks, trails, and kayaking spots offer easy access to nature and wildlife.
Coffee and food fans: Residents praise local coffee roasters, specific restaurants, and favorite dishes around town.
State and municipal job seekers: Government hiring sites and long term trajectory in state jobs are seen as solid options.
General impressions
Olympia is not considered a food town, though it is pretty and close to nature. It's very pretty and easy to get out into nature.(Reddit)
One resident said Olympia has a vibe similar to other recommended Washington towns but a bit more punk vibe is very similar, but maybe a little more punk in Olympia(Reddit)
One resident said working remotely from Olympia sometimes makes them feel like they are still part of the community. I work remotely from Olympia sometimes and t is really nice to feel like I am still a part of the(Reddit)
One resident described Olympia as a decent area with cheaper housing than Seattle Metro and a short drive from Portland Housing prices are typically cheaper than the Seattle Metro and as you said you're a short drive from both Portland(Reddit)
Outdoors and trails
Squaxin Park and the Evergreen campus offer easy, low effort trails near the water. the Evergreen campus have some nice trails to/near the water, less of a hike and more a casual meander, but close by and low on(Reddit)
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually is mentioned as a beautiful spot to see wildlife like herons. Nisqually yesterday for the first time and saw this beautiful heron.(Reddit)
One resident mentions smaller bike parks nearby in Tacoma and Gig Harbor along with Mima and Fall Creek areas used by youth. Swan creek and 360 in Tacoma and Gig harbor are great smaller bike parks(Reddit)
One resident recommends hiking to the beach at Evergreen college, Burfoot park, Squaxin park trails, and Watershed forest walk. Hike to the beach at Evergreen college, or Burfoot park, or hike the trails at Squaxin park(Reddit)
Food and coffee
The Lacey library is a comfy spot for remote work, with Fog and Fern nearby for coffee. Comfy, Fog and fern near by is great if you need a coffee break and has good food, too.(Reddit)
"Olympia coffee roasters is the best coffee shop in the state all around." Olympia coffee roasters is the best coffee shop in the state all around.(Reddit)
One resident listed favorite restaurants including Chelsea Farms, Chicory, Old School, Coffee Pub NW, Sushi House, Valentina's, Katsu Burger, and Seoul. Chelsea Farms - Chicory - Old School - Coffee Pub NW - Sushi House - Valentina's(Reddit)
One resident said Old School and Vics have good pizza slices, with Herfy's Burgers as their personal favorite and Basil Leaf also tasty. Herfy's Burgers are my personal fave(Reddit)
Nightlife and social
"Filibuster makes great cocktails and The Brotherhood always has a good crowd." Filibuster makes great cocktails and The Brotherhood always has a good crowd.(Reddit)
Jobs and work
Office assistant and custodial jobs are described as good entry points into local work. office assistant jobs and custodial work are a great foot in the door.(Reddit)
State jobs can start with low pay but one resident said the long term trajectory was worth it. Was able to secure a permanent position within 3 months and work up from there.(Reddit)
Governmentjobs.com is recommended as the main site for municipal hiring across Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. It's the main website for all municipal hiring (Cities of Olympia, Lacey, Tunwater also State(Reddit)
One resident said the job market is especially bad in Olympia compared to elsewhere. the job market is bad everywhere but Olympia is especially bad(Reddit)
Family and schools
"The schools in Olympia are very good. My son goes to a school out by Yelm Hwy…" My son goes to a school out by Yelm Hwy and it's one of the best in the state.(Reddit)
Tumwater, Olympia, and Lacey or North Thurston districts are all described as good for raising kids. All three major towns and school districts in the Olympia area (Tumwater, Olympia, Lacey/North Thurston) are good places to live and for kids.(Reddit)
One resident enjoyed a visit that included the farmers market, downtown, a dinosaur themed restaurant, parks, and Capitol Forest. We hit up the farmers market, explored downtown, ate with the dinosaurs, explored parks, visited Capitol Forest(Reddit)
One resident believes Olympia is the best place between Portland and Seattle to raise kids and praises ORLA for homeschool support. You chose the best place between Portland and Seattle to raise your kids(Reddit)
Making friends
One resident said Olympia has many hobby groups that meet during the week, and Meetup has a lot of Olympia specific groups. Olympia has a lot of hobby groups -- people that meet up during the week to socialize and do stuff(Reddit)
One resident said local Discord groups can be a great way to set up meetups and make friends, noting they are still friends with someone from Tacoma they met that way. Local Discord groups can actually be awesome to set up meetups and make friends!(Reddit)
One resident suggested meeting people through activities like the climbing gym, running clubs, group bike rides, and the mountaineers instead of dating apps and groups. try meeting people through avenues like the climbing gym, running clubs, group bike rides, the mountaineers(Reddit)
Dating
One resident said that as a remote worker who moved to Olympia two years ago, it has been a struggle, and Bumble BFF has basically been useless because it is hard to break into the social scene. Bumble BFF has basically been useless. I feel like it's hard to break into(Reddit)
One resident said their social life has become almost nonexistent since moving to Olympia and that dating is not even worth considering, despite loving the area's beauty. My social life has become all but nonexistent since moving to Olympia. Don't even think about dating(Reddit)
One resident suggested that rather than a dating group, a casual meetup where you bring your own snacks and sit quietly in public is a great way to meet people. Bring your own snacks/drinks/booze. Sit quietly in public. Be it a park, a bar,(Reddit)
One resident said they go to Oly Taproom or Beerwerks to try to meet single people after a decade in the area. I'd go to Oly Taproom or Beerwerks. I've been in the Olympia area for about a decade now.(Reddit)
What Olympia, WA is known for
Oly Old Time Festival (February): Annual music event with concerts, jams, and dance calling
Heritage Festival (May): Cultural heritage celebration
Capital City Pride Festival (June): Pride festival in Olympia
Olympia Harbor Days Festival (September): Festival celebrating maritime heritage with tugboat shows and races
More on Olympia, WA
The full Varro guide adds rent and home prices, local taxes, schools, healthcare, getting around, weather by month, and a quiz that shows how Olympia, WA fits what you want.