Photo:Adam ParentRochester is part of the Olympia area. This page covers the whole metro.
Photos and reviews come from Google Maps and show single places, not the whole area. Reviews are the most relevant ones Google returns for each place. We show the longest highly rated review under 400 characters and, when there is one, the longest low-rated review. Google doesn't verify reviews but removes fake ones when it finds them.
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.”
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”
“The schools in Olympia are very good. My son goes to a school out by Yelm Hwy…”
“Filibuster makes great cocktails and The Brotherhood always has a good crowd.”
From 8 resident comments about meeting people and the social scene.
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. Meetup has a lot of Olympia specific groups...”
Read the full commentOne 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! Still friends with someone from Tacoma I met in a Discord...”
Read the full commentOne resident suggested meeting people through activities like the climbing gym, running clubs, group bike rides, and the mountaineers instead of dating apps and groups.
“Instead of dating apps and groups, try meeting people through avenues like the climbing gym, running clubs, group bike rides, the mountaineers,...”
Read the full commentOne resident shared that after almost 8 years living in Olympia, they became more withdrawn and struggled to form close friendships.
“I've been here almost 8 years and have just become more of a hermit and have struggled to make close friend connections. My partner has been in...”
Read the full commentOne 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.
“I moved here two years ago. I am a remote worker and it is a STRUGGLE. Bumble BFF has basically been useless. I feel like it’s hard to break into...”
Read the full commentOne 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. It is beautiful here and I love...”
Read the full commentOne 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.
“It's not a dating group per se but a great way to meet people. Bring your own snacks/drinks/booze. Sit quietly in public. Be it a park, a bar,...”
Read the full comment"Filibuster makes great cocktails and The Brotherhood always has a good crowd."
One resident mentioned the cost of living has increased dramatically since they arrived.
“Cost of living has increased dramatically. Beautiful place though. Lots of fun to be had when you know what you're looking for and what groups...”
Read the full commentOne resident says some parts of Olympia have a cohesive neighborhood feel while other parts feel like strip mall hell, though outdoor access is great.
“Some parts of Olympia have a cohesive neighborhood vibe; others feel like strip mall hell. Access to outdoor stuff is great. Food out is...”
Read the full commentState 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. The pay was CRAP at first but the jump overall was worth it.”
Read the full commentOffice 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. there's also education reimbursement and other training opportunities. i...”
Read the full commentPick a month. A dot means residents talked about that time of year.
One resident says summers are amazing with great weather from June to September or early October, while the rest of the year is wet and chilly.
“Summers are amazing. From June to September/early October, the weather is great. The rest of the time it's wet and chilly. Not so much rainy and...”
Read the full commentOlympia is not considered a food town, though it is pretty and close to nature.
“Olympia is not a food town. It's very pretty and easy to get out into nature. Public transit is free. There are parks, farmer's market, indie...”
Read the full commentSquaxin Park and the Evergreen campus offer easy, low effort trails near the water.
“Squaxin Park and 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...”
Read the full commentBilly Frank Jr. Nisqually is mentioned as a beautiful spot to see wildlife like herons.
“Went to Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually yesterday for the first time and saw this beautiful heron. I’m wondering about similar pretty places or the best...”
Read the full commentThe Lacey library is a comfy spot for remote work, with Fog and Fern nearby for coffee.
“The lacey library. Comfy, Fog and fern near by is great if you need a coffee break and has good food, too. 2y ago Pawsific North West Cafe.”
Read the full comment“It's very pretty and easy to get out into nature.”
What's nearby
Within 5 miles of the center of the Olympia area.
Counts from OpenStreetMap, a volunteer map, so small or new places can be missing. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What rent costs
Of about 36,677 rented homes in the Olympia area, 74% rent for under $2,000 a month and 97% for under $3,000.
Census American Community Survey 2019 to 2023 (table B25063). Gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Today's asking rents for open apartments usually run higher.
Public schools
8 public school districts in this county, with about 41,826 students in all. Which one serves a home depends on its address.
NCES Common Core of Data 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics. Varro doesn't rate or rank schools. For test results and programs, see each district's site and your state's school report card.