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Why Olympia Is So Livable (And Affordable)

By
Real Estate Agent with ION Properties

 


Photo courtesy of  Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau

 

Olympia isn’t just the capital of Washington state: It’s a family-friendly enclave offering up a great food scene, thriving arts & culture community, outdoor recreation, and affordable homes.

Here are a few reasons why you should make Olympia your home.


Legit foodie scene.

Mobile wood-fired pizza from Stone Creek Wood Fired Pizza? Tasty sandwiches at the Fifth Avenue Sandwich Shop? Or maybe head to the Iron Rabbit for a bacon and gorgonzola burger with a side of garlic fries? Yes, please!

Thriving center for fine arts & culture.

Film, theater, and fine arts are represented and supported by venues like The Olympia Film Society - who will be hosting their 32nd annual Olympia Film Festival from November 6-15, 2015 - and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts which hosts both local and global performances.

The kids aren’t left out of the scene with the option to visit the Hands-On Children’s Museum. Their mission is to stimulate “curiosity, creativity and learning through fun, interactive exhibits and programs for children, families and school groups.”

Year-round farmer's market.

Fresh, local produce is just a way of life, and one that’s supported by the year-round Olympia Farmer’s Market.

Local vendors sell everything from artisan foods like Olykraut (Olympia-based gourmet Sauerkraut producer), fresh baked bread from Blue Heron Bakery, and eat-in restaurant options for a bite while you shop.

Parks galore.

Olympia has over 900 acres of park land. That’s a lot of outdoor space. Most notable is Priest Point Park which offers opportunities to spot fox, deer, marine life or all of the above.

Interested in moving to Olympia? Have more suggestions for things to do in the area? Write a comment or message me below!

Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hey, John!  Welcome to ActiveRain.  You got my attention with the garlic fries, which I am not totally craving.

Oct 12, 2015 06:21 AM
John Grieco

Patricia Kennedy Thank you! I appreciate the support :)

Oct 12, 2015 07:47 AM
Cassandra V
Cypress, TX

Welcome to ActiveRain John and congrats on your first post. A year round farmer's market got my attention!

Oct 12, 2015 06:39 AM
John Grieco

Cassandra Vickers, MBA, MCNE Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed my post!

Oct 12, 2015 07:48 AM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

I have a few family members that used to live up there. If I wasn't so happy here, I might would move up there from all I've heard!

Oct 12, 2015 07:58 AM
Captain Wayne - Rowlett Real Estate School
Rowlett Real Estate School - Panama City, FL
Rowlett Real Estate School / Owner and Instructor

Welcome to ActiveRain, it's great to have you aboard.  I look forward to reading more of your blogs in the future.

Oct 12, 2015 07:58 AM
Maureen Fukumoto
Help-U-Sell Realty Pro - Mililani, HI
Maureen

I have family in Washington so I visit frequently.  I've never stopped by Olympia but you certianly make it sound inviting.

Oct 12, 2015 11:31 AM
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

John Grieco Congratulations on your first post here in the rain.  And good luck in Olympia with your career.

Oct 12, 2015 01:05 PM
John Grieco

Gary Coles Thanks so much!

Oct 15, 2015 06:27 AM
Gilbert Real Estate Experts: Colby & Michele Myers
Flat Fee Etc. Real Estate - Gilbert, AZ

I have been to Olympia, but it has been years.  Sounds like a great place.  Welcome to AR!

Oct 12, 2015 01:10 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, John Grieco what a nice "shout out" for Olympia Washington.... sounds like it's a place for everyone....with everything available....

Oct 12, 2015 09:45 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

and welcome to ActiveRain....it's a great platform to learn, share, market and network....and I hope you enjoy all of it....blog away.

Oct 12, 2015 09:45 PM
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Coldwell Banker Realty

John Grieco Welcome to Active Rain!  As REALTORS who have been here (on and off) for close to 9 years, it's well worth it!

Oct 12, 2015 11:13 PM
Mery Fernandez Empire Network Realty Luxury Brokerage
Empire Network Realty INC. - Orlando, FL
The Rise of An Empire, Let's Build Yours!

Hi John!! Welcome to the world of Activerain, may your blogging  create a whole new chapter in your Real Estate Career.

Oct 13, 2015 12:35 AM
John Grieco

Mery Fernandez Empire Network Realty Luxury Brokerage Thank you!

Oct 15, 2015 06:26 AM
Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert
Zion Realty - Gilbert, AZ
Broker/Owner of Zion Realty ZionRealtyAZ.com

Good morning John and welcome to Active Rain! Local food trucks and farmers markets are a great cultural scene!

Oct 13, 2015 02:27 AM
John Grieco

Nicole Doty - Gilbert Real Estate Expert Thanks so much! Yes they have quite a vibrant community in Olympia :)

Oct 15, 2015 06:26 AM
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

Welcome to ActiveRain, any place that has wood fired pizza and a year round farmers market is OK in my book! Have a great week.

Oct 13, 2015 04:31 AM
John Grieco

Stefan Winter Thanks so much!

Oct 15, 2015 06:25 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Welcome to ActiveRain, and I couldn't read any further than the gorgonzola and bacon burger.....  I'm so hungry now.

Oct 13, 2015 05:02 AM
John Grieco

Kat Palmiotti Thanks for reading my post! Yes, their menu sounds incredible.

Oct 15, 2015 06:24 AM
Jack Tenold
Jack Tenold LLC - Spokane, WA
Specializing in Reverse Mortgages

Good morning John and welcome to Active Rain.  Hoping that your association with AR is fantastic.   Nice photo of the capital building and a nice pitch for living in Olympia.   My wife's cousin has lived there for many years and now has an outstanding home with a view of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. 

Oct 14, 2015 03:35 AM
John Grieco

Jack Tenold, NMLS 10261 Reverse Mortgage Specialist Washington | Oregon | California - refinance & purchase Thanks so much. Yes it's definitely an overlooked city :)

Oct 15, 2015 06:24 AM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Welcome to ActiveRain John Grieco .

Great information about the capital city Olympia. And very good first post on ActiveRain.

Oct 14, 2015 03:29 PM
John Grieco

Praful Thakkar Thanks so much! 

Oct 15, 2015 06:23 AM
Mel Ahrens, MBA, Kelly Right Real Estate
Kelly Right Real Estate - Hood River, OR
Customized Choices for your Real Estate Needs

Olympia is just one of the many great places in the Pacific Northwest.  Welcome to Active Rain.

Mel

Oct 18, 2015 04:23 PM