Tacoma & South Puget Sound
Olympia, Washington
City
Washington's capital city on Budd Inlet
Olympia is Washington's capital city, set at the southern tip of Puget Sound with a walkable downtown, a working port and a strong arts community.
History & Local Character
Named for the Olympic Mountains, Olympia was platted in 1850 and became the territorial and then state capital, shaping a government-based economy.
Housing & Real Estate
Historic homes on the west side, downtown apartments and newer townhomes in the northeast.
Restaurants & Shopping
Downtown along Capitol Way and Fourth Avenue holds seafood, Thai restaurants, bakeries and breweries.
Schools & Education
Olympia School District serves the city, with The Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College.
Parks & Recreation
Percival Landing, Priest Point Park and the Woodard Bay preserve give the city waterfront and estuary access.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-5 runs along the city's east side; Intercity Transit provides free-fare bus routes across the urban area.
Local Businesses
State government contractors, law firms, breweries, restaurants and independent retail.
No businesses are listed in Olympia yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Washington State Capitol
- Percival Landing
- Priest Point Park
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Government and higher education jobs
- Walkable downtown and farmers market
- Strong arts scene
Considerations
- High housing costs for the region
- Wet, overcast climate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Washington State?
Olympia is the capital of Washington, with the Legislative Building and most state agencies located in the city.