Olympia is the kind of small Pacific Northwest capital that often surprises people. It’s political, of course, but also creative and has a calmness that comes from being surrounded by water and trees. Downtown sits at the southernmost tip of Puget Sound, with views that feel much bigger than the city’s population. You see Mount Rainier in the distance, and it is surrounded by quiet inlets wrapping around the edges of town.

Olympia isn’t a smaller Seattle or Tacoma. It’s quieter, easier to navigate, and everything sits on a manageable scale. The farmers market is a big part of local life, and the waterfront paths get steady use because they’re right there, not a big excursion. You don’t get a lot of flash, although that can be true for most of the state, but you do get a city that functions at a pace most people can live with. There’s also a steady creative presence, including small venues, local arts events, and workshops that run year-round.

For movers who want access to Puget Sound without the intensity of Seattle or the sprawl of Tacoma, Olympia offers a more contained, livable option.

LookyLoo Review of Living in Olympia, Washington

Daily life in Olympia usually centers on a few familiar places. Locals regularly walk the loop around [**Capitol Lake** ](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/capitol-lake-trail)or take the path along [**Percival Landing**](https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/parks___recreation/percival_landing/index.php)**.** Stops at the [**Olympia Farmers Market**](https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/) for produce and prepared foods. [**Priest Point Park**](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/priest-point-park) gets steady use for short hikes, and families often hit up the [**Hands On Children’s Museum**](https://www.hocm.org/) on weekends.

Going out tends to mean a visit to [**Well 80**](https://well80.com/), [**Olympia Coffee Roasters**](https://www.olympiacoffee.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooSwYgP2rnXxMWULPrUpmodEd2Hh68ZTYuZSI65u5gd4cMPQre_), or one of the breakfast spots near downtown. Local arts events can be found at venues such as the [Washington Center for the Performing Arts](https://www.washingtoncenter.org/), [Olympia Little Theatre,](https://olympialittletheater.org/) and the small galleries along Fourth Avenue. The scale of the city makes these routines easy; nothing requires much driving or planning.

Check out the [Olympia calendar of events](https://www.experienceolympia.com/events/) to see what locals get up to throughout the year.&#x20;

We highly recommend visiting Olympia and staying in the community at a \[VRBO]\(https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) instead of a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can also receive discounted fares on travel through our \[partnership with Expedia]\(https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ).

Lifestyle in Olympia

Olympia’s work life is largely government employment and small creative businesses. The State Capitol drives many jobs, which brings nice stability, and a culture of public service. The city has plenty of policy professionals, educators, early childhood workers, planners, and a large community of remote workers who left Seattle or Portland in search of easier and cheaper living. They're well-served by coworking spaces like [EverWork](https://everworks.space/)[s ](https://everworks.space/)and [Regus at the WSECU Building](https://www.regus.com/en-us/united-states/washington/olympia/the-wsecu-building-3366?utm_source=google_uberall\&utm_medium=places\&utm_campaign=uberall\&utm_content=uberall).&#x20;

There’s also a strong nonprofit sector and a wide range of service jobs, especially around downtown and the Westside. Tech isn’t concentrated here, but remote tech workers are common.

Commuting to Tacoma or JBLM is possible but rarely preferred daily. Olympia works best for people who can work locally or remotely and want a grounded daily pattern.

Worklife in Olympia

The Olympia School District (OSD) serves most of the city and gets solid marks. On Niche it ranks #14 out of 231 Washington school districts for “Best School Districts in Washington,” and [receives an "A" Rating](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/olympia-school-district-wa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).&#x20;
Below are some of the standout schools by level — good to know whether you’re looking for elementary, middle, or high school options.

### **Elementary Schools**

* [Pioneer Elementary School](https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-elementary-schools/t/olympia-thurston-wa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Overall Grade: **A**. Ranked #126 out of Washington elementary schools. Student-teacher ratio: \~17:1.&#x20;
* [Centennial Elementary School](https://www.niche.com/k12/search/best-public-elementary-schools/t/olympia-thurston-wa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Grade: **A**. Ranked #128 in the state for elementary schools.&#x20;
* [McKenny Elementary School](https://www.niche.com/k12/mckenny-elementary-school-olympia-wa/) — Grade: **A-**, noted in Niche for a strong community feel.&#x20;

### **Middle Schools**

* [Washington Middle School](https://www.niche.com/k12/washington-middle-school-olympia-wa/) — Overall Grade: **A**. One of the higher-ranked middle schools in Olympia with \~21:1 student-teacher ratio.&#x20;
* [Reeves Middle School ](https://www.niche.com/k12/reeves-middle-school-olympia-wa/)— Grade: **A-**. Smaller enrollment (\~389 students) and solid marks.&#x20;

### **High Schools**

* [Olympia High School](https://www.niche.com/k12/olympia-high-school-olympia-wa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) — Overall Grade: **A**. Ranked #24 out of \~430 public high schools in Washington. Student-teacher ratio \~23:1.&#x20;
* [Capital High School](https://www.niche.com/k12/capital-high-school-olympia-wa/) — Grade: **A-**. More than 1,300 students; noted variety in program choices including Running Start (college credit) options.&#x20;

**Key Takeaways**
-Across the board, the district performs above average relative to most Washington districts and plenty of families move here for the quality of the schools.&#x20;
-If you’re moving, check specifically which school your address is zoned for; boundaries matter.
-While the larger high schools have more programs and options, they also have larger student populations and the typical trade-offs in size

Schools in Olympia

skibumbw
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Without knowing what a quality life means to you, I’ll try to answer some of your questions objectively and then with my context.

Crime is never as bad as it seems. We have a larger than average population of people visibly living without permanent shelter and many see this as “crime”. There IS a higher incidence of petty crimes nearby some of the encampments. One thing a lot of people miss is the white collar and non-criminal antisocial behavior that goes down in and around the Capitol campus.

We have some of the best access to nature compared to anywhere in the world. Now that nature is frequently wet, grey, second growth evergreen forests but it’s close! We also have one of the most interesting marine environments, again with a caveat that it is murky and cold. (I am crazy enough to gear up and explore both because it’s worth the challenge).

We have a very high cost of living, but that is balanced with a decent social support system (for the USA), good transportation (free transit!), and interesting if a bit sleepy downtown. We’re close to “big” cities of Seattle and Portland and SeaTac is a pretty awesome airport to connect to other places when you get bored.

We also don’t pay a state income tax but the cost of rent or real estate really soaks a lot of that savings.

We have the second best beer in the country (unapologetic former Vermonter here trying to start fights) because our water is famously pretty tasty.

Our winters are dark and rainy but damn, our summers are awesome (til the smoke arrives). I miss snowy winters from New England but don’t miss shoveling snow.

Bring a happy lamp, ensure you make enough money, and don’t fear the rain and you’ll be fine.

For more reviews of what living in Olympia is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/petaluma/reviews). [<u>https://lookyloomove.com/locations/olympia/reviews</u>](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/petaluma/reviews)

Reviews of Living in Olympia, WA from Locals

**Q: Is Olympia more affordable than Seattle or Tacoma?**
A: Yes. Housing and daily costs are consistently lower, making Olympia a more manageable option for people who want access to Puget Sound without big-city expenses.

**Q: Is Olympia good for remote workers?**
A: It works well. Internet infrastructure is strong, and coworking options are plentiful.  The quieter pace helps with focus, but there are also tons of coffee shops if you need a little buzz to go with your work.&#x20;

**Q: What’s winter in Olympia like?**
A: Expect long stretches of gray and steady rain, typical for the South Sound. Summers are mild and beautiful.

**Q: Is downtown Olympia safe?**
A: It has some challenges, including property crime and visible homelessness, but most residents feel comfortable when they’re aware of their surroundings and choose the blocks that fit their comfort level.

**Q: How long is the drive from Olympia to Seattle?**
A: About an hour without traffic. With traffic, it can run significantly longer. People with flexible schedules manage it best.

**Q: Is outdoor access in Olympia good?**
A: Yes. Parks, trails, and waterfront areas are immediately accessible. Olympia is also a launch point to the Olympics, Mount Rainier, and the South Sound inlets.

**Q: Are the schools in Olympia good?**
**A:** Olympia schools perform well, receiving an "A" grade on niche.com.  Particularly strong arts programs and deeply engaged communities.

Olympia FAQ

**The Vibe:**
South Capitol sits just south of the Capitol Campus and feels like Olympia’s classic historic district. Streets are lined with older homes from the early 1900s, many well-preserved. The neighborhood is walkable and shaded by mature trees. Residents value proximity to downtown without its noise and the sense of long-term community on every block.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Pioneer Elementary](https://pioneer.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Washington Middle](https://washington.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$620,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[North End (Tacoma)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/tacoma)
-[Grant (Salem)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/salem)

State workers, policy professionals, families, longtime residents.

South Capitol, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Bigelow Highlands is one of Olympia’s oldest neighborhoods and has a distinctive character. Houses are modest but charming, streets are lined with mature trees, and the area has a subtle bohemian energy. It feels lived-in and authentic. Walkability is good, and it attracts residents who appreciate history and community texture.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Roosevelt Elementary](https://roosevelt.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Reeves Middle](https://reeves.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$480,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Columbia (Bellingham)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/bellingham)
-[Sellwood-Moreland (Portland)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/portland)

Artists, younger professionals, longtime creative residents.

Bigelow Highlands, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Eastside is a family-centric neighborhood with a mix of mid-century and newer homes. It's a hardcore dog walking spot, but with a commercial district that has small cafés and boutique shops. It's also quick to downtown, making it one of Olympia's most practical neighborhoods, convenient but still firmly residential.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Madison Elementary](https://madison.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Reeves Middle](https://reeves.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$450,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[North End fringe (Boise)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/boise)
-[Friendly Area west side (Eugene)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/eugene)

Families, state workers, renters who want walkable blocks.

Eastside, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Westside is appreciated for being one of Olympia's more convenient neighborhoods. You get a mix of quieter residential streets and nearby commercial corridors. Locals include young professionals and younger families who crave the solid stock of houses. Homes range from compact mid-century houses to larger ranch-style properties. The vibe is practical and steady.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [McLane Elementary](https://mclane.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Thurgood Marshall Middle](https://marshall.osd.wednet.edu/)
-[ Capital High](https://capital.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$500,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Happy Valley (Bellingham)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/bellingham)
-[West Salem core (Salem)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/salem)

Young professionals, educators, healthcare workers, families.

Westside, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Downtown Olympia is the city’s most urban area with decent condo and apartment living options, waterfront promenades, bookstores, cafés, and a noticeable creative presence. It’s walkable and full of young professionals and remote workers fleeing the more expensive coastal cities. Residents choose downtown for the proximity to culture, shops, the water, and, of course, if you work at the Capitol.&#x20;

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Madison Elementary](https://madison.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Reeves Middle](https://reeves.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** Condos/townhomes around **$420,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Opera Alley area (Tacoma)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/tacoma)
-[Downtown core (Eugene)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/eugene)

Young professionals, remote workers, artists, service workers.

Downtown Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Wildwood sits in Southeast Olympia and feels tucked away. Streets are quiet, homes are older but well cared for, and families tend to stay for years. It’s a calm residential pocket with immediate access to parks and shops. The streets are lined with sidewalks so the kiddos can ride to the parks.&#x20;

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [McKenny Elementary](https://mckenny.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Washington Middle](https://washington.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$525,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[Rose City Park (Portland)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/portland)
-[Edgemoor scaled-down (Bellingham)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/bellingham)

Families, retirees, healthcare workers.

Wildwood, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

**The Vibe:**
Cain Road is a popular residential neighborhood for families in Southeast Olympia. Houses range from mid-century homes to newer construction. The streets are quiet so families feel safe walking the doggos and riding bikes with the kiddos. The neighborhood has steady access to parks and main routes without feeling busy.

**Zoned Schools:**&#x20;
\- [Pioneer Elementary](https://pioneer.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Washington Middle](https://washington.osd.wednet.edu/)
\- [Olympia High](https://olympia.osd.wednet.edu/)
**Median Home Price:** \~**$510,000**
**Similar Neighborhoods:**&#x20;
-[South Gateway (Salem)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/salem)
-[South Hill fringe (Spokane)](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/spokane)

Families, mid-career professionals, residents seeking stability.

Cain Road, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide

Olympia

Winter\_Essay3971
10mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Lived near Olympia in Lakewood for most of a year once. Very familiar with the city, know a couple people there. Some uncollected thoughts:

COL is about the same as COS, it looks like. Median 1BR rents in a few cities you've looked at:

* Colorado Springs: $1432
* Olympia: $1470
* Eugene: $1391
* Vancouver WA: $1442
* Bellingham WA: $1395 So no huge differences between any of them.

Olympia seems like a good fit for you culturally. It is liberal for a town of 50,000 people but not really overwhelmingly so. That progressive/democratic socialist vibe is strongest in the downtown, but Lacey and Tumwater ("suburbs" of Olympia) feel more casually light-blue. Plenty of cafes and bookstores. The more outskirt-y parts of the Olympia area are a mix of standard suburban developments and more "country" looking houses with rusty pickups.

I would say it's easier to make friends there than in Seattle because people are less career-oriented. Olympia is too far out from Seattle for most people to commute, so the white-collar professionals in Olympia are mostly not Type A folks at Amazon or Microsoft, but folks who work for the state of Washington or are a pediatrician or financial planner or some kind of lawyer serving the Thurston County area. Thurston County is also just not a geographically big area, so people will be more likely to have time after work to hang out, and not be exhausted from their commute.

It's a fantastic place to be if you want nature access. Capitol State Park is practically right in town, and you're also close to Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens, as well as the Olympic Peninsula. I would mention that the Washington coast itself may not be as scenic as you're expecting, but that changes as you get closer to Long Beach and Astoria.

skibumbw
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Without knowing what a quality life means to you, I’ll try to answer some of your questions objectively and then with my context.

Crime is never as bad as it seems. We have a larger than average population of people visibly living without permanent shelter and many see this as “crime”. There IS a higher incidence of petty crimes nearby some of the encampments. One thing a lot of people miss is the white collar and non-criminal antisocial behavior that goes down in and around the Capitol campus.

We have some of the best access to nature compared to anywhere in the world. Now that nature is frequently wet, grey, second growth evergreen forests but it’s close! We also have one of the most interesting marine environments, again with a caveat that it is murky and cold. (I am crazy enough to gear up and explore both because it’s worth the challenge).

We have a very high cost of living, but that is balanced with a decent social support system (for the USA), good transportation (free transit!), and interesting if a bit sleepy downtown. We’re close to “big” cities of Seattle and Portland and SeaTac is a pretty awesome airport to connect to other places when you get bored.

We also don’t pay a state income tax but the cost of rent or real estate really soaks a lot of that savings.

We have the second best beer in the country (unapologetic former Vermonter here trying to start fights) because our water is famously pretty tasty.

Our winters are dark and rainy but damn, our summers are awesome (til the smoke arrives). I miss snowy winters from New England but don’t miss shoveling snow.

Bring a happy lamp, ensure you make enough money, and don’t fear the rain and you’ll be fine.

Anonymous
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Agreed 100%. Olympia is a super great place to live and raise kids. Born and raised here and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. DT is not nearly as bad as people may say. A lot of the time it’s people from out of town who are conservatives and bitch about how the liberal cities are hell holes for drugs and homelessness (which btw red cities/states have plenty of those problems as well if not worse than Oly). So anyways, “crime” is a pretty board term. But I’m safe walking around DT. Sure there’s some petty crimes going on but I never seen anyone get murdered on the streets here. As long as you don’t actively go out of your way to provoke any kind of trouble you’re fine.

> **Living in Olympia WA - What You Should Know**

California

Michigan

Minnesota

New Jersey

New York

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado’s appeal is multilayered. Of course, there are the Rockies—snow-capped peaks, ski resorts, and Instagrammable vistas—but beyond the obvious, the state reveals itself in its micro-regions and quirks.

Denver has grown into a full-fledged metro, attracting industries from aerospace to fintech. Neighborhoods like RiNo and Cap Hill pulse with murals, independent bookstores, and some of the best third-wave coffee west of the Mississippi. Yet, 20 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Golden, a once-sleepy brewery town now thriving with young families, hikers, and mountain bikers—all while still housing Coors’ giant facility.

Boulder, perched between rugged wilderness and intellectual ambition, is equal parts Patagonia fleece and startup pitch decks. It’s home to Naropa University (the country’s only accredited Buddhist-inspired school) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, reflecting the state’s unique mix of spiritual curiosity and scientific rigor.

To the north, Fort Collins flies a little under the radar but boasts Colorado State University, a jumping historic downtown, and enough breweries to rival cities twice its size. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs feels like a different state altogether—home to multiple military installations, it leans more conservative but surprises visitors with epic natural landmarks like Garden of the Gods and the quirky artist enclave Manitou Springs, where mineral springs bubble out of old-timey fountains.

Then there are the mountain towns that get less attention than Aspen or Vail:

- Salida: An artsy river town known for whitewater festivals and a historic downtown dotted with galleries.
- Paonia: Tucked on the Western Slope, it’s where organic farmers, artists, and winemakers coexist—a quieter, greener slice of Colorado.
- Crested Butte: A former mining town turned "wildflower capital of Colorado," still fiercely local despite its world-class skiing.
- Leadville: The highest-elevation incorporated city in the U.S., with Wild West vibes, antique shops, and a reputation for producing ultra-endurance athletes.

- Even Pueblo, long dismissed as a steel town, is experiencing a mini-renaissance—check out its green chile scene, which locals claim beats New Mexico’s any day.


**Lifestyle**

Colorado is all about the blend: high-intensity outdoor pursuits and laid-back social life. People measure days by powder totals or trail mileage, but they’re equally serious about craft beer, local music, and farm-to-table brunch.

There’s a statewide obsession with gear—ski racks are practically standard issue—and the unspoken dress code skews toward Patagonia puffer jackets, trail runners, and trucker hats. Even at upscale restaurants, you’ll find Gore-Tex mingling with linen.
Summer weekends revolve around farmers' markets, mountain festivals (like Telluride Bluegrass), and patio culture, where people sip IPAs while their dogs lounge nearby. Yes, 
Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country—don’t be surprised to see pups on brewery patios, hiking trails, and even paddleboards.

The weed industry is fully mainstream here—legal since 2012, dispensaries now sit next to yoga studios, and CBD drinks are common on menus. Despite the outdoor glamour, winters can drag, especially along the Front Range, where weeks of “brown season” (dry, gray winter days) test your patience if you’re not skiing every weekend.


**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Outdoor Diehards: Skiers, mountain bikers, climbers, and trail runners all build their lives around nature’s calendar.

- Remote Workers: Many are now settling in places like Buena Vista, Pagosa Springs, or Ouray for mountain views and coworking spaces that offer reliable fiber internet.

- Young Professionals: Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins attract college graduates seeking startup jobs in tech and a social scene that is outdoorsy and active.

- Families: Suburban areas such as Louisville, Superior, and Castle Rock provide excellent schools, greenbelts, and proximity to both the city and the mountains.

- Military & Veterans: Particularly in Colorado Springs, where military bases and VA services have a significant presence.

- Artists, Creatives, and Off-Gridders: These individuals are moving to smaller towns like Paonia, Crestone (known for its spiritual retreats), and Trinidad, where former mining towns are being transformed into vibrant art communities.

**Worklife** 

**Major Industries:**

- Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and dozens of military installations fuel this sector.

- Tech & Startups: Boulder leads, but Denver is fast catching up with expansions from Google, Amazon, and a strong venture capital scene.

- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and countless health-tech startups.

- Outdoor Rec & Tourism: A massive industry—from ski resorts to bike gear startups like Yeti Cycles.

- Renewable Energy & Green Tech: Solar farms, wind energy, and electric vehicle infrastructure are booming, especially east of Denver.

- Craft Beer & Cannabis: Both industries are major employers and cultural forces. Denver’s Great American Beer Festival draws thousands annually.

The work culture here is serious about productivity but just as serious about play. Flex hours are common—so is the “Friday early out” to chase powder or head to the hills. People here don’t brag about work hours—they brag about the number of 14ers climbed.

**Why Move Here Now?**

Colorado’s mix of economic opportunity and lifestyle remains hard to beat, but the secret’s long been out. Housing costs—especially in Denver, Boulder, and mountain towns—are steep. Still, the “live where you vacation” dream is possible, especially if you’re strategic about location.

Remote work has made previously overlooked places—think Montrose, Rifle, or Florence—more appealing. These towns offer affordability, mountain access, and emerging arts scenes without the crowds or costs of Summit County.
Meanwhile, climate-conscious infrastructure investments and Colorado’s renewable energy push are attracting a new wave of green tech talent. If you’re looking for a place where your weekends feel like a vacation, your weekdays pay the bills, and your backyard is the view—Colorado still delivers.

Just be ready for the quirks: expect your weather app to lie, brace for spring hailstorms, and know that people here take their green chile—and their Broncos—very seriously.

Colorado

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Virginia offers a little bit of everything—beaches, busy cities, historic towns, mountain views, and adventures for the outdoorsy types.  Families can find charming colonial neighborhoods to settle in or a tech-driven suburb, and young professionals (or families) will find cities known for culture and lifestyle (tons of breweries) —and none of it feels out of place.

Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax get a lot of attention for their young professional scene, government jobs (shaky right now but still), and shiny high-rises. But head west, and things shift—Charlottesville, Richmond, and Roanoke are growing fast, thanks to lower housing costs, beautiful scenery, and thriving food and arts communities.
And yes, Virginia’s got beaches. Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle while still keeping you within driving distance of larger cities.
Lifestyle 

Virginia balances history and modern life better than most. There are amazing historic landmarks and battlefield tours, but it’s also a growing tech hub, home to a solid craft beer scene, and packed with outdoor activities—from hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains to kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay.

Public schools, especially in Northern Virginia, are notably strong, with Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ)  in Alexandria frequently rated the #1 public high school in the country. You get four distinct seasons, plenty of small-town festivals, and easy access to both mountains and beaches. Outdoor lovers will feel right at home.


**Who’s Moving to Virginia?**

- Families: Especially to Northern Virginia and Richmond suburbs for the schools, safety, and space.

- Young professionals: Drawn to government (prepare for this to change), tech, and consulting jobs in DC-adjacent areas like Arlington and Alexandria.

- Retirees and second-home buyers: Looking for less expensive mountain views or coastal living.

- Military families: With large bases in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Quantico.


**Worklife**

Virginia has a strong job market with several major industries driving growth:

- Government and defense: Big in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads although federal jobs are disappearing. 

- Tech and data centers: Amazon HQ2 in Arlington and Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley”

- Healthcare and education: UVA, VCU, and major hospital networks

- Tourism, shipping, and military: Especially along the coast

The state consistently ranks as one of the best for business. Salaries are strong, especially near DC, though the cost of living is higher there too. Farther south or west, your money goes a lot further.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Virginia is hitting a good stride—a strong economy, a cultural boost in mid-sized cities, and more opportunities popping up beyond the DC suburbs. If you want East Coast energy without New York or Boston prices, Virginia’s a great option.
There’s a lot to like: solid job prospects, a wide range of places to live, and easy access to nature. Remote workers are starting to notice cities like Charlottesville and Richmond for their charm and affordability. And if you’re in tech, Amazon’s expansion means even more jobs on the horizon.

Bottom Line: Move for the jobs, stay for the mountain views, farmers markets, and the fact that you can hike on Saturday and hit the beach on Sunday. Virginia’s got space for you


Virginia

Massachusetts

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, driven by a combination of economic opportunity, natural beauty, and a more reasonable cost of living than many large metro areas on the East Coast. For people looking to bail on expensive cities like New York, Boston, or D.C., North Carolina’s growing mid-sized cities hit a sweet spot—offering urban energy without the overwhelming cost or scale.

Charlotte and Raleigh remain the fastest-growing hubs, but what’s fueling the state’s appeal are cities like Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville. These places have seen significant investment in arts, culture, and local businesses, creating vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods while maintaining accessibility and affordability. Wilmington, with its historic riverfront and proximity to beaches, adds a coastal option with similar momentum.

North Carolina offers a blend of lifestyles—from dense city cores to suburban communities and small mountain or coastal towns—all within a state that delivers four distinct seasons and easy access to both the Atlantic and the Appalachians.

**Lifestyle** 

Living in North Carolina means having access to almost every kind of landscape and lifestyle you can imagine. The mountains of western North Carolina, including the Blue Ridge and Smokies, draw hikers, climbers, and people looking for small-town life with incredible scenery. Asheville anchors the region with a nationally recognized food scene, music venues, craft breweries, and a progressive arts community—all surrounded by nature.
Along the coast, places like Wilmington, New Bern, and the Outer Banks offer a completely different pace of life—historic charm, beach towns, and maritime culture.

In between, North Carolina’s mid-sized cities have grown into dynamic cultural hubs. Durham, once defined by tobacco warehouses, is now a food, music, and startup center, balancing grit and growth. Greensboro and Winston-Salem have embraced their history while building arts districts, indie music venues, and foodie scenes that attract newcomers looking for quality of life without the price tag of bigger cities.
Outdoor recreation is baked into the lifestyle—weekends are often spent hiking, kayaking, hitting the coast, or exploring dozens of state parks. Meanwhile, urban centers keep adding restaurants, music festivals, museums, and farmers markets that make daily life feel rich and varied.

Housing costs have risen, particularly in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, but remain notably more reasonable compared to cities like D.C., New York, or Boston. Mid-sized cities and suburbs still offer affordable homeownership options, which continues to draw families, young professionals, and retirees.


**Who’s Moving to North Carolina?**

Young professionals and remote workers: The combination of job opportunities and lifestyle has put places like Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte on the map. Increasingly, mid-sized cities like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville are drawing remote workers who want cultural amenities without the high price tag.

- Families: Good schools, growing suburbs, and attainable home prices make North Carolina a top choice for families leaving higher-cost states. Suburban areas around Raleigh and Charlotte, like Cary or Huntersville, are growing fast.

- Retirees: North Carolina is a retirement destination—particularly western towns like Asheville, Hendersonville, and Boone, or coastal towns like New Bern and Southport, where people are drawn to the mild climate and slower pace of life.

- Tech, biotech, and finance workers: Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle remains a major driver of growth, along with Charlotte’s powerhouse banking sector. Mid-sized cities are seeing a ripple effect as people seek affordability near these job centers.


**Worklife** 

North Carolina’s economy is diverse, which has helped it stay resilient and attractive to new residents:

- Tech, biotech, and healthcare: The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) is home to major universities, research parks, and a growing number of startups and tech companies. This area competes nationally for talent.

- Finance and banking: Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the U.S., home to Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo, Truist, and others.

- Education: With strong public universities and private colleges, education remains a huge employer, feeding into the region’s research and innovation economy.

- Tourism, arts, and service industries: The mountains and coast pull in millions of visitors each year, supporting a growing tourism economy that fuels restaurants, shops, and creative industries in cities and small towns alike.

- Remote work is also changing the landscape, as people relocate from expensive markets to cities like Asheville or Wilmington, seeking a better work-life balance without sacrificing culture or community.


**Why Move Here Now?**

North Carolina is in that rare window of growth where the state feels exciting but still livable. While housing costs are rising, they remain manageable compared to the Northeast or West Coast. Newcomers are often surprised at how much house—or quality of life—they can afford here.

The job market is strong, especially in tech, biotech, finance, and education, and there’s momentum in the arts, food, and cultural scenes, particularly in mid-sized cities that still feel accessible.

If you’re looking for a place that offers career opportunities, space to explore, and a more affordable cost of living—all without sacrificing culture—North Carolina’s cities, especially its rising mid-sized ones, are worth a serious look.


North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Maryland might be one of the smallest states by land area, but it feels expansive in the variety of places, landscapes, and cultures you’ll find here. Locals sometimes call it “America in Miniature”—and it fits. Within a few hours, you can go from the crab houses and maritime history of the Eastern Shore to the rolling farmland and horse country of Howard and Carroll counties, then up into the Appalachian foothills in Western Maryland.

Baltimore—gritty, beautiful, and still deeply local—anchors the state with its historic brick row houses, growing arts scene, and a complicated but evolving identity. It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Fells Point to the indie shops and music venues in Hampden. Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland draw researchers, students, and healthcare workers, while the Port of Baltimore keeps the city tied to global trade.

The DC suburbs—places like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, and College Park—are among the most diverse in the country. They’re fast-paced, career-driven, and home to major employers in tech, healthcare, defense, and international policy. Montgomery County consistently ranks high for public school systems, while Prince George’s County—once overlooked—is booming with development and homeownership among Black professionals.

Then there’s the Chesapeake Bay—arguably Maryland’s emotional center. Fishing villages, waterfront towns, and a deep-rooted culture of crabbing and boating shape life here. In places like St. Michaels or Solomons, watermen traditions meet weekenders from DC.


**Lifestyle** 

Maryland is a state of contrasts:

- Outdoors: Summers bring locals out for blue crab feasts, sailing regattas, and Eastern Shore beaches like Ocean City or Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam. Hikers find solace in the Catoctin Mountains or the Maryland stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In the fall, leaf-peeping in western Maryland rivals New England.

- Suburban Professional: Many Marylanders are commuters, with highways like I-270 and the Capital Beltway packed every weekday. Work-life here often revolves around careers in government contracting, federal agencies, or research labs.

- Cultural: Baltimore punches above its weight in music, art, and food. It's home to quirky traditions like the annual HonFest, while the nearby suburbs offer concert venues, museums, and some of the country's best public libraries.

- Education-Focused: With several nationally ranked school districts, plus colleges like UMD College Park, Loyola, and St. John’s in Annapolis, education drives many families’ choices.

The cost of living is high in the DC metro area—Montgomery County and Howard County are expensive but offer great schools and amenities. Meanwhile, Baltimore City and parts of the Eastern Shore remain relatively affordable, though income disparities can be stark.


**Who’s Moving to Maryland?**

- Government and Defense Professionals: With NSA, NIH, and countless government contractors, Maryland is a hub for federal careers.

- Healthcare and Biotech Workers: The state’s economy is built around giants like Johns Hopkins, the University of Maryland Medical System, and a growing biotech corridor around Gaithersburg and Rockville.

- Families: Strong school systems, safe suburbs, and access to both urban and rural life make it a prime target for families.

- Nature and Water Lovers: The Bay, mountains, and access to the Atlantic draw people who don’t want to choose between city life and nature.


**Worklife**

Maryland boasts some of the highest median incomes in the country, but it comes with a cost. Key industries include:

- Government, Defense, and Cybersecurity (Fort Meade, NSA, countless Beltway contractors)

- Healthcare and Life Sciences (Johns Hopkins, NIH, biotech firms in the I-270 corridor)

- Port and Shipping (Baltimore’s port is one of the busiest on the East Coast)

- Education (Universities, research centers, and public school systems)

Maryland’s job market tends to be resilient especially near D.C.—especially in recession-proof industries like healthcare, science, and in prior administrations, federal government work. High wages can offset higher living costs, particularly in areas like Montgomery County.


**Why Move Here Now?**

Baltimore is changing -- neighborhood revitalization, a growing arts scene, and affordable historic homes make it a city to invest in. The DMV’s tech and biotech boom means Maryland’s share of the tech and life sciences boom is growing fast, especially in Montgomery County and the suburbs along I-270.

Waterfront and small-town charm aplenty, with coastal towns offering an escape that feels worlds away from DC but still within reach for weekends or remote work. Finally, access without total commitment: Maryland lets you plug into DC’s energy, Baltimore’s grit, or nature’s calm—all without fully committing to just one lifestyle.


Maryland

Washington is not what most people around the country think if their view is based solely on the Emerald City. You’ve got Seattle, yes — the tech hub with glassy towers, expensive lattes, and endless cranes reshaping the skyline. But Washington’s story is bigger and weirder than that.

Head east and you hit the Cascades, where towns like Leavenworth lean hard into their Bavarian cosplay — full-on Alpine architecture and Christmas markets, even in summer. Cross those mountains and the state turns dry, golden, and wide open — apple orchards, hops fields, and wine country roll through the Yakima Valley and Walla Walla. It’s a different state over there, one that cares more about rodeos and crop yields than whatever Seattle’s latest zoning fight is about.

There’s also the pocket-sized, artsy cities people don’t talk about enough — Bellingham, tucked up near the Canadian border with its crunchy, outdoorsy vibe and a local ski hill just 30 minutes up the road; Olympia, the capital, where the punk music scene still has a pulse and the farmers market is the real social center; and Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport town known for wooden boat festivals and a whole lot of ghost stories.

What keeps people here is the geography — Puget Sound, the Olympics, Mount Rainier looming massive. There’s a certain stubborn pride about how many people own a kayak and know how to dig their clams. You don’t have to go far to find someone who will try to convince you their corner of Washington is the best — whether that’s a foggy coastal town, a moss-draped mountain pass, or a sunny plateau east of the mountains. And honestly, they’re all kind of right.



**Lifestyle** 

Living here means you learn to live with the weather — or love it. Western Washington’s gray season lasts months, but the long, golden summer days make up for it. The east side flips the script — hot, dry summers and winters that mean snow.

People are big on the outdoors, but not in a performative way. It's less Instagram hiking and more “this is just what we do.” Mountain biking in the Cascades, skiing at Stevens Pass, trail running in the Issaquah Alps, or mushroom hunting when the rains come — the connection to nature runs deep.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here — it’s baked in. You’ll see people line up to return compost buckets at the farmers market or debate which salmon run needs protecting. There’s a hyper-local food scene, from oyster farms like Hama Hama to foraged nettles making their way into restaurant menus.

Housing is a mixed bag. Seattle and the Eastside (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland) are expensive, with median home prices well above $900k. But smaller cities like Spokane or the Tri-Cities offer more space and sunshine without completely unplugging you from the economy.



**Who’s Moving to Colorado?**

- Tech folks chasing jobs at Amazon, Microsoft, and the sprawl of startups. The Eastside suburbs — Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish — are full of transplants figuring out the PNW way.

- Families looking for good schools, parks, and the rare suburban neighborhood where you can still walk to a coffee shop (Issaquah and North Bend, looking at you).

- Outdoor types — climbers, paddlers, skiers — folks who want a job and mountains in their backyard. Bellingham and Wenatchee both punch above their weight for this crowd.

- Healthcare and education workers — UW, WSU, major hospital systems, and growing biotech hubs keep the state anchored beyond tech.

- And increasingly, people just looking for a lifestyle shift — artists, remote workers, folks burned out on California or Texas sprawl — are finding their way here.



**Worklife**

The job market stays solid, especially if you’re in:

- Tech: Seattle’s core, Bellevue’s new skyscrapers, and a growing remote scene

- Aerospace: Boeing’s still big, even if quieter than it once was

- Healthcare: especially in Seattle and Spokane

- Agriculture: apples, cherries, hops, and wine rule Eastern Washington

- Shipping and trade: major ports in Seattle and Tacoma keep global goods moving

The interesting thing is how the economy balances — world-class tech and scrappy farming towns coexist, sometimes uneasily, but it works.



**Why Move Here Now?**

Washington’s still growing, but in ways that give you choices. Yes, Seattle’s pricey, but places like Spokane, Bellingham, and even Bremerton are growing fast without feeling like polished suburbs yet. The access to nature is unbeatable, but what might surprise people is how distinct each region feels.
You could live where you’re skiing before work, or where you’re sipping wine on your porch at sunset. You could be downtown for an Amazon meeting or out in the San Juans watching orcas. Washington has range — that’s the real sell.


City Size

Region

City Type

Olympia, Washington

Oly

Looklyloo Score: 90