South Capitol, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
State workers, policy professionals, families, longtime residents.
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:
- Pioneer Elementary
- Washington Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: ~$620,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-North End (Tacoma)
-Grant (Salem)
Bigelow Highlands, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Artists, younger professionals, longtime creative residents.
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:
- Roosevelt Elementary
- Reeves Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: ~$480,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Columbia (Bellingham)
-Sellwood-Moreland (Portland)
Eastside, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Families, state workers, renters who want walkable blocks.
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:
- Madison Elementary
- Reeves Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: ~$450,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-North End fringe (Boise)
-Friendly Area west side (Eugene)
Westside, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Young professionals, educators, healthcare workers, families.
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:
- McLane Elementary
- Thurgood Marshall Middle
- Capital High
Median Home Price: ~$500,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Happy Valley (Bellingham)
-West Salem core (Salem)
Downtown Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Young professionals, remote workers, artists, service workers.
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.
Zoned Schools:
- Madison Elementary
- Reeves Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: Condos/townhomes around $420,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Opera Alley area (Tacoma)
-Downtown core (Eugene)
Wildwood, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Families, retirees, healthcare workers.
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.
Zoned Schools:
- McKenny Elementary
- Washington Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: ~$525,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-Rose City Park (Portland)
-Edgemoor scaled-down (Bellingham)
Cain Road, Olympia — Neighborhood Guide
Families, mid-career professionals, residents seeking stability.
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:
- Pioneer Elementary
- Washington Middle
- Olympia High
Median Home Price: ~$510,000
Similar Neighborhoods:
-South Gateway (Salem)
-South Hill fringe (Spokane)