Question 1

Who founded Olympia, and when was the city incorporated?

Accepted Answer

American settlers, Levi Lathrop and Edmund Sylvester, claimed the townsite in 1846; four years later, they founded and named the city Olympia in 1850. In 1859, Olympia, WA, was officially incorporated as a city.

Question 2

Where is Olympia, WA?

Accepted Answer

Olympia is the capital city of Washington, located at the southern tip of Puget Sound in Thurston County. It sits roughly 60 miles southwest of Seattle and 100 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon. The capital city's location on Budd Inlet provides residents with easy access to both the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. The city's coordinates are approximately 47.0379&deg; N, 122.9007&deg; W, in longitude and latitude.

Question 3

What amenities does the city of Olympia have for residents?

Accepted Answer

Olympia offers a wide range of amenities for residents, including waterfront parks, hiking and biking trails, farmers markets, community centers and vibrant cultural attractions. Locals and tourists can also visit the State Capitol Building, Capitol Lake, explore the Historic District and tour the Port of Olympia.

Question 4

What attractions are in Olympia, WA?

Accepted Answer

The city features the Hands On Children's Museum, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington State Capitol and the Olympia Farmers Market, one of the largest in the region. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby destinations such as Percival Landing, Priest Point Park, Squaxin Park, Millersylvania State Park, Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, Capitol Peak and Capitol State Forest. For shopping and dining, residents have access to historic downtown Olympia, Capital Mall, as well as modern retail centers and a diverse array of restaurants.

Question 5

What are the major industries in Olympia, WA?

Accepted Answer

Olympia's regional economy is driven by government employment, healthcare, retail, education, professional services, port-related activities and technology.

Question 6

Who are the largest employers in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

The most significant employers in Olympia include JPMorgan Chase, Thurston County, Penske Logistics, State Farm Insurance, Walmart, Costco Wholesale, Albertsons/Safeway, St. Peter Hospital, the State of Washington and the Olympia Port.

Question 7

How is the cost of living in Olympia compared to similar West Coast cities?

Accepted Answer

According to PayScale, Olympia's cost of living is approximately 12% higher than the national average. However, when compared to other large Pacific Northwest cities, including Seattle, Washington; Tacoma, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; San Francisco, California; and San Jose, California, the cost of living in Olympia is lower.

*Last updated on 9/25/2025. The cost of living in cities can fluctuate for several reasons.

*Last updated on 9/25/2025. The cost of living in cities can fluctuate for several reasons.

Question 8

What are the current home prices in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

As of August 2025, the median sale price in Olympia is approximately $531,000, up about 4.7% from the previous year (Redfin), while the median listing price is approximately $598,700, down roughly 2.6% year-over-year (Realtor).

Question 9

Why choose Olympia over Seattle or Tacoma?

Accepted Answer

According to locals, Olympia offers a more relaxed pace of life, with a smaller-town feel and a strong sense of community. Olympia has beautiful scenery, access to nature, and a lower cost of living. Not to mention the benefits of living in the state capital.

Question 10

How is public transportation in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

Intercity Transit provides public transportation in Olympia. They have bus routes, Dial-A-Lift services and vanpools throughout Thurston County. The system connects residents to neighboring cities, including Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm, with routes that link to regional transit systems for travel to Seattle and Tacoma. Many residents appreciate Olympia's bike-friendly infrastructure, which features trails and lanes that facilitate a seamless integration of cycling with bus service, providing a convenient and affordable commute option.

Question 11

What are the average temperatures in Olympia, WA?

Accepted Answer

Olympia has a mild oceanic climate, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The coldest month is typically December, when average highs reach about 46&deg;F and lows fall to around 34&deg;F. The hottest month is August, with average highs of approximately 78&deg;F and average lows of around 53&deg;F.

Question 12

Where is Olympia, WA, in relation to destination cities and capitals within 1,000 flight miles?

Accepted Answer

Olympia is within 1,000 flight miles of several major destinations, including San Francisco and the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Denver, Aspen, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The city also offers convenient access to state capitals, including Boise, Sacramento, Helena, and Juneau.

Question 13

What are the standard home features LGI includes in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

LGI Homes includes modern designer upgrades in every home at no extra cost for homebuyers. Our CompleteHome&trade; upgrade package includes stainless steel kitchen appliances, custom wood cabinetry, crown molding, granite or quartz countertops, Moen&reg; faucets with Power Clean&trade;, dual-pane Low-E windows, LED ENERGY STAR lights, integrated technology, professional front-yard landscaping and more.

Question 14

What are the closing costs when you buy a new home?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs are the fees and expenses paid when finalizing a home purchase, in addition to the purchase price of the home. These can include appraisal fees, loan origination fees, title insurance, escrow charges, and taxes. Closing costs can range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price; none of the money goes to your homebuilder when you purchase a new construction home. At LGI Homes, we often offer builder-paid closing costs, which help buyers save thousands of dollars and simplify the homebuying process. Ask your New Home Specialist about builder-paid closing cost incentives and learn more about them in our guide.

Question 15

What kind of homes does LGI Homes build in Olympia?

Accepted Answer

In Olympia, LGI Homes builds one- and two-story single-family detached new construction homes, offering living spaces ranging from 1,343 to 2,227 square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage.

Question 16

What warranties or support come with LGI Homes?

Accepted Answer

LGI Homes offers a standard warranty package with every home we sell. We have a multi-year structural warranty, a one-year craftsmanship warranty, and manufacturer warranties on systems and appliances. Remember to ask your New Home Consultant about warranty coverages when you tour our Olympia new home neighborhood.

Question 17

How quickly can I move into my brand new LGI home?

Accepted Answer

At LGI Homes, we build move-in-ready homes. In most cases, you can move into your new build in Olympia within 30 to 45 days after completing your financing paperwork.

Question 18

Where else can you find new home communities and LGI homes for sale near Olympia?

Accepted Answer

LGI Homes has been delivering homes to families in the Pacific Northwest for several years. In addition to our homes near Olympia, we have new homes in Seattle and new home communities in Tacoma. We also offer new construction homes in Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, providing opportunities throughout the Pacific Northwest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Olympia, and when was the city incorporated?

Where is Olympia, WA?

What amenities does the city of Olympia have for residents?

What attractions are in Olympia, WA?

What are the major industries in Olympia, WA?

Who are the largest employers in Olympia?

How is the cost of living in Olympia compared to similar West Coast cities?

What are the current home prices in Olympia?

Why choose Olympia over Seattle or Tacoma?

How is public transportation in Olympia?

What are the average temperatures in Olympia, WA?

Where is Olympia, WA, in relation to destination cities and capitals within 1,000 flight miles?

What are the standard home features LGI includes in Olympia?

What are the closing costs when you buy a new home?

What kind of homes does LGI Homes build in Olympia?

What warranties or support come with LGI Homes?

How quickly can I move into my brand new LGI home?

Where else can you find new home communities and LGI homes for sale near Olympia?

Loading component...

How Can I Own a New Home Today?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Olympia, and when was the city incorporated?

Where is Olympia, WA?

What amenities does the city of Olympia have for residents?

What attractions are in Olympia, WA?

What are the major industries in Olympia, WA?

Who are the largest employers in Olympia?

How is the cost of living in Olympia compared to similar West Coast cities?

What are the current home prices in Olympia?

Why choose Olympia over Seattle or Tacoma?

How is public transportation in Olympia?

What are the average temperatures in Olympia, WA?

Where is Olympia, WA, in relation to destination cities and capitals within 1,000 flight miles?

What are the standard home features LGI includes in Olympia?

What are the closing costs when you buy a new home?

What kind of homes does LGI Homes build in Olympia?

What warranties or support come with LGI Homes?

How quickly can I move into my brand new LGI home?

Where else can you find new home communities and LGI homes for sale near Olympia?