Living and Working in Olympia
It's the Water
Located on the shores of South Puget Sound, scenic Olympia is the capital of Washington state.
The comparatively low cost of living, award-winning education, and lifestyle opportunities create an outstanding environment to work, play and live. Home to a thriving arts community, Olympia transforms into a bustling metropolis during the legislative session, all the while maintaining its small-town charm.
And a lot more
- National Geographic Travel names the best small cities in the U.S.
- Olympia among the 2018 Top 100 Best Places to Live
- Olympia area among nation’s fastest-growing communities, according to census
The town boasts majestic views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and nearby Mount Rainier. Thurston County touts a community college, private university and public four-year college, making for a well-educated population.
Residents enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, biking area trails, as well as kayaking and boating on the many lakes and inlets.
Explore the City and Region
- City of Olympia: Information for visitors, residents and businesses, plus links to other regional services and agencies.
- Visit Olympia: Events, restaurants, movies, arts and culture, sports, shopping, and news.
- Thurston County Chamber of Commerce: Local resources, education, employment, and area statistics.
- Thurston County Economic Development Council: Education, real estate, health care, and more.
- Experience Washington: Explore the many states of Washington: from rain forest to desert, mountains to islands, wineries to whale watching.
Distance to Nearby Attractions
- Tacoma, 30 miles
- Seattle, 60 miles
- Pacific Ocean Coast, 70 miles
- Portland, Oregon, 115 miles
- Vancouver, British Columbia, 200 miles
Page Manager:
shagreen@sbctc.edu
Last Modified: 11/17/23, 4:32 PM