Olympia : Washington

What Olympia is like for active adults
If you have been looking to retire in a relaxed college town with ample access to the great outdoors and where something is always going on, then Olympia, with 45,000 people in southern Washington, might be the place for you. Outside Magazine recently named Olympia as one of the best college towns in America. There are 3 community colleges, led by Evergreen State College which creates a youthful presence here. The city serves as a regional shopping, cultural, and entertainment center.

The area gets plenty of rain but it also has a relatively mild climate. All that rain results in a lush and picturesque environment that is second to none, with Puget Sound on one side and the Olympic mountains on the other. This diverse city has a wet but mild climate in the winter.

There are many cultural activities which is one reason why this town is a popular home for retirees. There are plenty of open spaces and beautiful parklands. Olympia National Park is perfect for hiking and other activities. The presence of Puget Sound should appeal to sailors and fishermen.

Retirees coming from the west or east coasts will find real estate to be relatively inexpensive by those standards. The median home price in late 2009 was about $250,000.

For more information on taxes go to what it is like to retire in Washington State. Here are our reviews of Bellingham and the San Juan Islands
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What is special about this retirement community
• Small college town and the state capital • Relatively low cost of living • the evergreen forests of Olympic National Park • Puget Sound • Procession of the Species, a community arts-based festival and parade One of Washington’s largest flea markets
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What is not special about this retirement community
• Earthquakes
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What kinds of people like retiring here
Olympia attracts a community of who would like to live in a college town, who like culture, and who enjoy being close to one of the world's great outdoor environments. Here is a review of another great college town in WA, Walla Walla
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Local economy is driven by
The state capital, tourism, and 3 colleges drive the economy.
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Climate and Physical Environment
Olympia is located on the extreme southern tip of Puget Sound on Budd Inlet. The majestic mountains of the Olympia National Park and Puget Sound provide a rare backdrop. Several strong earthquakes occurred here in 1949, 1965, and 2001.
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Cultural environment
Olympia has become a hub for artists and musicians, and there is a popular Mozart at a Music in the Dark concert. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is here, as is Capital Playhouse, and Harlequin Theatre
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Medical facilities
Columbia Capital Medical Hospital. Providence St. Peter Hospital
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Transportation
Olympia Airport
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Facts about OLYMPIA
  • State: WA
  • Environment: Suburban,College Town,Mountains,Coastal,Lake,
  • City Population: 25,001-50,000
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
  • Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 2000-4000
  • Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
  • Cost of Living Index: 101-110 (slightly above average)
  • Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
  • State Sales Tax: Yes
  • State Income Tax: No
  • Name of the Guide: jb

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

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1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 44 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 38 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 1.3/5 ( 41 votes cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 2.1/5 ( 32 votes cast)

5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 3.3/5 ( 3 votes cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 4.3/5 ( 4 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 7 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 2.2/5 ( 43 votes cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 2.6/5 ( 59 votes cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 3.7/5 ( 3 votes cast)