What a location! Although Olympia is the state capital, it still retains a small-town feel while providing the resources and amenities of a much larger community. The population of the metropolitan area is upwards of 82,000 but the community is very friendly and accessible.
Olympia is filled with excellent schools, friendly neighborhoods and a lively and welcoming downtown. Some of our most notable local attractions are:
Located at the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Olympia embodies the essence of the Pacific Northwest, both geographically and culturally.
Just an hour away, Seattle boasts a vibrant sports scene with NFL football, Major League Baseball, a National Hockey League, and professional soccer. Additionally, Seattle offers world-class music, dining, and shopping experiences!
About three hours north is Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — truly an international crossroads. Portland, Oregon is two hours south. Portland's thriving downtown and historic neighborhoods entice visitors from all over the world!
A two-hour drive East gets you to the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier for a world of wintertime play — downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The ancient rain forests of Olympic National Park lie Northwest of Olympia and offers wonderful backpacking trails and views of 1000+ year old trees. Lastly, about an hour to the West you will find the Pacific Ocean, where small beach towns offer an abundance of opportunities for clamming and beachcombing.
The Southwest Washington Service Area encompasses a five-county area including Grays Harbor, Pacific, Mason, Thurston and Lewis counties. What is it like to live in Southwest Washington? Check out the links below to find out more information about some of the cities and schools in our area.