Olympia

Moving to Olympia, WA

Choosing Storage in Olympia, WA

• What’s the weather like in Olympia? Olympia’s climate is mild. The summers are short, warm, and dry, while the winters are cold and wet. The temperature ranges from 34°F Fahrenheit to 80°F throughout the year, though it can drop as low as 23°F and rise as high as 91°F. Our Olympia facility offers heated storage units to protect your belongings throughout the cold season.
• How do I store my boat when I’m not using it? More than 250,000 Washington residents own a boating vessel. If you’re looking for a place to keep your boat or jet ski in the off-season, consider our Olympia storage facility, which offers uncovered units. You can learn more about storing your boat by reading How to Store a Boat: The Best Long-Term Boat Storage Options on our blog.

An Overview of Olympia, WA

Olympia is the capital of Washington state. Originally home to the Steh-Chass Native Americans, it was claimed by European settlers in 1846. By 1882, it had become an incorporated city with a thriving economy based primarily on lumber, oyster farming, dairying, and brewing. As of the last census, it’s Washington’s 24th-largest city and an active hub of the Puget Sound region.

• Population: 52,882
• Size: 20.09 square miles

Living in Olympia, WA

Olympia is a city in the Olympia-Tumwater Metropolitan Area and the county seat of Thurston County. Located 60 miles from Seattle at the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Olympia has something for every resident or visitor to enjoy. On the one hand, nature lovers have close access to the Budd Inlet, Capitol State Forest, Cascades, and other natural landmarks. On the other, young professionals working in the capital’s downtown area have plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, galleries, and shops to explore — all threaded together by the city’s fare-free transit system. In fact, Olympia’s low unemployment rate, high-ranked public schools, pleasant weather, and affordable housing draw thousands of new residents every year, and it was recently recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

What’s the Cost of Living in Olympia? 

Olympia’s cost of living is 4% higher than the national average, though residents pay less on groceries, restaurants, housing, and utilities than their neighbors in nearby Seattle.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Olympia?

Olympia has 24 recognized neighborhoods spread out over 20.09 square miles. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in the city:

• Northwest Olympia. Located just northwest of Capitol Lake, Northwest Olympia’s sweeping waterfront views and proximity to downtown make it popular among residents of all ages.
• Cain Road. Both newly developed homes and historic properties dot this affluent neighborhood, where residents enjoy two spacious parks and all the amenities of nearby Nottingham.
• Eastside. Only a mile away from the downtown area, Eastside offers residents a quiet suburban experience with a handful of commercial businesses at its center and an active neighborhood’s association.
• Indian Creek. Retirees will feel right at home in this cozy community, which offers several trails, a wide selection of churches, and calm, safe streets.
• Maytown. This quiet area near Olympia’s southern border is known for the picnic spots and swimming beaches at Millersylvania State Park, annual Christmas Island display, and an eclectic mix of restaurants and distilleries. 

Regardless of which neighborhood you decide to move to, SmartStop Self Storage offers storage units in Olympia within 10 miles of Maytown, Cain Road, Eastside, Indian Creek, and Northwest Olympia to suit all your storage needs, including uncovered vehicle/RV/boat/jet ski parking spots as well as heated units and floors to protect your belongings during the winter months.

What Are Iconic Things to Do in Olympia? 

There’s something for everyone to explore in Olympia, whether you’re a visitor or resident. Here are four things to do any time of the year:

• Capitol Building. Strolling through the many gardens and memorials of Capitol Campus is a treat on its own, but don’t forget to sign up for a free docent-led tour for the full experience.
• Percival Landing Park. Have a picnic on a sunny day at this 3.38-acre waterfront park, then peruse its public art installations and boat-watch along the boardwalk. Harbor Days, Sand in the City, and the Wooden Boat Festival are held here annually.
• Olympia Farmers Market. Open Thursday through Sunday, the Olympia Farmers Market hosts more than 100 vendors ranging from the Puget Sound’s finest farmers to artwork, skincare, woodworking, and wine.
• Hands on Children’s Museum. Roam the museum’s 150 exhibits, 10 galleries, and 0.5 acres of outdoor space with your child — with Sunday mornings devoted to kids with autism, sensory sensitivities, and special needs.