Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Thurston County offers a unique blend of natural beauty,vibrant communities,and economic opportunity,making it one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. Home to the state capital,Olympia,as well as thriving cities like Lacey,Tumwater,and Yelm,the county attracts new residents with its strong job market, and high quality of life
In 2024,inventory in Thurston County saw a slight improvement,with an 8.2% year-over-year increasein activelistings and is currently sitting at around 1.77 months of supply? well below the 4-6 months typically indicative of abalanced market New construction projects,particularly in theLacey and Tumwater areas,have contributed to the increase in inventory.
In this competitivelandscape,Olympic Sotheby's International Realty closed 248 home sales in 2024. Notably,many of these sales were concentrated in high-demand neighborhoods such as Carlyon,Briggs Village,and South Capitol,which continue to attract buyers for
their proximity to amenities and strong community appeal
Overall,Thurston County's real estate market remains resilient,supported by a steady influx of new residents,expanding local infrastructure, and a reputation for quality of life.
*statistics provided by NWMLS
REAL ESTATE IN WESTERN WASHINGTON
The real estate market in Western Washington remains dynamic despite fluctuating mortgage rates and economic uncertainty King County, home to Seattle,continues to lead the region with the highest median home price of $850,979,a 7 06%increase year-over-year Snohomish County follows with a median price of $750,000,while Pierce County sits lower at around $554,590
Inventory levels have increased across most counties within the NWMLS,with active listings rising by nearly 30%compared to 2023 Despite this growth,the market remains competitive, particularly in King, Snohomish,and Pierce counties,where the months of inventory? an indicator of how long it would take to sell all homes at the current sales pace? hover around 2 months,well below the balanced market benchmark of 4-6 months. These trends point to sustained demand,driven by both local
buyers and out-of-state relocations, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
Thurston County experienced notable growth and development in 2024,continuing its trend as oneof thefastest-growing regions in thestate. This growth is driven by a combination of economic stability,ahigh quality of life,and moreaffordablehousing compared to nearby King and Pierce Counties.?
*statistics provided by NWMLS
ByCounty
POPULATION
299,003
OWNER OCCUPIED HOUSING
67.3%
AVERAGE TRAVEL TIME TO WORK 26.6minutes
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
$88,895
LIVING IN SAME HOUSE MORE THAN 1 YEAR 83.4%
DINING IN OLYMPIA
Olympia?s food sceneis ablend of fresh,local ingredients and diverseculinary influences, making it astandout destination for food lovers With its prime location on Puget Sound,thecity is known for its incredible seafood,with many restaurants featuring freshly harvested oysters, wild-caught salmon,and other Pacific Northwest delicacies.Whether you?re looking for an upscale dining experience,a cozy waterfront meal,or a casual spot to grab abite,Olympia offers a variety of options to suit every palate.
Oneof thecity?s most celebrated spots is ChelseaFarms Oyster Bar,located in the222 Market Known for its fresh,farm-to-table oysters,creativeseafood dishes,and sustainable sourcing,it?s a must-visit for shellfish lovers Another fantastic seafood destination is COVE, which specializes in elevated Pacific Northwest cuisinewith beautifully plated dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients.For a classic Olympia experience,TheOyster House? the oldest seafood restaurant in Washington? offers a
casual waterfront atmospherewith a menu featuring clam chowder,fish and chips,and of course,oysters on the half shell
For thosecraving a finedining experience with stunning views,Anthony?s HearthfireGrill is a favorite.Situated on Budd Inlet,therestaurant is known for its grilled seafood,steaks,and signaturecocktails,all served in a setting that highlights thebeauty of thePuget Sound. Another fantastic waterfront option is Row, which offers modern American cuisinewith a seafood focus,plus an extensivewine and cocktail list These restaurants,along with Olympia?s many cozy cafés,farm-to-table eateries,and craft breweries,create avibrant and diverse dining scene that continues to attract both locals and visitors alike.
HERE TO SEE COVE
SCAN HERE TO EXPLORE BRIGGS VILLAGE
SCAN
OLYMPIA
PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Thurston County is aparadisefor outdoor enthusiasts,offering everything from scenic waterfronts to lush forests and premier recreation facilities.Whether you?re looking to play a round of golf,explore miles of trails,or spend aday on the water,the area provides countless opportunities to enjoy thenatural beauty of thePacific Northwest
For thosewho love golf,theOlympia Country & Golf Club is apremier destination,featuring a beautiful 18-holecoursewith sweeping views of Budd Inlet Beyond golf,theclub offers a full rangeof amenities,including dining,social events,and waterfront access,making it a favoritespot for both recreation and community gatherings.
At Boston Harbor Marina,outdoor lovers can enjoy kayaking,paddleboarding,and fishing,or simply takein the waterfront scenery The marina is also a hub for local events and markets,wherevisitors can find fresh seafood, locally madegoods,and community activities throughout theyear It?s the perfect placeto experienceOlympia?s maritime cultureand connect with thecommunity
For hiking and naturewalks,Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) offers forest trails, waterfront views,and picnic areas,making it one of Olympia?s most beloved green spaces.Those seeking moreadventurous terrain can head to Capitol StateForest,which boasts extensive trails for mountain biking,horseback riding,and off-road vehicleexploration Theforest?s rugged landscapeand miles of winding trails make it a go-to spot for outdoor recreation just minutes from the city
If you?re looking for a classic Washington State Park experience,MillersylvaniaStatePark offers camping,hiking,and lake activities in a peaceful, wooded setting With trails weaving through old-growth forests and access to Deep Lake, visitors can enjoy swimming,boating,and fishing,making it an ideal weekend getaway
With its golf courses,waterfront recreation, hiking trails,and forest adventures,Thurston County is a trueoutdoor playground,providing year-round activities for both residents and visitors alike
MOUNTAIN, BEACH, OR URBAN ADVENTURE
Oneof thegreatest advantages of living in Thurston County is its unbeatablelocation, offering easy access to mountains,beaches,and vibrant urban centers.Whether you?recraving a day in thegreat outdoors or an exciting city adventure,you?renever far from your next experience.
For thosewho love thecoast,the Pacific Ocean is just ashort driveaway? in an hour,you can find yourself at Ocean Shores or Westport,whereyou can walk along sandy beaches,surf thewaves,or enjoy fresh seafood by the water Whether it?s a spontaneous day trip or a weekend getaway, Thurston County?s proximity to thecoastline makes beach adventures effortless
If mountains and hiking are of interest,you have access to someof themost breathtaking landscapes in thePacific Northwest.Olympic National Forest is just a scenic driveaway, offering lush trails,waterfalls,and alpinelakes for year-round exploration.In thewinter,you have multipleski resorts within afew hours?drive SnoqualmiePass,about an hour away,is a favoritefor its convenience and variety of terrain, whileCrystal Mountain? Washington?s largest ski
area? offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and world-class skiing and snowboarding Whether you?relooking for aquick trip to theslopes or an all-day alpineadventure,Thurston County?s central location makes it easy to get there
For thosewho enjoy theenergy of city life, Thurston County is conveniently located near Tacomaand Seattle,providing access to world-class dining,shopping,arts,and entertainment.Whether it?s catching aconcert, visiting a museum,or exploring Seattle?s iconic waterfront,it?s all within reach Plus,with Seattle-TacomaInternational Airport less than an hour away,frequent travelers can easily catch aflight to destinations around theworld
With its perfect balanceof outdoor adventure and urban convenience,Thurston County offers thebest of both worlds,making it an ideal place to livefor those who want access to it all
GREENE GIVING
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS $75K
DONATED AS OF 20 15 2K+
VOLUNTEER HOURS ANNUALLY
At Olympic Sotheby?s International Realty,wegive back through Greene Giving,our community outreach program founded in 2015 Supporting 25 local organizations annually,we'vedonated over $75,000 through theCommunity Foundation of South Puget Sound? and we're committed to growing that impact.
TheCommunity Foundation of South Puget Sound serves as acatalyst for thecharitablegiving in Thurston,Lewis,and Mason counties Established in 1989,thefoundation partners with individuals, families,and businesses to managecharitablegifts that support local nonprofits across arange of diverseneeds,including arts and culture,education,health and wellness,and environmental conservation.By fostering a culture of generosity and well-being,theCommunity Foundation of South Puget Sound strives to build sustainable,equitable and resilient communities for all
