Home to the fifth-largest self-supporting masonry dome in the world, Olympia serves as Washington's capital city, combining government heritage with natural beauty at the southern tip of Puget Sound. The city's downtown area features historic buildings alongside the picturesque Capitol Campus, where the impressive Legislative Building stands as the centerpiece. Renters appreciate Olympia's walkable downtown with its independent shops, restaurants, and access to waterfront paths along Percival Landing Park's nearly mile-long boardwalk.

Olympia's rental market includes charming older homes in established neighborhoods like South Capitol and Northeast Olympia, alongside boutique apartment communities and townhomes. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,474 per month, slightly below the Washington state average of $1,821. The Eastside and West Olympia neighborhoods offer proximity to shopping centers and dining options, while the South Capitol area provides tree-lined streets near downtown amenities.

Olympia residents enjoy outdoor recreation at popular spots like Priest Point Park and the nearby Capitol State Forest for hiking and mountain biking. The city hosts a year-round farmers market downtown and numerous arts venues, including the historic Capitol Theater. For commuters, Interstate 5 provides convenient connections to Seattle (60 minutes north) and Portland (90 minutes south), while Intercity Transit offers local bus service and express routes to neighboring cities. Major employers include state government agencies, Providence St. Peter Hospital, and Capital Medical Center - MultiCare.