Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Considering a move to LGBT Olympia Washington, one of the hippest, most liberal and most queer-friendly towns on the West Coast? You are not the only one, with many in the rainbow community drawn here thanks to its inviting atmosphere, low cost of living, and proximity to Seattle
Even though Olympia is considered a small city, and is one of the country’s smallest capital cities, there is a lot is going on in Olympia. We know that getting around a new city you’ve just moved to is a little intimidating. But, you don’t have to worry because we’ve put together everything you need to know before you take what we promise will be a very exciting plunge to Oly or O Town as locals call it.
Olympia is an animated city that welcomes all those looking to move to a progressive, inclusive place for work, play, and family. It offers you a small-town feel with big-city vibes and amenities, yet is close to Seattle (if that is important for either work or play!). If you’re thinking of moving to LGBT Olympia, you might just find the perfect accepting environment that you or your family need to thrive in.
Like Portland (Maine), Richmond, Riverside, Rochester and other small to mid-sized cities in the USA, there is a fun queer scene here but it is much more low-key than say, New York, Miami or Los Angeles. This is why a gay realtor in Olympia is worth their weight in gold as they can help you navigate as you find your new perfect home here in the most gay-friendly neighborhood.
Nevertheless, moving to this dynamic city shouldn’t make you uncomfortable despite the rather concealed LGBT culture. The vast majority of people here are very accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will discover many pride flags waving and businesses, shops, and services that serve us with pride.
Consider this article to be an LGBT Olympia relocation guide that will help you know what to expect when relocating to this often-overlooked city. Leave all of your preconceived notions at the door because moving to LGBT Olympia is not what you think it is.
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Olympia
- Does Olympia Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Olympia An Expensive City to Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Olympia
- Regular LGBT Events In Olympia
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Olympia
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Olympia
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Olympia
- Finding Gay Realtors In Olympia Washington
Highlights of Moving to LGBTQ Olympia
Washington State’s capital city is driven by government activity. However, Olympia offers a variety of outdoor activities for its residents, vibrant culture, and a charming downtown. The city also offers a strong school system, a pleasant climate (even though it rains a little more than usual), and a low unemployment rate. However, that’s not all there is about this beautiful city.
Olympia residents are well aware that their city is a hidden gem and one that is all-too-frequently overshadowed due to its location 60 miles (100 km) southwest of the state’s most populous city, Seattle. Depending on who you ask, this is both a blessing and a curse. Once you will live here, you will quickly uncover there is plenty of quirky and cultural places worth moving here for and that Olympia is still brimming with beautiful sights just waiting to be discovered.
Securing a relocation here will also allow you to meet others with similar interests, thanks to a quirky yet highly involved LGBT culture, which includes a few fantastic queer spots of interest in the city’s most popular neighborhoods.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
Cultural Opportunities For All
The Hands-On Children’s Museum has displays for children, school groups, and families. The museum showcases exhibits in 8 different galleries for newborn babies to 10-year-olds and is known as the top-rated provider of practical learning in art and science education in southwest Washington. Some of the topics covered here include healthy lifestyles, early learning, environmental studies, and art
Fresh Produce
The Olympia Farmers Market has been offering handcrafted items, locally grown produce, baked goods, fresh fruit, meat, and dairy products to the local downtown community for more than a decade. Spend the afternoon interacting with local vendors while selecting a wide variety of fresh foods, and watching live entertainment. There’s also free parking!
Fun Events
Want to be part of a throng of thousands of colorful costumes marching through Olympia Streets after making butterfly wings with a neighbor? Costumes that honor the natural environment are encouraged in the unique Procession of the Species. The annual event seeks to link the environment, the arts, and the community through seven unbelievable weeks of dance, music workshops, and art that climaxes in a procession during Earth Day.
Does Olympia Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
The state capital of Washington is among the most diversified and accommodating communities in the region. Olympia has the fourth-highest number of same-sex households and the twelfth-highest number of queer residents in the state.
The city is known to be very progressive and is one of the most LGBT-welcoming cities on the West Coast. However, you still want to be careful here because most of the gay-friendly areas lie within city limits.
The city has a very indie music atmosphere and scene that is quite queer-friendly albeit a little different from what you may be used to. Even so, the people here are also still very welcoming to transgender people and most of the LGBTQ+ community here is quite young thanks to the presence of Evergreen State College.
While the LGBT community in Olympia isn’t the largest in the country, you can be sure that it is growing, and thriving, and will welcome you to this new place you want to call home.
Is Olympia An Expensive City to Move To?
Olympia’s cost of living is 4% greater than the national average. Olympia’s cost of living is low compared to other state capitals. Here’s a quick rundown of what your monthly costs will look like when you move here.
Utility prices in Olympia are 8% higher than the U.S average when it comes to basic expenses. In Olympia, the average electricity bill for two would be between $175 and $180. Based on the provider you choose, your phone bill could be around $190.
Your friendly neighborhood doctor will bill you roughly $120 per visit. We aren’t saying that staying healthy or not getting hurt or ill is entirely in your control, but having healthcare costs that are 18 percent higher than the country average isn’t ideal. Olympia’s average household income is approximately $60,000. Even though the figures are lower than the U.S average, you can still live comfortably in this vibrant city.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Olympia
There are many places to reside in Olympia for those who are looking for a calmer yet still queer-friendly environment – and not all LGBT people will want to live in the 17 blocks that make up the historic downtown district.
When moving to LGBTQ Olympia, bear in mind that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your delightfully ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly communities in Olympia. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly neighborhood, and facilities you’ll love. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the many different and diverse areas of Olympia, and bare in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Olympia are and talk about the Olympia gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Northwest Olympia
Northwest Olympia comes with many attractive features. Getting to downtown Olympia is a simple bike or stroll thanks to its proximity. Many of the homes in this district were built before 1950, and most are single-level residences under 1,700 square feet. The average home price in July 2021 was $416,900, an increase of 22.3 percent over the previous year. The neighborhood is charming and peaceful, making it ideal for new families.
BITS Café and Olympia Food Co-op are two of the most notable businesses in the neighborhood. There are also two lovely parks in the area. Garfield Nature Trail Park winds its way through a five-acre ravine before connecting to West Bay Park. The trail is well-maintained and winds its way through a lush forest, crossing a stream. Woodruff Park, located at the south end of the area, is a 2.38-acre park with tennis courts, picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball court.
Lakemoor
Lakemoor is an excellent neighborhood located in southwest Olympia. Ken Lake, surrounded by the neighborhood, is the area’s main focus. The neighborhood was once an urban forest, but it is now a tiny community of a few hundred people. The community is close-knit and hosts a variety of events year-round, including an annual fishing derby and the 4th of July picnic and parade.
Lakemoor has four recreation areas, such as a basketball court, a tennis court, and a park for kids. Residents can grow vegetables on 12 plots in the Tot Lot’s Community Gardens. In addition, the area has its own security personnel. The majority of the residences here were constructed in the 1970s and are a fusion of different architectural styles. Houses here have been sold for $250,000 to $950,000, with a majority of sales falling between $400 and $550,000.
Eastside
Eastside is bordered by 4th Ave E on the north, Eastside St SE on the West, I-5 on the South, on the west by Eastside St SE, and on the east by Boulevard RD SE. The district has a history that goes back to the mid-1800s when it was identified as Swantown, named after Scottish settler, John Swan. The area is predominantly residential, but there are a few commercial establishments along 4th Ave and Eastside St.
The houses here are mostly small and date back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The median price for homes in the neighborhood is $394,000, a 23 percent increase over the previous year. Aside from its close vicinity to downtown, the Eastside area has another advantage: a vibrant neighborhood association. The Eastside Neighborhood Association meets once each month and is responsible for a range of projects, such as the Annual Summer Picnic.
Regular LGBT Events In Olympia
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Olympia plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Olympia’s yearly LGBTQ pride celebration, the Capital City Pride Festival, is an event you can’t afford to miss. This annual event features family-friendly fun, a plethora of vendors, speakers, outstanding performances, delectable food, and numerous opportunities to meet new people and have a good time!
Stonewall Youth Annual Drag Show
Connect with Stonewall Youth on their quest to recapture children’s stories that narrate the identities, situations, and viewpoints of the LGBTQIA community. Stonewall Youth is a group of young people, allies, and activists who help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) people speak openly for themselves, empower their communities, and support each one other.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Olympia
Olympia is blessed to have numerous LGBTQ+ resources and organizations to support its vibrant community.
When you move to a new city, it’s important to check out some of the resources and organizations accessible to you because you never know when you might need their help or when they might need you. With that being said, below are some awesome LGBTQ+ Community organizations you will find in Olympia.
SAGE Olympia is an affiliate of the national SAGE organization. SAGE, also known as Services and Advocacy for Gay, LESBIAN, Bisexual and Transgender Elders is the oldest and largest organization in the country dedicated to enhancing the lives of LGBTQ older adults. The local chapter offers outreach and education on issues affecting LGBTQ seniors such as the Eldercare awareness program and Eldercare Cultural Fluency training to assist in improving current services for LGBTQ seniors.
PFLAG Olympia is the local branch of the national organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots LGBTQ organization in the country and is well-known for its quest to assist LGBTQ people, their families, friends, and allies in different ways all across the country. PFLAG serves the LGBTQ community by offering support, advocacy, and resources.
The Rainbow Health Center’s objective is to offer a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community in the city. The center also offers healthcare resources, advocacy, and prospects for linkage to the LGBTQ community residing in the larger Olympia area.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Olympia
Olympia is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ population that you can see almost everywhere. Thanks to the welcoming nature of the city and the resilience of its LGBTQ community, there are many LGBT-owned and operated businesses in the city.
We’ve put together a shortlist of LGBT-owned businesses in Olympia that we know will knock you off your feet once you move here. Enjoy!
Owners of Stellar Juices, Konrad Bruns, and Nate Thomas make juices and smoothies from organic ingredients. Their goal is to create wholesome, nourishing food that improves and promotes health and wellness. Their broad menu of smoothies and juices is ideal for any pallet and they also offer an extensive food menu.
Burial Grounds Coffee Collective is a cooperative of workers who run a coffee shop. The shop’s objective is to establish a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its door. The group works hard to maintain a secure environment for those seeking a specialty drink or a handcrafted beverage. They prioritize customer service, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging. Burial Grounds has existed since 2010 and intends to stay in the city until the coffee runs out.
Kate’s Herbs was officially founded in 2010. However, its true beginnings were rooted in Kate’s grandma’s backyard kitchen as that was her go-to if she heard her grandchildren coughing or sneezing. Over the years the owner has learned what plants she needs to pick to combat different ailments. She picked up herb study while working a night job to pass the time. Surprisingly, within no time, her colleagues were asking her to create healing remedies for the health issues they add. This event launched the birth of her dream and she’s taught workshops and been a vendor at various Farmers’ Markets.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Olympia
Olympia is a city with a low unemployment rate and a stable economy. If this doesn’t make it an excellent place to live, we don’t know what will. If you don’t like butting shoulders with strangers in overcrowded streets, Olympia will offer you the peace and tranquility you need.
Remember that life is what you make it, and wherever (or if ever) you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Olympia, we wish you the freedom and security you deserve. Living in a gay-friendly area, visiting nearby LGBT businesses and events, and joining queer community groups and sports teams are always the best methods to discover more about LGBT Olympia.
We guarantee that if you follow these recommendations, moving to LGBT Olympia will be less difficult for you and that you’ll quickly find like-minded individuals with whom to establish your new chosen family.
Finding Gay Realtors In Olympia Washington
When searching for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Olympia is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when undertaking one of life’s most important transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) continue to believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often express feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt. Everyone deserves a gratifying, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being sufficiently represented, and this is why we feel you should engage a gay realtor to help you in finding your perfect future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be knowledgeable about the diverse communities in their area and understand which ones may be best suited to you when searching for a home. That’s not to say heterosexual realtors are not competent, but they’ve probably never had to handle many of the issues LGBT people face.
Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors perform extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Olympia – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral. Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Olympia to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more. Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
