Best Waterfront Neighborhood
Olympia, Washington
Olympia, Washington, offers an array of beautiful waterfront neighborhoods that provide the perfect balance of serene, scenic living and easy access to the amenities of city life. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat along a lake, or a home with expansive views of Puget Sound, the following neighborhoods are ideal choices for those looking to enjoy the best of waterfront living. Below is an overview of some of Olympia's best waterfront neighborhoods, including median home prices, nearby schools, and average days on the market.
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Puget Sound Views:
1. West Bay Drive
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Median Home Price: $950,000
Average Days on Market: 40
Schools:
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Lincoln Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
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Jefferson Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
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Olympia High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
Located along the shoreline of Puget Sound, West Bay Drive offers beautiful waterfront homes with direct access to the water. The area features a mix of contemporary and traditional homes, many with private docks and boat slips, making it perfect for boating enthusiasts. Residents also enjoy stunning views of downtown Olympia and nearby islands.
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2. Boston Harbor
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Median Home Price: $750,000
Average Days on Market: 55
Schools:
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Boston Harbor Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
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Reeves Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
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Olympia High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
A tranquil neighborhood along the shores of Budd Inlet, Boston Harbor offers a quiet, rural atmosphere with waterfront homes that boast sweeping views. Known for its peaceful living and outdoor recreation opportunities, Boston Harbor is ideal for nature lovers, boaters, and anyone seeking a serene escape just outside Olympia.
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3. East Bay Drive
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Median Home Price: $675,000
Average Days on Market: 35
Schools:
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Roosevelt Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
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Olympia High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
This neighborhood along Budd Inlet offers beautiful waterfront properties with expansive views of the water and easy access to downtown Olympia. East Bay Drive is perfect for those seeking a blend of peaceful living and convenience, providing residents with both privacy and close proximity to Olympia’s urban amenities.
4. Cooper Point
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Median Home Price: $825,000
Average Days on Market: 50
Schools:
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Hansen Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
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Washington Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
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Olympia High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
Known for its mix of lakefront and Puget Sound waterfront properties, Cooper Point offers a serene setting with larger lots and private water access. This neighborhood is perfect for boating enthusiasts and those seeking a quieter, nature-filled lifestyle while being just minutes from downtown Olympia.​​
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5. Friendly Grove
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Median Home Price: $475,000
Average Days on Market: 28
Schools:
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Lydia Hawk Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 7/10)
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Capital High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
Nestled along the Deschutes River, Friendly Grove is a more affordable neighborhood for those who want to enjoy waterfront living close to Olympia. This family-friendly area is great for outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing, offering a calm, rural environment that’s still within reach of city conveniences.
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Lake Views:
1. Ward Lake:
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Median Home Price: $675,000
Schools:
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Pioneer Elementary (8/10),
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Washington Middle (8/10),
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Olympia High (9/10)
Average Days on Market: 35 days
Tucked in southeast Olympia, Ward Lake is ideal for those seeking tranquility. Properties here often include private docks and lush landscapes.
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2.Hewitt Lake:
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Median Home Price: $625,000
Schools:
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McLane Elementary (7/10),
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Marshall Middle (7/10),
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Capital High (8/10)
Average Days on Market: 40 days
Known for its smaller, more secluded feel, Hewitt Lake is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding enthusiasts.
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3.Chambers Lake:
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Median Home Price: $520,000
Schools:
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Centennial Elementary (8/10),
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Washington Middle (8/10),
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Olympia High (9/10)
Average Days on Market: 45 days
This neighborhood offers affordable lakefront living with opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.
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4.Black Lake:
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Median Home Price: $600,000
Schools:
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Michael T. Simmons Elementary (8/10),
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Tumwater Middle (7/10),
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A.G. West Black Hills High (8/10)
Average Days on Market: 32 days
A large lake with multiple waterfront properties and parks, Black Lake is popular for boating and family-friendly activities.
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5.Barnes Lake:
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Median Home Price: $695,000
Schools:
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East Olympia Elementary (7/10),
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George Washington Middle (8/10),
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Olympia High (9/10)
Average Days on Market: 28 days
Offers a more private lakefront experience with nature trails and wildlife. Homes here are limited, making them highly desirable.
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6.Hicks Lake:
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Median Home Price: $550,000
Schools:
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Meadows Elementary (8/10),
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Timberline High (8/10)
Average Days on Market: 40 days
Perfect for those who love a community feel, Hicks Lake boasts a mix of luxury and moderately priced homes.
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7.Pattison Lake:
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Median Home Price: $640,000
Schools:
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Roosevelt Elementary (7/10),
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Reeves Middle (7/10),
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Olympia High (9/10)
Average Days on Market: 37 days
Offers some of the most peaceful settings for lakefront living. Many homes feature expansive views and direct lake access.
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8.Long Lake:
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Median Home Price: $675,000
Schools:
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Lacey Elementary (7/10),
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Chinook Middle (8/10),
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North Thurston High (8/10)
Average Days on Market: 29 days
Popular for its size and variety of homes, Long Lake is a favorite for water sports enthusiasts and families alike.
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9. Ken Lake
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Median Home Price: $575,000
Average Days on Market: 45
Schools:
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McLane Elementary School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
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Griffin Middle School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
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Timberline High School (GreatSchools rating: 6/10)
For those looking for lakefront living, Ken Lake provides an affordable option with peaceful charm. This neighborhood offers homes with access to the lake, where residents can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. The area’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it popular with those looking for a quiet retreat.
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