Please Call ME instead of just getting sent a random Real Estate Market Report. Yes the reports are fun to look at and if you know what you are reading, awesome. But wouldn’t you rather talk about the market while seeing the numbers in person or on a zoom meeting.
Any realtor can pull reports and send them to you. There is a huge difference if the realtor can sit down and explain the reports, actually show you what is going on in the local market. Even better is if the realtor has rentals and investment homes, and can show you their success in the real estate market.
And yes it is cool to know the US Market statistics at the Macro level, but ultimately the micro level of the area you are wanting to buy and sell is huge. We can take this on multiple levels depending on what you are wanting to accomplish in the real estate market. Are you wanting to invest, sell a home, buy and flip or buy in another part of the country? All of this requires you to look at different graphs and compare what your ultimate end goal is. So yes getting a report is great, if you are bored and want a Sunday read. If you want a specialized report for your specific needs, call me and we can talk. And then I can make you a detailed specific report and show you what the market is actually doing for what you are looking for.
On the bottom edge of Puget Sound lies Tacoma, Washington, a city of just over 219,000 people. It’s part of the larger South Sound region with a population of about 1 million. After a period of decline, Tacoma made a comeback in the 1990s with a ton of development and restoration. Now, young and old alike enjoy all that Tacoma has to offer. With the waters coming into the middle of the city, the area is picturesque with tons of amazing areas and charm.
People who live downtown love the views of Mt. Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, Commencement Bay, and the Port of Tacoma, where you can see commerce in action with the loading and unloading of cargo ships. Downtown Tacoma is one of the most affordable places to live in the area. Condominiums, lofts, single-family, and vintage homes are integrated within these neighborhoods:
The Foss Waterway
The Thea Foss Waterway area is a popular downtown Tacoma neighborhood that is great to hang out or live in. There are condominiums for purchase, museums to visit, and a waterfront walkway where you can find restaurants, parks, picnic areas, and kayak or paddleboard rentals. You can walk there from central downtown and access the waterfront via two bridges and a glass elevator.
The Theater District
Along with the restoration of old buildings are two theaters – the Pantages Theater and The Rialto. Dating back to 1918, these are venues for music and theater. A more modern venue was added in 1993 called Theater on the Square. Lofts with tall ceilings and original bricks have sprung up throughout downtown and are trendy homes.
Pacific Avenue
Tacoma’s charm shines through in the Pacific Avenue area. Renovated brick buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s are now shops, museums, lofts, restaurants, and more. Local hangouts include:
Plus, check out Dale Chihuly’s art inside Union Station (now a US District Court).
Other Neighborhoods
Tacoma Downtown has a few more neighborhoods worth mentioning.
Stadium District is a historic neighborhood with a grocery store, coffee shop, boutiques, and eateries. There you’ll also find Wright Park, a 27-acre park with a conservatory, arboretum, hundreds of trees, walking trails, and a pond. Stadium district is one of several neighborhoods known for revitalizing the neighborhoods to include single-family homes mixed in with mixed-use business districts.
St. Helens has stunning views of Commencement Bay
Dome District has shopping, restaurants, and the Tacoma Dome, where conventions and concerts occr.
McCarver Neighborhood has newer condominiums and townhomes and a maple-lined central street.
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Getting Around
Downtown Tacoma has everything within easy walking distance or via a free Link Light Rail. You’ll still want that car to get to neighboring cities, off to the mountains, north to Seattle, or south to Olympia.
Working in Tacoma
There are plenty of opportunities to work for small and large businesses in the downtown area. Tacoma is home to lumber company Simpson, and food companies, Roman Meal and Brown and Haley. Fun fact: candy giant Mars, Incorporated, started in Tacoma in 1911. The biggest employers in the area are Joint Base Lewis-McChord (an army base 9 miles south of the city), MultiCare Health System, the State of Washington, and Tacoma Public Schools.
The Downtown Tacoma Partnership will work with you to start your own business if that is your dream.
Schools
The Tacoma Public Schools serve the area with 36 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and ten high schools. There are non-traditional high schools, alternative high schools, and charter schools. Downtown Tacoma is also home to the Tacoma School of the Arts for high school students and numerous private schools.
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Shopping
There are so many things to do in Downtown Tacoma. Pacific Avenue has unique shops, and restaurants in classic buildings. Another option is Antiques Row, with several multi-level antique stores. Find hidden treasures at Lily Pad Antiques, and many more. Tacoma Mall is on the city’s outskirts for big store shopping experiences – think Macy’s, Nordstrom and JC Penney.
Museum District
Tacoma’s Museum District is comprised of world-class museums, including:
Each of these offers a unique perspective of the area.
Other Landmarks
If you haven’t realized, Tacoma cherishes its old buildings, incorporating them into neighborhoods. There are 165 individual city landmarks and 1,000 historic properties scattered throughout the metro area. Some near downtown are:
Engine House No. 9 – a fire station from 1907 that is now a pub and microbrewery.
Fireboat No. 1 – built in 1929 and now is a National Historic Landmark.
While some may find the rainy pacific northwest weather an adjustment, there are plenty of sunny days to enjoy the waterfront and the mountains. Metro Parks Tacoma maintains over 50 parks and open spaces in and around Tacoma. We mentioned the easy walk to Foss Waterway, plus where 6th Avenue meets the water is a scuba diving area. Downtown’s Frost Park has sidewalk chalk contests. Those with pups can take them to Rogers Off-Leash Dog Park.
Venture a little further to Port Defiance Park with a 5-mile drive leading to Owen Beach, Fort Nisqually, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The Cascade Mountains, Mt Rainier, and Mt. St Helens are very close for wilderness seekers.
Moving to Tacoma
Downtown Tacoma retains its charm with many historic buildings, a friendly atmosphere, and a close-knit community. It is worth checking out if you enjoy an urban atmosphere. It has culture, education, unique homes, and always new mixed in with the old.
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
A local Tacoma real estate agent is ready to help you find your dream home!
Olympia, Washington has so many amazing things going for it. It’s a beautiful city full of great real estate, amazing scenery, and fantastic schools. There are so many great schools that each have their own special features. If you are thinking about making a move, have a look at this list of the best high schools in Olympia, Wa ranked from 10 all the way to number 1.
This high school is a public alternative school with a total of 47 students in grades 10-12. They have a student-to-teacher ratio of 34 to 1. They have been given the rating of #441 Most Diverse Public High Schools in the State by niche.com.
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#9 Secondary Options School | 7741 Littlerock Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512
Secondary Options is a public alternative school that has a total of 100 students in grades 8-12. They have a student-to-teacher ratio of 24 to 1 and an average graduation rate of 45%. They have been given the ranking of #504 Most Diverse Public High School in Washington.
This public alternative school has a total of 58 students in grades k-12. They have an excellent student-to-teacher ratio of 5 to 1. They have been graded with a B- from niche.com and they have also been ranked as the #178 Best Public High School Teachers in Washington and #195 Best High Schools for STEM in Washington.
#7 South Sound High School | 411 College St NE, Lacey, WA 98516
South Sound High School is a public alternative school that has around 104 students in grades 9-12 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. They have been given a grade of B- from Niche.com and they have also been ranked as #87 Most Diverse Public High School in Washington.
This high school has about 1,475 students in grades 9-12 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. It has been given a B+ grade by niche.com and they have also ranked them as #89 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Washington, #110 Most Diver Public High Schools in Washington, and #113 Best Public High Schools in Washington. The school offers AP classes and a Gifted Program and they have an average graduation rate of 86%.
This highly-rated public high school has a total of 147 students in grades 9-12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. They have been given a grade of B+ by niche.com and they have also been given the rankings of #16 Best Public High School Teachers in Washington, #91 Best Public High Schools in Washington, and #160 Best College Prep Public High School in Washington. They offer IB courses for students and have an average graduation rate of 75%.
A.G. West Black Hills High School has a total of 867 students in grades 9-12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. The school has been graded with an A- from niche.com along with being given the rankings of #52 Best Public High School Teachers in Washington, #78 Best Public High Schools in Washington, and #97 Best College Prep High School in Washington. The school offers AP courses and a Gifted Program and they have an average graduation rate of 92%.
This public school has been rated highly and they have a total student population of 1,458 in grades 9-12. Their student-to-teacher ratio is 22 to 1 and they offer AP courses and a Gifted Program plus they have a graduation rate of 95%. The school has been given a grade of A- by niche.com and they have also been ranked as #43 Most Diverse Public High School in Washington, #64 Best Public High School in Washington, and #66 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Washington.
Capital High school has a total of 1,389 students in grades 9-12 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. The school offers IB courses and has an average graduation rate of 92%. They have been graded with an A- by niche.com along with getting the ranking #57 Best Public High Schools in Washington, #59 Best College Prep Public High Schools in Washington, and #74 Best Public High School Teachers in Washington.
Olympia High School is ranked as one of the best schools in Olympia, WA and has a student population of 1,879 students in grades 9-12 and a student-to-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. They offer both AP and IB courses plus they have an average graduation rate of 92%. They have been given the grade of A by niche.com along with the rankings #21 Best Public High School in Washington, #22 Best College Prep Public High School in Washington, and #29 Best Public High School Teachers in Washington.
There are plenty of great high schools in the Olympia area that are just waiting for your family to attend. It’s a great idea to look through the details of each school including the school rankings for Olympia Wa, before making your final choice. There are so many to choose from so choosing the one that suits you and your family’s needs is the best to have the highest chance of success.
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
The capital of Washington State is 60 miles south of Seattle on the southern end of Puget Sound. Budd Inlet goes right into the center of the city. Olympia is a perfect place for those who love the outdoors as well as love the city. The ocean is a little way to the west, and the mountains are a little way to the north and east. Tacoma and Seattle are a short drive.
Olympia has a decent cost of living – definitely more affordable than Seattle and Tacoma. They are very proud of their public transportation system with the Sounder Train and an extensive bus system. Amtrak also has routes to Tacoma and Seattle by train. Many people work for the government, but great jobs are available in technology, distribution, healthcare, and hospitality.
If you love the outdoors (and the rain), you’ll enjoy the many parks, forests, and waterways. Rock climbing, backpacking, and kayaking destinations are right outside your door. Mt. St. Helens, ocean beaches, and Hood Canal are a short drive. Heritage Park is next to the State Capitol, Capitol Lake, and downtown Olympia. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a national natural landmark with 275 migratory bird species, marshes, and an abundance of salmon.
Those who like the performing and visual arts will not be disappointed in the selection of theaters, concerts, and art museums. The Squaxin Island Museum teaches visitors about native tribes in the area. The Wet Science Center is all about water.
Living in Olympia, WA
Children attend the Olympia School District. There are 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools. There are several private schools, as well as good support for homeschooling families. South Puget Sound Community College and Evergreen State College provide associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs for higher education.
With 33 neighborhoods on all sides of the inlet, moving to Olympia is all about finding your perfect home. Some have gorgeous views of the water, some have great proximity to downtown, some are great for families, and some are on the outskirts where it’s quiet. Here are a few highlights to get you started.
Cain Road
Cain Road has 835 newer upscale homes supported by an active homeowner’s association. Home prices vary from $350,000 to $930,000. The majority of the homes were built in the 1950s through the 1990s. Most homes have 3-4 bedrooms. The average commute time is 10-19 minutes. The median household income is nearly twice that of the rest of Olympia. There are two local parks in the area – Watershed Park and McGrath Woods Park. Children who attend the Washington Middle School do not have to go far.
Castlewood
Castlewood is a larger community with a population of 1266 and a median home price of $325,000. This is a family community with residential homes and amenities. There are several parks in the area, including LBA Park, Margaret McKenny Park, and Chambers Lake Trailhead Park. Johnson Berry Farm is close by for berry picking. Children attend Margaret McKenny Elementary School and Washington Middle School.
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East Bay Drive
A narrow neighborhood right on the coastline, East Bay Drive has condominiums, waterfront properties, and gorgeous homes. There are beaches in your backyard, and nearby at Priest Point Park. Take a hike on the rocky beachfront alongside Ellis Cove. East Bay Drive has a population of 193 and a median home price of $850,000, with homes selling as high as $1.2 million.
Eastside
Eastside is a mix of residential and businesses and is close to downtown for easy commutes. One of the older neighborhoods in the area, its history dates back to the mid-1800s. Homes are modest in size, with a median price of $394,000. The active neighborhood association sponsors community events such as the Annual Summer Picnic.
Indian Creek
A quieter neighborhood with an older population, Indian Creek has 539 residents. This is a great place for retirees and those looking for a safe and secure area. The median home price is $327,490. There are several parks for walking, including Woodland Trail / Frederick Street Crossing and McGrath Woods Park. There are also several churches in the neighborhood, including Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Church of Living Water.
Nottingham
With a taste of England in the neighborhood and street names, Nottingham is a delightful area. With a population of 203, this small community is one of the most affluent and safest. It’s very close to shopping and restaurants. Schools in the area are Pioneer Elementary, Sunrise Beach School, and Olympia High School.
South Capitol
Located south of downtown and the state capitol building, this neighborhood is excellent for those who work in the downtown area. The median home price is $577,000, and the homes are older with established trees in their yards. The city’s oldest school – Lincoln Options Elementary (built in 1922), is in this neighborhood. Tennis courts, picnic areas, and turf ball fields are found at Stevens Field. Young professionals and families make South Capitol their home within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, arts events, and a produce market.
South Westside
Many of the more desirable neighborhoods are on the east side of the inlet, but South Westside is an exception. This is one of the largest neighborhoods in terms of population. Homes here average in price from $420,000 to $530,000. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and fitness facilities. The Capital Philharmonic is located in South Westside. It’s dog-friendly and walkable. There are several public and private schools that children can attend. There are plenty of green spaces and access to the inlet at Marathon Park.
Moving to Olympia, WA
For an area with great schools, friendly tree-lined neighborhoods, plenty of outdoor activities, special events, and fresh produce and seafood, you can’t beat Olympia, WA. With views of Mt. Ranier and Puget Sound, there’s city life in the middle of an outdoor mecca. Find the local hangouts and enjoy the best of the pacific northwest.
Located along Interstate 5 between Olympia and the Nisqually River is the beautiful city of Lacey. With a population of approximately 42,395, most of the residents of Lacey fall around the age of 35 years old. Lacey is an environmentally conscious city, receiving several awards and titles from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Real Estate
Most residents of Lacey own their homes and the population is made up of mostly families and young working professionals. The median cost of real estate is $464,000 (As of June 30, 2021).
Potential residents can find everything from mobile homes starting around $26,000 to large, single-family homes costing as much as $1,995,000 as well as everything in between! Plenty of options from open plots of land to charming multi-family homes and townhomes or detached, single-family homes can be found among the Lacey real estate listings.
Lacey is a part of the North Thurston Public School District and consists of twelve elementary schools, five middle schools, and three high schools. Some of these schools fall among the top-ranking institutions in the state.
Along with the excellent public schools, Lacey residents also have the option of private and religious-based schooling. There are a number of Catholic schools, Montessori schools, and alternative education programs to choose from.
What’s Nearby
As Lacey continues to expand, many new businesses have popped up, supporting the city’s economy. Locals can find a Regal 16 Movie Theater, LA Fitness, Best Buy, Costco, and Home Depot among the many businesses and strip malls found in and around the area.
Lacey is home to one of the Northwest’s first indoor malls, the South Sound Center, though it has recently been converted into a partial outdoor shopping center. The center includes retail, warehousing, a retirement community, and more!
It’s clear to see that moving to Thurston County offers numerous fantastic selections of potential places to call home. These three are just a glimpse into the wonderful communities in the area!
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
A local Thurston County real estate agent is ready to help you find your dream home!
Survived Crazy heat Wave Record! With no central AC in the house, and tinfoil on the windows, and 2 roll ac units in the kids bedrooms we made it. We started the morning off normally and dropped the kids off to summer camp which they were so excited about (add day camp/yay for us parents). Then I was crazy busy with real estate with morning home showings and getting 1 seller and 1 buyer under contract and 1 new listing. Then I wrapped the morning up with a relaxing Pedi, yes it was amazing lol, they had AC.
When I arrived home about lunch time, @brandy and I were busy tin foiling the windows and I jumped on the roof for the sky light. Of course I didn’t wear shoes, and the roof was scorching. So I quickly taped my feet then back to tin foiling the skylight. After that I keep myself busy with paperwork for the county with building permits for our new build. (Seemed appropriate sweating a filling out multiple forms Thurston county seemed very symbolic).
Then with many jumps in the lake and then laying on the floor in the kids rooms watching a show on the lab top with brandy, eating a lot of watermelon, watering all the plants multiple times a day, hosing down all the animals and fans on them, picking up the mail and getting my adventure magazine that seemed extremely appropriate for the day. We had a busy day, but I was so happy as the PNW is beautiful even in record breaking heat and of course with Brandy by my side it is always an adventure.
I love the heat, Brandy and pets not so much. And the kids chilled in their rooms on Ipad after summer camp. But overall it builds character and reminds me why I work so hard – to pay for all the electric for all the fans/ac units running. I love reminding Brandy we live in the PNW and we don’t need AC, which never goes over well, lol. Although maybe the future will change with hotter weather, central AC may be required.
The heat is suppose to reach 108 degrees today here in Olympia, Washington the Capital of Washington State. Just plain crazy and it should be a record breaker! Please Stay safe and if you need a cooling station, I will post locations on the bottom of this blog.
Yesterday and today I have an open house, and I am glad the home is definitely cool and the tenants have the air conditioning blasting. Even in the heat yesterday I had die hard buyers coming though and viewing the home, along with investors as the home is a great rental property. And of course you have myself making sure not matter what real estate continues on selling. This market in real estate compared with the heat right now is just plain crazy!
We still have more buyers moving up to the PNW and looking for all kinds of homes from investments, their primary home, and especially waterfront. (Waterfront in the PNW is like gold here). If you are looking to buy in this insane market you need an experienced real estate broker that can lead you in the right direction. I see a lot of agents just plain selling any home to anyone, and to me it doesn’t make sense.
Look at my website and profile http://www.pnwhomesgroup.com and if you are considering multiple agents, do your research online. I keep hearing from clients that they feel so lucky to have had me handle their real estate deals and find them the right home. That doesn’t happen by fluke, I have spent years perfecting my trade and multiple years of research in real estate in Washington state. If you have questions in anything regarding real estate in Washington State, in any city from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Centralia, Elma, Shelton, Tacoma, up to Seattle, Bellingham, Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, to Grays Harbor, and on the Eastern side of Washington all the way to Spokane. I have sold and bought in the cities and so many more for clients. Especially in Primary Homes, Investments, Commerical Properties, and Vacant/Timber Land.
Please make sure you use the best to help you in Real Estate and I can confidently say I will help you the best way possible amazing customer service to take care of every detail and to actually close the deal.
Call me (360) 338-8355 today to help you list or buy a property in Washington.
Now please stay safe and cool, and if you can go jump in a lake/river/of the ocean for a refreshing dip to cool off. I will be right there with you in the water today. And please find the cooling stations below.
The Olympia Emergency Cooling Center will be open from 12-6 p.m. starting Sat. to Mon., June 26-28. It’s located at the northwest corner of State Ave. and Capitol at 201 Capitol Way N.
In Lacey, the Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center at 6757 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey WA 98503 will be open Saturday, June 26 – Monday, June 28 from Noon – 6 p.m.
These cooling centers will be available for individuals needing shelter during the hottest parts of these days.
The saying goes “Where you hang your Hat” is Home. Well I can say I absolutely love living in the PNW, in Washington State. Or more accurately Lacey, WA or Olympia, Wa as everyone just groups us in with Olympia – The Capital of Washington State.
I have live a lot of places, and loved all of them, but my heart will always bring me back home to the PNW. Sometimes its hard to describe, and understand. For the locals it is a no brainer, fresh air, fresh water, mountains, trees and desert all in one state. We have Canada to the north and Oregon to the South and the Pacific Ocean to the West. You can’t beat how this is the furtherest north you can go in the continuous 49, expect for Alaska.
When you look around, and especially in Olympia, it is like a time warp. Yes its the capital of the state, but when I walk into the county court house for real estate permits. It is like traveling back into time, a simpler time, the smells, the sights all reflect an era that is long and gone, except for in Olympia, WA. When you walk down the streets and go into the shops and restaurants. It is a friendly warm welcome, as if you have always been a local. I would even say you get more room to make this city your own, as the constraints of a big city or new age era is so structured and ridged with protocols, where here you have the luxury of more freedom.
Some will see a different side, but if you know what to look for, this place is as good as it gets in my mind. I am so happy we decided to make this our home, not only for our children. Where they can have a glimpse of the world I grew up in, it helps them understand that there is more then just being a robot with standardized structure. Here you can you, see the old with the new. A launch port for exploring the world outside the United States. Plus Washington state in its self is almost a replica of the entire US, in a complete small scale minus the east coast atmosphere and south.
If you are looking for a place to call your own in the PNW – Call me – 360.338.8355
*** I will make sure to tell you the history, the legends, the facts and everything you should and need to know when buying out here in the PNW. And if you do make the change, welcome to the last wild west country in the United States!
Summertime is so beautiful in Olympia, with the warm sunny days and all of the outdoors to enjoy. There’s Lakefair and fireworks and downtown Olympia activities to explore. Olympia truly shines during the summer, and is often when we have the most residents returning, and tourists visiting. Summer is also a wonderful time to relax at home. In the real estate market, whether you are looking to buy or sell, there are a few things to consider during these wonderful summer months in Olympia.
Many homeowners believe that summer is also a good time to start thinking about getting ready to list their home. What they don’t realize is that the real estate buying season is actually slowing down! Strangely enough, even with all the benefits summertime in Olympia brings, it probably won’t be the best time to list your home. Many homebuyers in South Puget Sound area are most actively looking for homes during the spring, so that they can be moved in their new home in time to enjoy it for the summer. Who really wants to move all that heavy furniture and boxes in 80 degree weather if they can help it?
Now, with school starting soon and families out on vacations, fewer home buyers are shopping for those homes that are just now hitting the market. But hold on, there is hope! The best way to buy or sell a home in Olympia is to have an experienced team of local professionals that can get the job done for you. You need agents that know each and every neighborhood and all the dynamics of the area that make Olympia what it is. At PNW Homes Group, that’s exactly what you’ll get! We all love Olympia, and we all love helping people get the most out of what she has to offer, and buying or selling a home here is no different.
The ebbs and flows of the real estate market can be tricky to anticipate, but just like the locals that know when the tides will be coming in or out, we are your local guides to all things Olympia real estate. We are standing by to help you with any situation. So give us a call, send us an email, and check us out on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and at PNWHomesGroup.com.
![Ranked: The 10 Best High Schools in Olympia, WA [2021 Edition]](https://u.realgeeks.media/pnwhomesgroup/Ranked-The-10-Best-High-Schools-Olympia,-WA.jpg)
Ron Rougeaux 