Tumwater questions (Olympia: new house, neighborhoods, construction)

[caitlinsmom]

My dh is writing a book and needs some info on Tumwater that doesnt pop up on google searches nessacerily.

What neighborhood is considered the bad side of town?
What is considered the good side of town?
Where are the most new houses being built?

Thanks!

[allforcats]

I'm sure you're aware of this, but The Olympian is the daily newspaper that would carry the most Tumwater news: Thurston County's Homepage - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

[Sandy Nelson]

Caitlinsmom,

There is no bad side of town in Tumwater. There are several up-scale neighborhoods.
There are lots of up-scale new construction homes on Tumwater Hill from the mid 300Ks through the 700Ks. The area around Black lake has some nice older homes, as well as the area around Munn Lake. Quadrant Homes has two new communities in Tumwater with homes ranging from the mid 200Ks to mid 300Ks.

Sandy

[allforcats]

Thanks, Sandy! You're the one who knows.

[caitlinsmom]

Thanks Sandy. Good to know there isnt really a bad area. Are there any assisted living centers? Or what is a neighborhood that an elderly retired man would live in, former blue collar worker? What are some local resturants that are popular with the after work crowd?

Thanks for your help.

[DBM]

Caitlinsmom,

Two features about Tumwater that could help in the book. First, when it was built, I-5 went in right through the old heart of Tumwater -- it pretty much paved over the downtown. Second, there is an old neighborhood of streets identified by letters: "A Street," "B Street," etc. The homes are generally modest and old, the streets don't all have sidewalks, but the lots are larger -- this would be a good location for an older retired man. This neighborhood is just on the other side of I-5 from the remmant downtown and is at the base of Tumwater Hill; on top of the hill is where some very large new homes are being built. The homes being built are 3-4,000 sq. ft. with good views on tiny lots (if you're being derogatory, it could be called an "upscale house farm"). It could be an interesting juxtaposition.

I don't know about assisted living facilities (look up Roo-Lan Health Care), and I would need more info to answer about the restaurants (state workers, blue-coller, waterfront/yuppies, tavern/bar).

Good writing to your friend.

[Sandy Nelson]

Caitlinsmom,

Popular restaurants are Eagans Drive-in, El Sarape and Pellegrino's. I'm not aware of any assisted living facilities in Tumwater, but as DBM already noted, the older homes in the central Tumwater area are affordable, close to all the amenities and close to the bus line.

Sandy