What can we expect to pay for a great old house in Olympia today? (fit in)

[threedognight]

We're considering relocating to Olympa and would like to know:

What are the neighborhoods where we can find an older (1940 or older) home with a nice-size lot in an upper/upper-middle class area? I've heard that the South Capital neighborhood might fit the bill but I'm afraid it might be too pricey (does anyone know what the average cost of a home in that neighborhood is?).

We'd prefer not to pay more than $450,000 for a house.

Maybe someone knows of a less pricey but similar type of neighborhood we can look at . . . . ..

[Sandy Nelson]

Threedognight,

The South Capitol Neighborhood is a national historic district and has beautiful old homes. Some are Victorian homes and many are Craftsman. The neighborhood is divided into two sides by Capitol Way Blvd. The side that has the Capitol building and the Governor's residence is called the "steak side", while the other side is called "hamburger side". On average the homes on the "steak side" are more expensive because some have views of the Capitol, as well as views of Capitol Lake. As far as charm, the style and age of homes, the property sizes and streetscapes, both sides are alike.

The neighborhood is very desirable because it's a quick jump onto I-5 and at the same time it's a short walk downtown. It's a favorite destination for Halloween trick-or-treaters because the homes are close together and there are sidewalks throughout the community. Many home owners go all out in their decorations and attractions. For events such as the annual Lakefair, the neighborhood is a great place to be to view the parade and the fireworks. The Capitol Campus is a great destination for strolls, as it features artwork, monuments, gorgeous landscaping and beautiful views.

Another reason the neighborhood is so desirable is the fact that Lincoln Elementary school is in the neighborhood. The school is an alternative school that is so popular that enrollment is handled on a lottery basis. The residents of the neighborhood are guaranteed enrollment if they so choose. Elementary age children in the neighborhood have the choice to attend Lincoln or go to Pioneer Elementary. Right behind Lincoln Elementary is Stevens Field, a city park, which features a baseball field, tennis courts and picnic areas.

In addition the the South Capitol Neighborhood there are two other Olympia neighborhoods with vintage homes. One is the West Side, located across the Inlet from downtown. The walk into town is further, but many of the homes will offer a water view and/or Capitol view.

Another neighborhood is the Eastside neighborhood. It's kind of a mixed bag, with vintage homes that are interspersed with newer homes and commercial use buildings. Some pockets are very quaint and some of the homes have a view of Eastbay.

Of all three neighborhoods, South Capitol is probably the priciest, but you should have no problems finding a nice, large home for under $450,000, especially in the current market. There are at least 6 homes on the market that fit into this price range right now.

I've put together some pictures of Olympia at http://olympiauncovered.weebly.com/

Sandy

[Prple]

$450 (or less) should do the trick. The Capial Campus neighborhood as well as the Carlyon neighborhood would be a good place to look. Capital Campus is probably more expensive, but closer in. Carlyon is very cute too... close to Safeway, Olympia High and Pioneer Elementary.
http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...d-olympia.html

[threedognight]

Thank you Sandy and Prple. You've both been a big help. Which agency are you with Sandy?

All the best,

Debbie

[threedognight]

Hi, Sandy.

I forgot to ask what the average lot size is in South Capitol.

Thanks.

[threedognight]

P.S. to Prple: Thank you for sending the pictures; the town looks like it's right up our alley!

[Sandy Nelson]

Originally Posted by threedognight

Hi, Sandy.

I forgot to ask what the average lot size is in South Capitol.

Thanks.

Threedognight,

The average lot size is in the South Capitol Neighborhood is somewhere around .16 acres.

This forum has strict rules about advertising and I'm afraid that stating my brokerage affiliation might be an infraction. I'm easy to google, though and my profile contains a link to my website.

Prpl made a good point with Carlyon. This is also a nice neighborhood with vintage homes.

Sandy