Considering a Olympia/Lacey/Tumwater Move... (Seattle, McChord AFB: rent, insurance, home)

[skuch1n]

Greetings, All

My family is now seriously looking at the Olympia metro for a possible relocation. We plan a trip in the summer to get a first-hand look, but would like some suggestions from local residents re: what to see/do in general. I've already done a lot of research on City-Data, Google, etc. and would also like to learn a little bit about the existance of good private and/or charter schools in the area. Given the sorry state of public schools in my current area, I have certain reservations (unless anyone can provide a recommendation for good public schools, as well!). Thank you!

[bobbilly79]

The Olympia School District is actually quite top notch. I do not have any personal experience with North Thurston or Tumwater schools, so I can't say much there. In the summer take the kids downtown to the fountain, a nice place to cool off, and enjoy the view of the Olympic Mountains. Beware though, Oly is cloudy and drizzly often. Even in the summer it takes a bit longer on some days for the Marine Layer to burn off then it does up in Seattle. Good luck!

[Sandy Nelson]

ksuch1n,

Olympia public schools are first rate schools. If you don't want your children in public schools, there is always St. Michael's Catholic School.
When you come here in the summer, visit the Olympia Farmers Market, rent kayaks at Boston Harbor marina and kayak along the shores of Puget Sound. You can also take your children inner tubing down the Deschutes river. During the summer there are many free events, like concerts in the park, outdoor movie nights, the pet parade, Lake Fair and much more. The city of Olympia and the city of Lacey offer an extensive summer program for kids of all ages.

If you want to go sight seeing, I'd recommend a trip to Seattle, a visit to Mt. St. Helens, a trip to the coast (Ocean Shores) and a visit to the Olympic National Forest.

Regards,

Sandy

[skuch1n]

Thanks for the school suggestion(s) everyone. I saw some images of the Capital Lake and Campus area - it looks nice. I'm not too concerned about the weather... My wife and I terribly miss the forest and moderate ocean climate. I grew up north of Anchorage and am no stranger to cloudy weather. When we visited Seattle and Sea-Tac in 2002 it was like coming home again. Utah was nice the first couple of years due to the unique desert environment, but it's not our preference. We visited Portland in 2005 and 2008. While the area was nice, the politics and policies associated with a large(er) city left a bad taste in my mouth.

I am hoping to pop in to see Boston Harbor as well. Given that it's just up the road, (so to speak) it will definately be on our 'places to see' list when we explore the area this summer. BTW - how are jobs in Thurston Co.? I understood at one point that the state enacted a hiring freeze on some government positions. Is still the case? Another big reason to look at Olympia was the plethora of government jobs, as I am interested in getting my foot in the door. Either that, or perhaps work at Ft. Lewis or McChord AFB. Thanks again!

[Prple]

Olympia has a great school district. This site gives a rating with the ability to look at test scores, demographics, etc. as well as parent reviews.
Olympia Schools - Olympia Washington School Ratings - Public and Private

Here are some pictures:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...d-olympia.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...n-olympia.html


Also, here is some info about Olympia from the city of Olympia's website:
The most secure mid-sized U.S. city as ranked by Best Places on behalf of Farmers' Insurance.
#8 on Forbes Magazine 2008 list of Best Places for Business and Careers, and #10 on the 2007 list.
#16 on Sperling's 2007 ranking of Best United States Cities.
#36 on the 2007 Country Home Magazine list of Best Green Cities in America.
Featured in the 2006 edition of 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family.

This has good info too: Thurston County, WA

Good luck!

[skuch1n]

Originally Posted by Prple

Olympia has a great school district. This site gives a rating with the ability to look at test scores, demographics, etc. as well as parent reviews.
Olympia Schools - Olympia Washington School Ratings - Public and Private

Here are some pictures:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...d-olympia.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/washi...n-olympia.html


Also, here is some info about Olympia from the city of Olympia's website:
The most secure mid-sized U.S. city as ranked by Best Places on behalf of Farmers' Insurance.
#8 on Forbes Magazine 2008 list of Best Places for Business and Careers, and #10 on the 2007 list.
#16 on Sperling's 2007 ranking of Best United States Cities.
#36 on the 2007 Country Home Magazine list of Best Green Cities in America.
Featured in the 2006 edition of 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family.

This has good info too: Thurston County, WA

Good luck!

This an awesome collection of links, thank you!

One last question (for now) - Why is Health and/or health care so much more expensive in the Olympia area as opposed to where I live in UT? I'm not too concerned right now, but would like to find some specifics if I can. Thanks again...