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Olympia, Washington | City Guide for Travel Healthcare Pros
- noordinarypath
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to Olympia, WA
Tucked at the southern tip of Puget Sound, Olympia is Washington’s charming capital city. With a thriving arts scene, waterfront views, farm-to-table dining, and easy access to both Seattle and nature, Olympia is a fantastic base for travel nurses who want Pacific Northwest vibes without the big-city rush.
💰 Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index: Around 110, which is lower than Seattle but above the national average.
Average Rent: ~$1,400–$1,800/month for a one-bedroom apartment
Utilities: ~$160/month, more in winter due to damp climate
🌤️ Weather by Month
Olympia has a temperate marine climate with mild summers and wet winters. Bring your rain gear and enjoy the lush greenery year-round!
Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Description |
January | 45°F | 34°F | ☔ Rainy and gray, occasional snow |
February | 49°F | 34°F | 🌧 Still rainy, early bloom signs |
March | 54°F | 37°F | 🌷 Wet with signs of spring |
April | 60°F | 40°F | 🌼 Greener and sunnier |
May | 66°F | 45°F | ☀️ Mild and blooming |
June | 71°F | 49°F | 🌤 Longer days and drier |
July | 77°F | 52°F | ☀️ Warm and pleasant |
August | 78°F | 52°F | 🌞 Dry and beautiful |
September | 72°F | 48°F | 🍂 Cooling off, golden sunsets |
October | 60°F | 42°F | 🎃 Damp and colorful foliage |
November | 50°F | 38°F | 🌧 Rainy season picks up |
December | 44°F | 34°F | ❄️ Cold and wet |
🛏️ Furnished Housing Options
🛋 1-Bedroom Options
Downtown Olympia Furnished Loft – Walk to coffee shops, Capitol Lake, and the hospital
Private Apartment with Forest Views – Pet-friendly and close to hiking trails
🛏 2-Bedroom Options
Cozy 2BR Near Providence St. Peter – Updated interiors and fenced yard
Zillow Rentals – Use filters for furnished options in Lacey, Tumwater, or Olympia
🏨 Extended Stay Hotels
Extended Stay America – Olympia/Tumwater – Affordable, full kitchens, monthly rates
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Olympia – Studio suites near Capitol Lake
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Near I-5 with free breakfast and long-stay options
🚐 RV Parks
American Heritage Campground (Olympia) – Wooded and peaceful with full hookups🔗 View Park
Riverbend Campground (Tenino, ~25 min) – Monthly sites near riverfront and trails🔗 View Park
Washington Land Yacht Harbor (Lacey) – Affordable long-term stays, friendly community🔗 View Park
🎉 Fun Things to Do in Olympia
Percival Landing Boardwalk – Scenic strolls along the waterfront with restaurants and boats
Olympia Farmers Market – Year-round local produce and artisan goods
Capitol Campus & Gardens – Tour the beautiful Capitol building and grounds
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – Birdwatching and boardwalk hikes
Downtown Arts Walk – Regular events featuring local galleries, music, and makers
🧳 Nearby Weekend Trips
Seattle (~1 hr): Big city attractions, Pike Place Market, and ferry rides
Mt. Rainier National Park (~1.5 hrs): Alpine hikes, glaciers, and wildlife
Ocean Shores (~1.5 hrs): Beachside escape on the Pacific Coast
Portland, OR (~2 hrs): Trendy shops, food trucks, and breweries
🕒 Summary
Olympia blends natural beauty, political history, and a creative spirit. It’s a prime choice for travel nurses who want access to top hospitals while living somewhere green, artsy, and community-oriented.
✅ Strong traveler demand
d at Providence St. Peter
✅ Great mix of urban and outdoor adventures
✅ Central location with easy weekend getaways
✅ Plenty of furnished housing and RV options
Looking to experience the Pacific Northwest lifestyle without Seattle prices? Olympia is your capital escape.
Disclosure: The information provided in this guide is what I use to send my travelers and is obtained through ChatGPT, utilizing prompts I frequently use as a travel nurse recruiter. The content is designed to help travelers make informed decisions about potential destinations.
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