Thurston County
Olympia
Washington's capital city where Puget Sound, local culture, trails and Northwest living come together.
Explore OlympiaCommunities & Relocation Guide
Local guides to Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Thurston County, Pierce County, Hood Canal and Southwest Washington.
Washington isn't one lifestyle.
Within an hour or so, you can go from a downtown neighborhood to five acres in the country, from a golf-course community to a waterfront home, from a historic small town to a newer neighborhood close to shopping, schools and JBLM.
That's why choosing where you live can be just as important as choosing the house itself.
I'm Ron "Captain Ron" Rougeaux, Managing Broker and owner of PNW Homes Group. I've spent more than 15 years working in Washington real estate and have been involved in 550+ transactions involving homes, land, waterfront and investment properties.
I created these community guides for people who want to understand what it's actually like to live here—especially buyers relocating from another state.
Explore the communities below. Learn about the lifestyle, housing, waterfront, parks, trails, recreation, commuting and things locals actually do. Then, when you find an area that feels like home, call me.
I'll show you the community—not just the houses.
36 communities
Thurston County
Washington's capital city where Puget Sound, local culture, trails and Northwest living come together.
Explore OlympiaThurston County
Lakes, parks, newer neighborhoods and easy access to Olympia and JBLM make Lacey one of South Sound's most versatile places to live.
Explore LaceyThurston County
Historic Northwest character, Tumwater Falls, established neighborhoods and incredible access to I-5.
Explore TumwaterThurston County
Wooded neighborhoods, convenient shopping and quick access to downtown with a distinctly Northwest feel.
Explore West OlympiaThurston County
More room, more trees and a country feel while staying close to Olympia and Lacey.
Explore East OlympiaThurston County
Historic homes, tree-lined streets and one of Olympia's most recognizable residential neighborhoods.
Explore South CapitolThurston County
Puget Sound waterfront, marinas, forest and quiet coastal living just outside Olympia.
Explore Boston HarborThurston County
A peninsula lifestyle surrounded by Puget Sound with waterfront homes, acreage and peaceful Northwest scenery.
Explore Johnson PointThurston County
Wooded properties, waterfront opportunities and privacy minutes from West Olympia.
Explore Cooper PointThurston County
One of the area's major growth corridors with newer homes, golf, shopping and quick JBLM access.
Explore Hawks PrairieThurston County
Lakefront living in the middle of Lacey—boating, swimming and waterfront homes without leaving town.
Explore Long LakeThurston County
A smaller Lacey-area lake community offering water, nature and convenient access to city amenities.
Explore Pattison LakeThurston County
Olympia-area lake living with a more rural, wooded personality.
Explore Black LakeThurston County
Growing small-town living with Mount Rainier country at your doorstep and JBLM within reach.
Explore YelmThurston County
Small-town Washington surrounded by forests, acreage and big Mount Rainier views.
Explore RainierThurston County
Historic stone, small-town character and rural South Thurston County living.
Explore TeninoThurston County
Country properties, farmland and room to breathe with I-5 access nearby.
Explore RochesterThurston County
Convenient I-5 location connecting Olympia and Centralia with rural living all around it.
Explore Grand MoundPierce County
Waterfront, historic neighborhoods, city energy and some of the South Sound's most distinctive homes.
Explore TacomaPierce County
Classic architecture, waterfront parks, neighborhood restaurants and some of Tacoma's most iconic streets.
Explore North TacomaPierce County
Puget Sound scenery, parks and the internationally known Chambers Bay landscape.
Explore University PlacePierce County
One of Washington's oldest towns—a walkable Puget Sound community with incredible water and mountain views.
Explore SteilacoomPierce County
Lakes, established neighborhoods, parks and outstanding access to JBLM and Tacoma.
Explore LakewoodPierce County
Planned neighborhoods, trails and exceptionally convenient access to JBLM and I-5.
Explore DuPontPierce County
A thriving valley community combining historic downtown character with shopping, neighborhoods and Mount Rainier views.
Explore PuyallupPierce County
Classic Main Street charm and a small-town atmosphere in the heart of the Puyallup Valley.
Explore SumnerPierce County
Growing neighborhoods, outdoor recreation and spectacular Mount Rainier country.
Explore Bonney LakePierce County
Maritime Northwest living with a postcard harbor, boating culture and Puget Sound scenery.
Explore Gig HarborMason County / Hood Canal
The gateway to Mason County—affordable Northwest living surrounded by forests, waterways and Olympic Peninsula adventure.
Explore SheltonMason County / Hood Canal
A tiny waterfront community on Case Inlet where boating, shellfish and Puget Sound life take center stage.
Explore AllynMason County / Hood Canal
Quiet Case Inlet waterfront, marinas and rural properties surrounded by classic Northwest scenery.
Explore Grapeview
Mason County / Hood Canal
Hood Canal living with Olympic Mountain views, boating and one of Washington's great waterfront settings.
Explore UnionMason County / Hood Canal
Where Hood Canal meets the Olympics—diving, boating, hiking, shellfish and mountain adventure.
Explore Hoodsport & Lake CushmanLewis County
Historic downtown character, I-5 convenience and a true Southwest Washington small-city lifestyle.
Explore CentraliaLewis County
Historic neighborhoods, rolling countryside and a classic Southwest Washington downtown.
Explore ChehalisLewis County
Small-town living, newer growth and quick I-5 access between Olympia and Portland.
Explore Napavine