Tumwater, WA

Thinking of moving to Tumwater, WA? Explore our complete guide to living in Tumwater, covering local cost of living, top-ranked schools, job growth and the best neighborhood amenities.

Located at the southernmost tip of Puget Sound, Tumwater, WA, was founded in 1845 and is the oldest permanent American settlement on Puget Sound. Living in Tumwater delivers quintessential Pacific Northwest nature paired with history, from watching the Deschutes River plunge over the cascading drop at Brewery Park, to catching up on local craft pours in the buzzing Craft District or taking a peaceful morning jog through the towering Douglas firs along the Schmidt House grounds. Directly south of the state capital, Olympia, Tumwater is a welcoming community of 26,994 residents. Modern suburban developments and peaceful cul-de-sacs (median home value: $465,280!) sit framed by evergreen forests, mountain views and commerce corridors. Tumwater is an ideal home base for state government professionals, military families connected to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and outdoor enthusiasts seeking exceptional public safety, top-ranked schools and direct regional transit access.

Top Reasons to Move to Tumwater, WA:

• Total Peace of Mind: Safety is a defining quality of life in Tumwater. A highly responsive, community-oriented police department, well-lit streetscapes and active neighborhood watch groups keep crime rates consistently low. Parents love that kids can safely ride bikes through quiet residential neighborhoods, stroll around local parks and walk home from school with complete peace of mind.
• The Great Outdoors: Nature and local history collide along the banks of the Deschutes River. Residents enjoy immediate access to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, featuring 15 acres of scenic walking trails, cascading waterfalls, quiet pools and seasonal salmon runs. Outdoor lovers can also play 18 holes along the river at Tumwater Valley Golf Club, explore the trails at Pioneer Park or take quick weekend trips to Mount Rainier National Park and the Washington coast. Overlook Point Park is a peaceful pocket that offers panoramic views of the lower Deschutes River valley and the historic brewery buildings.
• The Craft District Is Bubbling: Historically home to the Olympia Brewing Company, Tumwater continues its legacy through its modern Craft District. This dynamic, walkable hub features craft breweries, distilleries, bakeries and outdoor amphitheater venues, alongside South Puget Sound Community College’s renowned Craft Brewing and Distilling program. The Historic Olympia Brewery Site is situated along the Deschutes River, marking Tumwater’s historic legacy as the long-time home of Olympia Beer (“It’s the Water”).
• Tumwater Is Family-Friendly: Tumwater is a family-friendly environment where kids of all ages thrive. Education is a major magnet for relocating families, and the above-average Tumwater School District supports that. Spend the weekend visiting the Crosby House Museum, a preserved 19th-century pioneer home, or the Olympic Flight Museum at the Olympia Regional Airport with a collection of vintage aircraft and military helicopters that aviation-loving kids can view up close. Let them run off energy at Pioneer Park, a popular spot for sports and picnics, or at Tumwater Historical Park’s large children’s play areas. In the fall, visit Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm in Olympia for fresh apple cider, warm cider donuts, farm animals and pumpkin picking.
• Getting Around Town: Navigating the South Sound region is fast and convenient. Positioned along the Interstate 5 and Highway 101 corridors, commuters enjoy direct five-minute drives to downtown Olympia state capital offices, smooth 25-minute commutes north to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and straightforward trips to Tacoma and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).