89 nursing jobs in Olympia, WA

West Olympia offers an established mix of suburban and urban living with quick access to US Route 101, the Capital Mall, and Evergreen State College. South Capitol provides historic, tree-lined residential streets within walking distance of downtown employers, the legislative campus, and Capitol Lake.

Eastside Olympia serves as a more accessible residential hub along Pacific Avenue with neighborhood cafés, direct routes toward Lacey and Tacoma, and proximity to schools. Southeast Olympia draws those wanting newer residential subdivisions, more yard space, and a quieter suburban rhythm.

The local housing stock features an appealing cross-section of Pacific Northwest architecture, ranging from early-twentieth-century historic homes in South Capitol to mid-century properties on the Eastside and newer master-planned developments in Southeast Olympia. In downtown, residential choices include low-rise condominiums and waterfront apartments close to amenities.

Housing remains noticeably more accessible than in King or Pierce County markets, with East Olympia and neighboring Tumwater and Lacey serving as practical landing spots for buyers and renters prioritizing space.

Olympia is anchored by Interstate 5 running north-south and US Route 101 peeling west toward the Olympic Peninsula, placing regional medical centers and surrounding communities like Lacey and Tumwater within straightforward reach. Public transit is uniquely accessible through Intercity Transit, which operates a completely fare-free bus network spanning 29 routes across Thurston County with connections to Sound Transit services.

For healthcare professionals commuting regionally toward Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Tacoma, or Seattle, northbound I-5 traffic can experience significant peak delays.

Dining concentrates heavily along the Budd Inlet waterfront and throughout historic downtown, where independent bistros, local coffee roasters, and seafood spots overlook the water. Percival Landing is lined with dining options highlighting regional seafood, while downtown features eclectic establishments like Cascadia Grill and the New Traditions Fair Trade Cafe.

For fresh provisions, the year-round Olympia Farmers Market on Capitol Way North features dozens of local food producers, bakeries, and artisan vendors.

Outdoor recreation is woven directly into the city, beginning with Percival Landing's boardwalk and the popular 1.7-mile pedestrian loop encircling Capitol Lake where the Deschutes River meets the inlet. Expansive nature options include Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, the forested trails of Watershed Park, and coastal expanses at Squaxin Park, Burfoot Park, and Woodard Bay Conservation Area.

Nearby Capitol State Forest and the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offer easy weekend access to hiking, trail biking, and coastal bird watching.

Olympia balances its serious identity as the state capital with a creative, alternative arts and music scene shaped partly by The Evergreen State College. Downtown is filled with public art, colorful wall murals, and the historic artesian well mosaic where locals fill containers directly from the natural aquifer.

Signature community gatherings include the biannual Arts Walk Olympia, the annual Harbor Days maritime festival, and interactive exhibits at the Hands On Children's Museum.

Winters and late autumns are marked by persistent overcast skies and damp conditions, with Olympia receiving around 50 inches of precipitation annually. The stretch from October through April requires dependable rain gear to handle the continuous Pacific Northwest drizzle.

Summers, by contrast, are comfortable and clear, bringing daytime temperatures that regularly hover in the upper seventies under sunny skies, ideal for exploring the Sound and local waterways.

Families are widely attracted to the Olympia School District, which earns high academic marks and includes respected campuses such as Olympia High School and Avanti High School. East Olympia, Southeast Olympia, and Tumwater Hill are preferred for their quiet residential streets, larger lot sizes, and neighborhood parks.

Family outings center around extensive educational programming at the Hands On Children's Museum, local play areas along Percival Landing, and nature trails throughout Priest Point and Squaxin parks.

Locals praise Olympia for its laid-back indie spirit, strong community connection, and striking natural beauty where forested inlets meet Puget Sound. The small-town capital charm and absence of major metro traffic within the city proper are frequent highlights.

The most common grievances involve prolonged periods of gray, drizzly weather from autumn through spring, alongside visible homelessness and property crime in parts of the downtown commercial corridor.