Olympia, Washington

As the capital of Washington State, this city of 42,514 has jobs and amenities that far outweigh its small size.

Set amongst the Olympic Mountains and bordered by Puget Sound, Olympia is a haven for nature lovers. A trip outside the city, along the Olympic Peninsula will take you through spectacular temperate rainforests and across serene saltwater beaches. Being near the sea, you can keep yourself busy scuba diving, clam digging, and oyster picking. Or head to the area's many freshwater lakes to fish perch, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Chinook salmon. You don't have to leave the city, however, to enjoy the views. Many of the area's hillside homes offer panoramic views of mountainous terrain and seaside vistas.

The well-educated residents of Olympia have developed a network of quality public institutions. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts plays and the local symphony orchestra. The city also boasts a number of wonderful parks, including the Yashiro Japanese Gardens, with its beautiful waterfall and flowers, and Percival Landing, the main waterfront thoroughfare decorated with a mile-long boardwalk. For cinematic entertainment, check out the Capital Theatre, home to the city's film festival, which regularly shows independent and foreign films. And, for weekend relaxation and indulgence, head to the local farmers' market, which features homemade goods, local produce, crafts, seafood, and live entertainment.

And, with such well-educated residents, it's no surprise that Olympia has developed a high-quality public school system. SAT scores are well above state and national averages, while the ratio of students to teachers averages 19 to 1.

With its short commutes to work, excellent opportunities, beautiful outdoor spaces, and variety of attractions, life doesn't get much better than in the affordable city of Olympia. And, best of all, you get all this, while paying no state income tax.

See our 13 Jobs in Olympia, Washington