• Neighborhood Picks for Olympia, WA,Heather Redal

    Neighborhood Picks for Olympia, WA

    Located on the Southern End of the Puget Sound, this city is just minutes away from a state park, a scenic marina, captivating walking tours, and awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier.   Nestled within Thurston County, Olympia stands as the county’s largest city, boasting a population of 56,510 residents. Over the past decade, Olympia has experienced consistent growth, attracting individuals seeking employment opportunities and fair real estate values. The city’s economic landscape is shaped by prominent employers such as The State of Washington, with a workforce exceeding 20,000, local government entities, Providence St. Peter Hospital, Tribal Governments, and Federal Governments. In this thriving community, the reported average household income reaches $85,315, reflecting the city’s economic vitality. The demographic landscape reveals a median age of 38, while 78% of the population identifies as White. Strategically positioned between Portland, a mere two-hour drive away, and Seattle, just an hour’s drive, Olympia offers convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. This accessibility has made it particularly appealing to those employed at JBLM, drawn by the swift 22-minute commute.   #1 Best Places to Live in Thurston County for 2023 #15 Best City to Live in the USA for 2022   Let’s Explore the Neighborhoods of Olympia, WA South Capitol Neighborhood. Discover an ideal locale within strolling or biking distance of the Capitol Campus. If you seek a home exuding historical charm or a vintage ambiance, look no further—this neighborhood is tailored to your preferences. While newly developed properties dot the vicinity, the predominant housing options boast exceptional architectural allure and picturesque tree-lined streets. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of residences in this area, with median home prices resting at $921K. East Olympia Neighborhood. Populated with diverse property options, ranging from quaint ramblers to homes boasting serene water views and expansive acreage. If you’re inclined towards renovation projects, this neighborhood stands out as the perfect canvas for your vision. Embrace the convenience of proximity to local eateries, fitness centers, and the renowned farmer’s market—a lifestyle that defines East Olympia. Explore the possibilities in this vibrant community, where the median home price hovers around $445K. Southeast of Downtown Olympia. Embark on a tour through Southeast Olympia and immerse yourself in its unmistakable suburban ambiance. Dating back to the 1980s-2000s, the homes in this area exude a timeless charm. Experience the allure of vast green spaces, broad streets, and an abundance of cul-de-sacs—an idyllic setting for young children to play and families to thrive. Explore neighborhoods like Cain Road, Castlewood, Briarwood, Nottingham, Whitmore Glen, and Holiday Hills, each offering its unique charm. Seize the opportunity to make this serene suburban lifestyle your own, with median home prices averaging $405K in Southeast Olympia. West Olympia – South/Northwest. Discover the allure of sought-after homes to the South, offering captivating water views. Embark on a tour through neighborhoods like Black Lake, Warren Point, or Budd Inlet, where each residence is a testament to scenic beauty. What sets the West side of Olympia apart is the diverse range of properties it presents. Venture beyond the grand estate properties, and you’ll find the Northwest boasting an array of charming one-story homes, built between the 1940s and 1970s, each echoing a rich historical charm. As you journey farther West, explore neighborhoods such as Goldcrest, Cooper Crest, Grass Lake Village, Bayhill, and Walnut Park, where suburban living takes on a distinctive character with two-story homes. Immerse yourself in the unique tapestry of West Olympia, where the median home price is a testament to the blend of elegance and history, averaging at $588.   If you’re new to Washington State, or looking to relocate to Olympia, I would be happy to help you search for the perfect home. Give me a call or email and we can house hunt together. Heather

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  • Pizza Restaurants in the South Sound,Heather Redal

    Pizza Restaurants in the South Sound

    What’s your top must haves in your favorite pizza? All meat, loads of cheese, or hand tossed crust? The South Sound is emerging with local and authentic pizza restaurants. With fresh ingredients and intriguing toppings, a non-cooking night never looked better.   Federal Way Vince’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza, 32411 Pacific Highway S, Federal Way, WA 98003 Sumner Farrelli’s Pizza, 15007 Main St E, Sumner, WA 98390 Enumclaw Cascadia Pizza, 1409 Griffin Ave Enumclaw, WA 98022 Buckley Westside Pizza, 135 Jefferson Ave, Buckley, WA 98321 Wilkeson The Carlson Block, 531 Church St, Wilkeson, WA 98396-9800 Eatonville Myles Pizza Depot, 203 Mashell Ave N Eatonville, WA 98328 Puyallup Wicked Pie Pizza, 112 S Meridian St Puyallup, WA 98371 Fat Zach’s Pizza, 621 5th St SW Puyallup, WA 98371 Trackside Pizza, 201 N Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371 Tacoma Tacoma Pie, 4417 6th Ave. Tacoma, WA 98406 Abella Pizzeria, 1946 Pacific Ave. Tacoma, WA 98402 Sammy’s Pizza, 1308 N I St (North End). Tacoma, WA 98403 Salamone’s Pizza, 2122 Mildred Street West, University Place, WA 98466 The Cloverleaf, 6430 6th Ave. Tacoma, WA 98406 State Street, 606 North State St. Tacoma, WA 98403 Gig Harbor Millville Pizza Co., 3409 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 Fondi Pizzeria, 4621 Point Fosdick Dr Ste 200, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Port Orchard Damn Fine Pizza, 1307 Bay St Port Orchard, WA 98366 Olympia Vics Pizzeria, 2822 Capitol Blvd SE, Olympia, WA 98501 Pizzeria La Gitana – Olympia, 518 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501 Wicked Pies Pizzeria, 412 Franklin St SE, Olympia, WA 98501   Century Old Legend… Like with so many centuries-old foods, the origins of pizza Margherita are surrounded by legends. A popular one says that the pizza Margherita was invented by Raffaele Esposito at Pizzeria Brandi in Naples in 1889 to celebrate the unification of Italy. It is also believed the three toppings – basil, mozzarella, and tomato – represent the colors of the Italian flag and that Esposito named this pizza after Queen Margherita of Savoy.

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  • Apple Picking in the NW,Heather Redal

    Apple Picking in the NW

    With the warmer temperatures still lingering and the change in fall colors, visiting an apple orchard makes for a fun outdoor adventure for all ages. August through end of October is a great time to visit the Farms. Plan to pack your rubber boots if your walking through the orchards. Most farms are open based on harvest availability. 3 Different Ways to Enjoy the Fall Apple Harvest – UPick, Cider Press Farms, or a Day Trip to Yakima, WA.   U-Pick Apple Orchards Butler’s Farm, 3414 137th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 From the owners…”The honor system – Feel free to pick produce while the homeowners are away. Exact cash or checks can be made out to Steve Butler”. Curran Apple Orchard, 3920 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466 The Curran Orchard offers an Adopt a Tree program for each harvest year. Guests are welcome to harvest a bag or two if they are not a part of the program. Skipley Farm, 7228 Skipley Rd. Snohomish, WA 98290 Word from the owners… “$5 donation per adult: orientation, grazing (come hungry) & support our not-for-profit educational “Farm Incubator”. Bring bags! to take produce/cider home in. Plan to come with your furry friend after 3PM on weekends.”   Cider Press Farms Cockrell Cider Farm, 6613 114th Ave. Ct. E. Puyallup, WA 98372 Mill House Cider Co, 303 Center St E Eatonville, WA 98328 Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, 9402 Rich Rd SE Olympia, WA 98501 Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse, 201 NW Beaver Ridge Lane Poulsbo, WA 98370 Nashi Orchards Tasting Room, 16906 107th Ave SW Vashon, WA 98070 Dragon’s Head Cider, 18201 107th Ave SW, Vashon, WA 98070   Day Trip to Yakima, WA Looking for a scenic fall drive? Yakima is 2hrs30min from Tacoma. With over 69,117 acres of planted apple orchards you are sure to bring home boxes of delicious apples. Check out the Yakima Upick Farms… West Valley UPick, 11901 Zier Road Yakima, Wa 98908 Mcilrath Family farms, 10 Old Naches Highway Yakima, WA 98908 Johnson orchards, 4906 Summitview Avenue Yakima, WA 98908   Fun Facts from the Washington Apple Commission 🍎The average American eats 16 pounds of fresh apples each year. 🍎Washington grows more apples than any other state. 🍎It takes the energy from 50 apple tree leaves to produce one apple.

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