No. 6 Olympia, Washington
State government drives growth and Evergreen State college fuels the creative spirit in our number-six pick.
Population: 233,113
Income Growth: 22%
Cost of Living Index: 105
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Median Household Income: $55,129
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 36%
Olympia is a cultural diamond in the rough of the Pacific Northwest. Mischaracterized sometimes as a sleepy government town, Washington's state capital -- just 60 miles southwest of Seattle on the southern tip of Puget Sound -- enjoys a thriving visual and performing-arts scene.
Walk down the city's main street, Capitol Way, and you'll discover fashion boutiques, art galleries showcasing the works of local painters and sculptors, coffee houses, and nightclubs. Don't miss Brotherhood Lounge -- better known as Broho -- which features a variety of music, from alternative and indie rock to DJs that spin punk, garage, soul and vintage country.
Trendy? Yes. Profitable? Indeed. Despite the recession, Olympians and visitors are still spending briskly on the arts and eating out. Jenny Shaw, manager of the Urban Onion Restaurant and Lounge, in the Theater District in the heart of downtown, feels lucky that she and her staff haven't felt the recession blues. "Revenues were up 20% in 2008," says Shaw.
But it's the state government that continues to be the keystone of Olympia's economy; it employs about half of the city's working population. Education is another big driver of the city's growth and character. Evergreen State College, a liberal-arts school specializing in the social sciences and visual and performing arts, helps fuel the creative spirit. Saint Martin's University, a private school located in neighboring Lacey, is known for engineering and applied sciences.
HOME | 12345678910 | Best Cities Center
-
Three Big Ways That Life Insurance Can Be a Lifeline
Life insurance not only provides a safety net for loved ones and leaves behind a lasting legacy, but the cash value can also help during financial hardship.
By Steve Sugumele Published
-
Romance Scams That Target Older Adults Rising: What to Do
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling for a scam, especially when a scammer tries to prey on your affection.
By Patrick M. Simasko, J.D. Published
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024
retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Published
-
Best Foreclosure Sites for Finding Properties
Making Your Money Last Wondering how to find foreclosed homes for sale for your next residence or to flip for a profit? These websites will guide you to foreclosures and real estate-owned properties to buy.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel Procrastinator? No matter. You can pull off a fun and memorable getaway on a moment's notice — without breaking the bank.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life-insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day?
Amazon Prime In 2023 Amazon had two Prime Day events — one in July and another, called Big Deal Days, in October. We expect 2024 to follow the same schedule.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published