Life near the Olympia Regional Airport offers an area steeped in Thurston County’s aviation history, and nearby access to the best of Tumwater. Those looking for a home in the area are sure to find a wide swath of real estate options, whether interested in a long-established neighborhood, or a community with recently-built homes. And in recent years, the area has continued to be enhanced with additional amenities like restaurants, green spaces and Tumwater’s burgeoning Craft District.
Olympic Sotheby’s Real Estate Expert Says There Are Many Housing Options Near Olympia Regional Airport
According to Carlee Hjelm, real estate broker for Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty, homes located near the Olympia Regional Airport match a full spectrum of homebuyer needs, including options that are more moderate in size and budget, and may be ideal for those purchasing their first home. Hjelm adds that the area also contains many homes that are larger in square footage and contain enhanced amenities like three-car garages.
The Olympia Regional Airport is located off of Old Highway 99 in Tumwater, and is immediately surrounded by industry and commerce. Prominent residential areas also encircle the Olympia Regional Airport, including the Deschutes River Highlands, Deschutes Heights and Bush Prairie neighborhoods, grouped together just east of the airport. The Deschutes River Highlands includes many recently-constructed homes located near Tumwater’s Munn Lake, and Bush Prairie includes a collection of homes near Trails End Lake. Deschutes Heights is an up-and-coming planned community with new constructions continuing to enter the market.
Enjoy Local Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation Near Olympia Regional Airport
The Deschutes River is a defining landmark that winds throughout the City of Tumwater, and potential homebuyers touring homes near the Olympia Regional Airport can find a wealth of nearby parks that border the river, with additional features like play areas, athletic facilities and nature trails. Along Henderson Boulevard in Tumwater, Pioneer Park extends across 85 acres and is teeming with family-friendly attractions like a playground, baseball and soccer fields, and a reservable picnic shelter, ideal for outdoor gatherings. Visitors to Pioneer Park may also enjoy walking trails and views of the Deschutes River.
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a Pacific Northwest delight, teeming with lush greenery and fixtures like park benches, bridges and a primary nature trail that measures one half-mile in length that allow park visitors to take in the striking sights and sounds of the Deschutes River from multiple vantage points. A viewing area allows visitors an uninterrupted vista of the falls, and transparent grates in this space showcase the mighty river current below. The park is also home to picnic tables, a children’s play area and grass field, which hosts special events like the annual Tumwater Falls Fest each autumn. A new park is also on the horizon in Tumwater, set to take over the large plot of land that was once Trails End Horse Arena, near the Olympia Regional Airport.
The Olympia Regional Airport Carries Long Legacy of Thurston County Aviation History
Established in 1928, the Olympia Regional Airport has supported local industry, general aviation and military operations for almost a century including throughout World War II, when the airport was an auxiliary for McChord Field. Prior to World War II, the airport was host to flight-related educational programming for civilians, and once the United States entered the war, it transformed into a headquarters of the 37th Flying Training Squadron, a component of the 55th Fighter Group, using P-43 Lancer and eventually, P-38 Lightning aircraft. Playing a pivotal role in local aviation history, the Olympia Airport Hangar & Terminal has earned a space on the City of Tumwater’s Historical Register.
The Olympic Flight Museum continues to offer a glimpse of aviation’s past, showcasing a collection of historical aircraft, including a L-39ZO Albatross plane and UH-1H “Huey” Mobile helicopter, and is open to the public on the weekends. The Olympic Flight Museum also hosts special events, like the Olympic Airshow that traditionally takes place over Father’s Day weekend each year. The show is known for highlighting a range of historical and World War II-era aircraft through flight demonstrations, rides and tours.
Shop, Sip and Dine Local in the Neighborhoods Around the Olympia Regional Airport
With a plentiful selection of fresh fruits, veggies and locally-made eats, Spuds Produce Market II is easy to access off of Old Highway 99, across the street from the Olympia Regional Airport.
Shoppers can also find specialty and seasonal items from around the Pacific Northwest and beyond, including Butterfusion butters from Covington, Cougar Gold cheese from the Washington State University Creamery and raspberries from Olympia’s Spooner Berry Farms. Spud’s Produce Market II also showcases a robust selection of craft beers, ales and ciders in bottles and cans.
With a grand opening earlier this year, Coffee Pub NW Bar & Grill is the perfect hybrid for espresso, cocktail and craft beer enthusiasts. Coffee Pub NW offers a menu of ales, IPAs and other brews on tap, as well as hot and iced espresso drinks, including lattes, mochas and macchiatos. For lunch, selections like the pulled pork sammy, blue balsamic grilled cheese or brisket tacos are sure to please. Coffee Pub also maintains a regular schedule of special events, including trivia nights, karaoke and candle-making workshops.
Down the road from the Olympia Regional Airport is Tumwater’s Craft District, a lively hub of local breweries, distilleries, shops and eateries, perfect for gathering with friends and loved ones. South Puget Sound Community College’s Brewing & Distilling Program is based in the Craft District, allowing students a front row seat to the art, science and business of brewing, with multiple degree options available.
Heritage Distilling Company is a local maker of fine vodka, whiskey, gin and other beverages, and in addition to production that takes place at the Craft District, Heritage also offers a tasting room where visitors can sip seasonal cocktails, mocktails or sample different Heritage spirits. The Craft District is also home to establishments like Mount Olympus Brewing, Wines by the Valley, Nana’s Pattaya Thai Express, Olympia Seafood Co and Tumwater Taco Co.
To learn more about real estate options near the Olympia Regional Airport in Tumwater, visit the Olympic Sotheby’s International Realty website.
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