The city of Tumwater is located 62 miles from Seattle at the southern tip of Puget Sound just south of Olympia. The rugged Olympic Mountains rise in the distance and Mount Rainier seems close enough to touch on a clear day. It was founded in 1845 as New Market by Michael Simmons and George Bush who blazed the northern branch of the Oregon Trail to where the Deschutes River tumbles down the Tumwater Falls before emptying into Puget Sound. Indigenous people were few in number and the land plentiful so initially there was little conflict, but the Indian war of 1855 confirmed that the more numerous and technologically superior whites would be dominant. Incorporated in 1869, the primary commercial enterprises early on were agriculture and timber. San Francisco was experiencing a “boom” and the lumber of the Northwest was highly desirable. The landmark Capital Brewing Company was built in 1896 and operated continuously (except during prohibition) until its closing in 2003. The Olympia Regional Airport in Tumwater, serves as a base of operations for several light manufacturing businesses and health care is an important source of employment. A strong military presence bolsters the local economy, as well. But with Washington State and Thurston County government offices in neighboring Olympia and factoring in the city and school district, government employment supplies over 30% of all jobs
to residents.

Tumwater School District is committed to ensuring each of its 6,200 students gains the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a responsible, contributing citizen of our democracy. An attitude of responsible stewardship is evident among its staff members who serve in its 13 schools. Higher educational opportunities are available in Olympia at South Sound Community College, the Evergreen State University and at Saint Martin’s University in nearby Lacey or a short commute north makes the University of Washington Tacoma an option, as well.

The Northwest Metroplex makes all of the amenities of the big city readily available including pro sports, performance art, zoos, museums and galleries, nightclubs and concerts within easy reach. The great outdoors offers a different menu of options such as camping, skiing, golf, fishing, sailing and more. In town options are also attractive. A look around at Tumwater’s 115 acres in 10 parks reveals why the city has been designated a National Tree City USA. There are also 7 interconnecting trails systems that are highly popular. Community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, the Tree Lighting Festival and the Glow Valley Golf Rally only add to the local enjoyment. Dozens of churches and scores of volunteer organizations offer spiritual renewal and the city recreation department has a panoply of educational, craft, and just plain fun events.

Tumwater real estate is very desirable and an active market with lots of affordable inventory and a few “dream homes."