Policymakers preside over a city that’s become the most expensive of its size in the nation, largely because of their own policies.

No extreme temperatures mean comfortable living year-round. Forests and water surround the town in every direction. Natural beauty comes free with the simple lifestyle choice. Christmas trees grow ...

Housing costs, the most significant factor in overall affordability, remain remarkably reasonable in Olympia compared to other West Coast cities, making it possible to live comfortably on a fixed ...