Yelm To Olympia Commute (Tacoma, Lacey: buying a home, buying, construction)

[violeteyes1988]

I am considering buying a home in Yelm (North Yelm, to be more specific) and would be working in Olympia. According to Google Maps, I'm looking at a 20-25mi drive that would take approximately 35mins.
Can anyone give any insight on how accurate the drive time is? During typical rush hours (6am-8am, 3pm-5pm)?

Thanks in advance for any info provided!

[Granny Fats]

Bumping because I would like to know too, looking in that whole area for a nice place (affordable)...Thank you...

[beautifulseattlehomes]

It has been years but I had a friend some time ago that lived in Yelm and commuted to Olympia..she was a doctor so went into the major hospital there for work. It often took her about an hour because of multiple factors...weather conditions and country roads being the ones I remember the most...and she had flexible hours too. Things could have greatly improved since then but the best way to know is to do the commute a couple of times yourself during the times you would be going and see how accurate the estimate was.

[MJ5150]

You will hit a lot of traffic in Yelm, and then down past the Red Wind Casino. Then you hit the back roads that often have slow moving trucks on them. If you continue on down Yelm Highway into Olympia, that area seems to always be under some kind of construction from Boulevard on, so that will slow you down too. Depending on where at in Olympia, I would budget at least 45 minutes for that drive.

-Mike

[rainiershadow]

We live in yelm and commute to Olympia. At the peak times listed, mj5150 is exactly right, better budget 45 mins. Depending on what part of Olympia you work in you can go the back way into Olympia by going down through the town of Rainier and cut out the 5 and the headache of the construction just off the nisqually rez. I adore our little town, it is beautiful, with a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier. The people are friendly, we have several parks one with trout fishing, LOTS of trees and nice stores. Lacey is just up the road if you need some variety. Wouldn't trade it for anywhere else. Yelm is often viewed as a "hick" town but I can tell you for no larger than it is, it is bustling! Traffic can be heavy at rush hour and school time but beats the heck out of Tacoma/lacey/Olympia traffic! Whatever you do don't let Ramthas Ramsters get ya!

[bnjforever]

Originally Posted by rainiershadow

We live in yelm and commute to Olympia. At the peak times listed, mj5150 is exactly right, better budget 45 mins. Depending on what part of Olympia you work in you can go the back way into Olympia by going down through the town of Rainier and cut out the 5 and the headache of the construction just off the nisqually rez. I adore our little town, it is beautiful, with a gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier. The people are friendly, we have several parks one with trout fishing, LOTS of trees and nice stores. Lacey is just up the road if you need some variety. Wouldn't trade it for anywhere else. Yelm is often viewed as a "hick" town but I can tell you for no larger than it is, it is bustling! Traffic can be heavy at rush hour and school time but beats the heck out of Tacoma/lacey/Olympia traffic! Whatever you do don't let Ramthas Ramsters get ya!

And God help you if you get stuck behind a school bus! And I totally agree with you poster, especially your last TWO sentences! Had to chuckle when I read the Ramsters comment...what a trip!

[mikmonb14]

We bought a house in Yelm three months ago. Our son who is 16 years old is studying college in South Puget Sound
Community College. we are looking for;
#1 a commute to bring him to the college from our house in Yelm at 8:15am (he start classes at 9:00am) to SPSCC in Olympia. then pick him up again after he finishes classes and bring him back to Yelm. (most of days he finishes classes at 1:30, and one day a week he finishes at 5:30)
or #2 or someone to pick him up at our house address at 7:15am and bring him to the bus stop at the Walmart in Yelm, so he can take the bus to Olympia. then pick him up when he is back in Yelm at the Walmart and bring him home. We live only 6 minutes away from Walmart.
or #3 someone who can only bring him to Walmart in Yelm in the mornings.
Any one around?
Thanks and God bless!
Monica (phone # 310-770-****)

[wmweeza]

Originally Posted by mikmonb14

We bought a house in Yelm three months ago. Our son who is 16 years old is studying college in South Puget Sound
Community College. we are looking for;
#1 a commute to bring him to the college from our house in Yelm at 8:15am (he start classes at 9:00am) to SPSCC in Olympia. then pick him up again after he finishes classes and bring him back to Yelm. (most of days he finishes classes at 1:30, and one day a week he finishes at 5:30)
or #2 or someone to pick him up at our house address at 7:15am and bring him to the bus stop at the Walmart in Yelm, so he can take the bus to Olympia. then pick him up when he is back in Yelm at the Walmart and bring him home. We live only 6 minutes away from Walmart.
or #3 someone who can only bring him to Walmart in Yelm in the mornings.
Any one around?
Thanks and God bless!
Monica (phone*****)

I would suggest you edit out your number and ask anyone who can help to message you. This is an open internet forum and you could get random strangers off the internet calling to "help" your son. Not a good idea