East Olympia is a great neighborhood for a young family imo. Gig Harbor is probably the “nicest” area you mentioned but nothing really for kids. Olympia has a great children’s museum and parks. There are a lot of bums in Olympia if that freaks you out. University Place is pretty sad and grimy. Lacey is fine but pretty much just a bland suburb. Olympia has the best schools of the bunch I think. Good luck.