Winchester has been chosen as one the best places to retire by AARP magazine, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, and Where to Retire magazine. It is not only a great place to retire, but it is also an impressive place to raise a family with small town southern charm and a plethora of big-city amenities at your fingertips.
Studies show that Winchester has a very competitive median housing price, cost of living, tax rates, recreation, climate, and health resources. Some of the inviting charm is the area’s Civil War history, rural location with apple and peach orchards, and shady brick historic district. Winchester is very conveniently located in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia, not a far drive from our Nation’s Capital. Many people are moving to the area and commuting in to the busy Northern Virginia Area, due to its easy commute, lower cost of living, and charm.
John Handley High School earned a silver medal in the national rankings for High Schools in 2016 (this is a national ranking based on the college readiness of students. It is a very strict process to rank students at the schools based on several factors). Find more resources on enrolling your student in Frederick County Schools here.
The city of Winchester tries to make your transition easy by offering many online resources to ensure you have what you need available quickly. Find more information on local utilities, licensing, and helpful resources here.
Quick list of local public safety information.
Old Town Winchester is a big draw for locals, there are many delicious restaurants, quaint shops and fascinating attractions to visit. The town also offers a lot of local events including the Annual Apple Blossom Festival, Concerts in the Pavilion, Movie nights on the outdoor big screen, and many other family events throughout the year. Visit the Old Town Website for more info and an updated events calendar. Also, check out our blog “25 Things to do in Frederick County” for more fun activities.
Winchester is big on community and helping each other, there are a wide variety of volunteer programs to choose from to get involved.
Looking to start a business or relocate your business? Winchester has a plethora of resources available to help you make the decisions needed when going through the process. Check out the economic development website and see what Winchester has to offer you.
Winchester is a lovely town with southern charm and all the amenities you need. When you are ready to move, there is an abundance of resources to help you make a smooth transition.
- Frederick County website
- New Resident Guide
- Visit Winchester VA
- Or stop by the Visitors Center for a packet of information.