Though a small city of approximately 10,000 residents, Winchester continues to experience year-after-year growth. The city encompasses the eastern shores of Tims Ford Lake, to which it owes much of its development in recent years. “When people had to work from home during COVID-19, they came here and bought houses on the lake because it’s beautiful,” says Melissa Stewart, a Realtor with Swaffords Property Shop. “Whenever country stars film music videos that involve water, a lot of them on the lake.” Beyond proximity to the outdoors, the Franklin County seat offers a walkable downtown district and a diverse housing market.
Winchester is the seat of Franklin County with a growing population over 9,000 people.
Locals can walk to shops on 1st. Avenue in Downtown Winchester..
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Fishing on the lake and hiking at Tims Ford State Park
Winchester City Park offers ways for residents to enjoy the outdoors, from the Winchester Swimplex aquatic park to its Adventure Mountain playground and little league baseball diamonds. Twin Creeks Marina & Resort on the lake's southern side is where people launch boats for a day of cruising or fishing for bass. Tims Ford State Park allows for more natural immersion, 11 miles northwest. Hiking and biking trails wind through the park, past campsites, watercraft rental facilities and scenic lake overlooks.
Locals love to stroll Winchester City Park with their dogs throughout the year.
Locals can store their boats at Twin Creeks Marina & Resort in Winchester.
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Winchester offers a variety of housing options
The median home price in Winchester is $397,000, not too far from the national median in the low $400,000s. Stewart notes that home styles and prices vary significantly across the city. “We have any type of house for people coming to live or visit,” she says. “Anything from a cabin to houses in new subdivisions in the $1.7 million range.” Mid-20th-century suburbs fill the bulk of the community, while waterfront properties fill the lake's shoreline. “A lot of lakes in Tennessee do not have private docks,” Stewart says. “We are on the rare side, as 80% of our homes do.”
New contemporary homes have started to pop up near Winchester's historic downtown..
Newly built subdivisions in Winchester are set behind gates and have unique styles such as Craftsman.
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Shop and dine locally in downtown Winchester
Franklin County Courthouse anchors Winchester’s downtown district. Circling the Art Deco-style building are longstanding storefronts that house locally owned eateries, knick-knack shops and offices. Downtown’s 1st Avenue Northwest blends into Decherd Boulevard, which runs beyond the city’s northern edge. National chain retailers and eateries are along the stretch, while a handful of grocers dot the city.
Mali Thai cuisine is a local favorite on the square for lunch in downtown Winchester.
Lupitas Tacos serves delicious Mexican cuisine to locals and visitors in downtown Winchester.
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Barbeque masters compete at High On Hog Barbeque Competition
The Franklin County Kiwanis throws the High On Hog barbeque festival and competition in April. The event brings in more than 50 teams from around the country looking to be named grand champion. Along with getting a taste of the barbeque, attendees enjoy live music and carnival rides. On the Fourth of July, boats fill Tims Ford Lake for the Lights Over the Lake fireworks show. Throughout the year, residents can catch movies at Oldham Theatre, a staple of downtown Winchester since 1950.
The Oldham Theater has been entertaining Winchester residents since 1950.
Tims Ford State Park was created in 1978 and has 3,546 acres of land to explore.
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Franklin County School District gets a C plus
Franklin County School District serves the city and holds a C-plus rating on Niche. During the 2023-2024 school year, Franklin County High School received a Level 5 score from the Tennessee Department of Education for College and Career Readiness. Winchester Christian Academy is the local private option, enrolling prekindergarten through 11th-grade students. Postgraduates can attend The University of The South, 13 miles northeast in Sewanee.
Franklin County High School enrolls over 1,100 students every year in Winchester.
North Middle School enrolls over 500 students every year in Winchester.
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Day trips to Chattanooga and Huntsville
Both Interstate 24 and U.S. Route 41 run through the city. The latter grants access to Chattanooga 63 miles east, where travelers can catch flights at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. U.S. Route 64 is also a major thoroughfare, leading to Huntsville 45 miles southwest. Residents can also reach some of Franklin Count’s largest employers, like National Aerospace Solutions and Nissan North America, within 16 miles.
Winchester's crime statistics and occasional snowfall
According to FBI data, Winchester’s combined property and violent crime has experienced a nine-year downward trend, aside from a significant increase in 2020 and a slight increase in 2023.
Tennessee Valley Authority conducts regulated releases of the Tims Ford Dam, which prevents flooding across the region. The city’s biggest environmental concern is snow, though it's uncommon. “We might have one good snow a year, and that’s about it,” Stewart says.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Chase Brock
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michael Bird,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Winchester, TN sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Winchester, TN over the last 12 months is $400,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LAKE LOVERS DREAM! This 4 Bed 3 full Bath END UNIT townhouse in Gated Twin Creeks Village is situated at the end of a quiet cul de sac yet minutes from all the action! Enjoy the community pool, clubhouse, walking trails or head over to Tim Ford Lake's newest restaurant and Marina. Enjoy Drafts and Watercrafts right on the water! Walking distance to Dry Fork Public Beach. Comfortable floorpan,
Experience lakefront living at its finest in this stunning, fully renovated 3 bedroom, 4.5-bath home, offering expansive water views, breathtaking western-facing sunsets, and deep year-round water. Truly one of the best locations on Tims Ford Lake. At the heart of the home is a chef’s dream kitchen, featuring 2 refrigerators, 2 dishwashers, Thor gas stove, and a wet bar, perfect for hosting
4,000+/- sq ft Custom One Owner Home with 2 Car Attached Garage - Two Detached Buildings is tract #4 and consist of 17+/- AC - The total farm consist of 78 +/- Acres -The property is offered in 5 tracts from 5 +/- AC to 42 +/- AC. Too many amenities to mention!
Charlie MontgomeryComas Montgomery Realty & Auction
A custom built home is located in prestigious Fanning Bend Subdivision. You must see this spectacular fully furnished home on Tim’s Ford Lake. Lake views from breakfast area deck & patio areas Completed in 2022, this luxury lake home features over 6100 SF, 6BR/ 5.5 BA, open floor plan w/seamless flow into Kit, LR & DR areas. LR high ceiling & rock fireplace. Large kitchen custom cabinets ice
Your headquarters for a full array of neighborhood conveniences . . . and a patio for outdoor socializing! An appealing Winchester delight, this 4-bedroom 3.5-bath contemporary home awaits its new owners. Tucked away on a tranquil, low-traffic street lined with greenery, the home is minutes to the pleasant bustle of town, the shopping and dining options of Downtown Winchester and the fun of Tims
Lake lover’s dream just 1 mile from the Tims Ford Bass Club on beautiful Tims Ford Lake! This well-maintained all-brick, one-level home sits on a generous level lot with plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment, boat storage, or future expansion. Located in a quiet, established neighborhood, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and recreation. Inside, you’ll find a
Property Id: 1313711Beautiful 3 bed, 1 bath townhouse in Winchester, TN available now. Close to the town square. Featuring modern amenities including dishwasher, washer/dryer, and central heat/AC. Enjoy off-street parking, lawn maintenance, and pet-friendly policy for cats/small dogs. Don't miss out on this cozy home for $1500/month! Credit and background checks required. First, last
Downstairs apartment now available. Bedrooms are carpet, all other areas are ceramic tile. Heat and Air Conditioning is central unit. Walking distance to elementary school, shopping, library and more! Pets considered on a case by case basis. Credit and background check required. Utilities are tenant responsibility. (Photos taken while power was off)
Be the first tenant! New construction 3 bedroom home with 2 full baths, refrigerator and laundry included. Located less than one mile from the Franklin County Square, 16 miles to AEDC, 8 miles from Nissan, and only 2.5 miles from Twin Creeks Marina. Easy maintenance with no carpet, 2 assigned parking spaces, and a patio to enjoy the outdoors. No pets, background/credit check required and paid for
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