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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Winchester, TN sell after 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Winchester, TN over the last 12 months is $357,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience turnkey lake living at Tim’s Ford Lake in this fully furnished 3,100+ sq ft retreat. Featuring 3 bedrooms, a bunk room, and 3.5 bathrooms, this home offers the perfect blend of space and comfort for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, you’ll find engineered hardwood floors, abundant natural light, quartz countertops, and a vaulted living room with a cozy fireplace. Double doors on each
Motivated seller! Charming all-brick 3-bedroom, 2 bath home just minutes from the heart of downtown Winchester and a short jog to the boat ramp at the bass club on Tims Ford Lake. Enjoy beautiful lake views from the front yard and beautiful hardwood floors throughout much of the home. The spacious kitchen offers ample cabinet and counter space, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. An
Turnkey and ready for immediate lake enjoyment, this fully furnished 4-bedroom, 3-bath end-unit townhome offers the perfect opportunity to embrace lake living at its finest. Located in the highly sought-after Twin Creeks community on beautiful Tims Ford Lake, this home blends comfort, style, and convenience.Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated, lake-inspired interior with tasteful
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, brick home located minutes from beautiful downtown Winchester, featuring quaint shops and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Also minutes Tims Ford Lake, Wood Reservoir & Nissan.Attached garage and detached garage/workshop.
Nestled at the back of desirable Stone Field Heights subdivision, this 1.26-acre lot offers the perfect blend of privacy and serenity. The property backs up to picturesque farmland, providing open views and a peaceful atmosphere with no rear neighbors. One of the larger lots which includes mature trees, city water, natural gas, underground utilities, and sewer connections. Ideal for building your
Lake Season is just around the corner and 71 Windjammer has you covered! Welcome to your dream home in Twin Creeks Village, where comfort meets style and convenience. This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers spacious living with a thoughtful layout and high-end touches throughout. Downstairs you will find a seamless flow between the living room and kitchen, perfect for entertaining or
Prime Commercial Opportunity – High-Traffic Location. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own vacant commercial land in a highly visible, high-traffic area. Positioned for maximum exposure, this property offers endless potential for a wide range of business ventures. With continued growth in the surrounding area, this is your chance to secure a strategic location. Tracts 2 and 3 available
Great opportunity to build your dream home with breath taking lake views in the exclusive Gated Resort Community of Twin Creeks Village. Preliminary House Plans are attached. Twin Creeks is the premiere lake living on the beautiful Tims Ford Lake. Community offers boat storage, marina w/ store and restaurant, 3 pool, pavilion with fireplace, underground utilities, city water and public sewer
Prime Commercial Opportunity – High-Traffic Location. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own vacant commercial land in a highly visible, high-traffic area. Positioned for maximum exposure, this property offers endless potential for a wide range of business ventures. With continued growth in the surrounding area, this is your chance to secure a strategic location. Tracts 3 and 4 available
Beautiful lakeview home located in the desirable Fanning Bend community. This 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath property features a functional floor plan with 3 en-suite bedrooms, offering comfort and privacy for family and guests. Enjoy scenic water views of Tim's Ford Lake from the screened-in back porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Outdoor features include a grilling deck overlooking the lake and
Charming 2 bed, 2 bath home situated on 3 acres, offering the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living. This 1,080 sqft home features high ceilings, updated finishes, and a beautifully renovated primary bathroom. Enjoy year-round relaxation in the Florida room, or step outside to take in the scenic surroundings. The newly built shop provides excellent space for storage,
One of the prettiest lake communities in Tennessee! Privately Gated and located at Tims Ford Lake. Exclusive community amenities include beautiful walking trails, full service marina with dock and boat slip rentals, clubhouse, heated pools, event center, boat club and boat rentals. Waterfront dining available at Drafts & Watercrafts. Lake life living at it's finest!
WOW!! This brick ranch has been completely renovated and remodeled and you have got to see it to believe it!! All new custom kitchen with gorgeous cabinets, floating shelves, large island, farmhouse sink, granite countertops and pantry. Large LR/Dining room combination, den with electric fireplace, 3 oversized bedrooms with large closets, new bathrooms, and an extra flex space that could be a
Utilities and lawn care included in rental amount (Electric, Water, Internet) FURNISHED. Premier Location!! Golf Shores Dr is a very quite street that ends in a cul-de-sac. approximately one mile from Tim's Ford State Park, only minutes from Bear Trace Golf Course, 3 marina's and multiple boat ramps. Concrete drive and a two car/boat carport! Spend those hot summer days enjoying the above ground
51 Farm View CircleWinchester, TN 373982 bedrooms / 1 bathBrand new flooring, paint, applianceswalk in closet in primary bedroomvaulted ceiling in living areacentral hvacno carpetwasher/dryer hookupspatio / yardfree lawncareprivate drivewayfront porch12 month lease.Rent is $1225 / mo.Deposit is $1225.Background/credit check required. Must have household income of $3675 / mo.No smoking.Small,
Stunning New Construction on Tims Ford Lake with Private Dock Discover lakeside luxury in this beautiful new construction home tucked away in a serene, secluded cove on Tims Ford Lake. Thoughtfully designed and finished with exquisite attention to detail, this four-bedroom residence also features a dedicated office with a closet that can serve as a fifth bedroom. Inside, you’ll find designer
1BD, 1BA Duplex. $725/month, $725/security deposit. Very clean nice. All wood tile flooring. Ceiling fans. Range, refrigerator, shared washer/dryer. Yard maintenance included. Good credit references required - $30 on-line application fee. 1 year Lease. No Pets. No Smoking/vaping. Owner/Agent.Located in Franklin County convenient to Decherd, Estill Springs Winchester.*All
**Limited-Time Leasing Incentive: Qualifying approved applicants will receive $200 OFF their first month’s rent! Don’t miss out—apply today and take advantage of this move-in special.** Welcome home to this like-new 2BR/2BA duplex with garage — move-in ready and designed for easy, low-maintenance living in a convenient Winchester location. This 2023 build features a bright open-concept layout,
*** THIS IS NOT A RENTAL, THIS IS RENT TO OWN OR OUTRIGHT PURCHASE ONLY, SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY ***Welcome to this charming home nestled in a quiet, well-established neighborhood located in the heart of Winchester! Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,600 sq ft of comfortable living space. This well-maintained property features a welcoming front porch, a spacious deck perfect for
Be the first to live in this brand new 3BR/2BA home offering modern comfort and a convenient location just minutes from downtown Winchester, shopping, and dining. Designed with a functional layout, this home features spacious living areas, a well-appointed kitchen, and abundant natural light throughout. Enjoy a generously sized yard with lawn care included, providing easy, low-maintenance outdoor
Ashley NelsonFranklin County Realty
$1,250 per month
COMING SOON...Charming Townhome Minutes from Tim's Ford Lake!
Charming Townhome Minutes from Tims Ford Lake and the Winchester City Park and Recreation Center.Walking Distance to the Historic Downtown Square!*COMING SOON...ETA 6/1/26**Features Include:2 Bedrooms Upstairs with a Full Bath1 Smaller Bedroom Downstairs with a 3/4 Bath (suitable for office)Stainless Steel AppliancesStackable Washer/Dryer in Each
Fully Furnished! This charming vintage property features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. It has a large partially fenced backyard with an outdoor patio area. The location is great, situated between Tims Winchester City Park on Tims Ford Lake and downtown Winchester Square. The house is solidly built from tongue-and-groove oak throughout, with beautiful crown-style molding, and updated windows in almost
Charming one-bedroom home less than a mile away from the bass club in Winchester. Has a long driveway with plenty of space for a trailer, pending owner approval. No smoking and pets have size and breed restrictions. Comes with stove, fridge, and washer/dryer combo. Owners will not furnish new washer/dryer combo in the event it breaks. Lawn care is included.
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