Winchester is one of the fastest-growing cities in Frederick County, known for its apple-themed events, historic downtown and accessibility to larger nearby cities. Famous country singer Patsy Cline was born and raised in Winchester, and her voice graced the local radio waves before her career took off. Though the city has changed since Patsy walked its streets, people continue to move in from neighboring Loudoun County and Washington D.C. for the small-town atmosphere, walkable streets and more affordable housing prices.
“There’s a lot of overflow from Loudoun County to Winchester for the affordability,” says Sherry Santmyer, an experienced Realtor with Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty. “Also, a lot of retirees are moving there to settle down in retirement communities that are being built. Some people work in Winchester, but I’d say about 60% commute east toward the city. A lot of people work in Loudoun County, Fairfax County or D.C.”
The Apple Blossom Festival has been a tradition for 98 years.
Explore the home where Patsy’s journey began and celebrate her timeless legacy at The Patsy Cline House Museum in Winchester.
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Working in Winchester or commuting to D.C.
Health care, retail and manufacturing jobs lead Winchester’s economy. Valley Health is one of the largest employers for the city and county, and the Winchester Medical Center is uniquely fitted to offer neonatal care and advanced surgeries.
Many commuters heading toward Northern Virginia and D.C. use Interstate 81 to connect onto Interstate 66 for the 75-mile trip east. U.S. Route 50 also guides drivers to Northern Virginia cities. Winchester Transit buses run on a fixed route, with stops at destinations like the Winchester Station shopping mall and Valley Health Winchester Medical Center. The Dulles International Airport is 50 miles east of the city and has connecting and direct flights.
Most places of worship in town are churches, but there are also a few synagogues close to downtown. Heavy rainfall can lead to minor flooding, primarily along roads throughout town. Otherwise, Winchester often sees humid summers and mild winters with some snow.
Valley Health is one of the largest employers for the city and county in Winchester.
The Dulles International Airport is a major hub convenient to Winchester.
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Cheaper housing options than surrounding counties
Winchester’s median price is $419,900 while Leesburg in Loudoun County has a $1,020,000 median. Santmyer says people move to Winchester to get more for their money. Winchester’s median price is slightly above the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Historic homes near downtown Winchester can sell in the high $800,000s. Most homes have Craftsman or Colonial Revival designs and range between $400,000 and $600,000. “A lot of the homes I sell are in more rural areas on the outskirts of Winchester,” Santmyer says. “People want a little more land and more space. A lot of people like the Apple Pie Ridge area.”
Winchester Police releases five-year trend reports every month on their website. As of November 2024, the department has seen a decrease in nonviolent crimes and an increase in violent crimes. FBI data shows Winchester’s crime rates in 2023 were higher than state and national averages.
A cozy brick craftsman home adds character to the Winchester community.
Traditional charming brick colonial revival is inviting to the Winchester neigborhood.
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Winchester goes all out for the Apple Blossom Festival
The biggest event of the year is the 10-day Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, which draws around 250,000 visitors to events all over town. “They have parades, and they bring in celebrities to be a part of the parades. The event has been going on forever, and it’s Winchester’s biggest festivity. We just had a house sell on the Apple Blossom route, and everyone wants to live on that route. People want to live there so they can sit on their front lawn and see the parade.”
On the weekends, locals can catch performances at several small theaters around town, from live music at the Bright Box Theater to plays organized by Shenandoah University students at the Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre.
The Apple Blossom Festival draws very large crowds from around the region in Winchester.
Street food is abundant at the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester.
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Historic downtown and Apple Blossom Mall
Winchester residents have multiple choices when it comes to shopping and dining out. The Apple Blossom Mall has more than 60 stores, and Old Town Winchester is considered a walking mall because of its spread-out layout and walkable streets. “Downtown has shops and a lot of restaurants on the strip,” Santmyer says. “If you want to go to a really nice restaurant, you go downtown.” The downtown scene also has historic buildings that have been standing almost since the city was founded. Other shopping centers line Pleasant Valley Road.
The Winchester Farmers Market is open year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and participating vendors all live within an hour of the city. Residents can support local farmers by picking up plants, produce and premium homemade goods.
Enjoy the finest artisan pizza in Winchester, made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Apple Blossom Mall is the go-to destination in Winchester for fashion, fun, and family-friendly entertainment.
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Living among the beauty of the Shenandoah National Park
Winchester is within the Shenandoah Valley, and that means residents are close to stunning outdoor destinations. Jim Barnett Park is the largest park in town, with paved walking trails, athletic fields and a lake stocked for fishing. Winchester also has the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, where visitors can take self-guided tours around the historic grounds or explore the Glen Burnie House to learn about life in the valley. The Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River State Park are about 25 miles south.
For a small town, Winchester offers a lot by way of history. Because of the city’s deep historical roots — six major Civil War battles took place in Winchester and the surrounding county — there are several museums and historical sites around town, including George Washington's Office and Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters. The Patsy Cline Historic House is open seasonally to give visitors a glimpse into the star’s early home life and memorabilia from her career.
Enjoy a friendly game of Pickleball at Jim Barnett Park, largest park in Winchester.
Discover art, history, and breathtaking gardens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester.
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Public schools and Shenandoah University
Over 4,000 students attend Winchester City Public Schools, which Niche awards a B-plus. The district also runs the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, which partners with the Laurel Ridge Community College to teach students of any age the skills they need to enter the workforce. Shenandoah University is a private college that earns a B and is known for its liberal arts program and performing arts.
Shenandoah University is a hub of innovation, creativity, and academic excellence in the heart of Winchester.
John Handley High School stands as a historic symbol of learning and community pride in Winchester.
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