Winona blends a quiet atmosphere with an active job center
The city of Wenona is primarily a rural, agriculturally-based community, but recent investments have made the Montgomery County seat a center for local lumber production. In 2021, Biewer Lumber opened a $130 million sawmill on the northern edge of town, bringing in jobs and improvements to public infrastructure to this town of over 4,500. “[Winona has a] small-town feel with good people,” says Adam Hester, a sales agent with Tom Smith Land and Homes, who has sold in Winona. “[People will] give you the shirt off their back, and they’ll help you out.” Hester says they are seeing a lot of natives moving back to town. “I think the people in the area is what makes it special,” he says.
A variety of housing styles at a lower price point
Home styles vary from Greek Revivals and Tudors to ranch styles and New Traditionals. The median housing price is $110,000, far lower than the state and national medians. Inventory can also remain on the market for an average of 172 days, higher than the national average of 52 days.
Properties are typically on gridded streets with smaller lot sizes and oak and magnolia trees accenting lawns. Homes with more acreage and farmsteads are on Winona’s outskirts.
Only one park, but golfing, rodeos and zipling is present
The City of Winona Recreation Park is the main green space here, featuring several baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a playground. Old Mountain Outdoor Adventures offers ziplining, an obstacle course, hiking trails and a dodgeball pit. The 9-hole Winona Country Club is open to the public and has a 2,900-yard layout and a swimming pool.
The Montgomery County Performing Arts Center, located downtown, hosts community theatre productions. The Montgomery County Coliseum has rodeos, trade shows, concerts and barrel racing.
Winona-Montgomery School District serves public school students
Students can attend the Winona-Montgomery School District, graded B on Niche. Pupils can start at Winona Elementary, offering kindergarten through 6th-grade programs and is rated B-minus. They can finish at Winona Secondary, which earns a B and includes multiple athletic programs such as football, soccer and tennis.
Dining locations all over town while shopping is limited
Restaurants are located along U.S. Highway 51, U.S. Highway 82, as well as in downtown. Options include a mix of chain and local spots. The Front Street Bar and Lounge in downtown has burgers and wings. Greenhouse Coffee Bar on U.S. 51 offers baked goods, breakfast and sandwiches. El Cabrito Mexican Bar and Grill is open for lunch and dinner.
Downtown has several boutiques, while U.S. 51 has a Supervalu and several dollar stores. More big-box retailers can be found in Grenada, 22 miles north.
Weather risks in Winona
Maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency show a risk of flooding in certain sections of Winona. Tornadoes are also a factor, as the city was hit by an EF-3 in 2023, causing significant damage. However, residents have received federal grants to help with recovery. Montgomery County's early warning system informs residents of storms and other hazards.
Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 82 serve as the main transit arteries
Winona has no public transit connections and is car-dependent. Interstate 55 runs along the western edge, with the entrance on U.S. 82. The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is 73 miles east, offering flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and Dallas-Fort Worth International. Tyler Holmes Memorial Hospital is on Tyler Holmes Drive and provides emergency and laboratory services.
