Living in Winchester, VA
Winchester, Virginia, used to be a hidden gem in the Shenandoah Valley. However, as the population of the Washington, D.C., metro area expands, more and more people are finding Winchester and making it home. Winchester offers a laid-back, small-town atmosphere that provides a nice contrast to the nation's capital, located about 75 miles to the east. What's more, the city of Winchester, Virginia, is steeped in history, especially due to the many Civil War battles fought in the region.
More Than the 'Apple Capital'
Winchester, Virginia, earned the nickname the "Apple Capital" because of the large of swaths of orchards surrounding it. In fact, this small city is one of the largest U.S. apple export markets. Every year, around the end of April and beginning of May, hundreds of thousands of folks flock to Winchester, VA, for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Celebrities such as Mario Lopez (2012) and Val Kilmer (2010) have served as grand marshals at the festival.
The downtown area is one place where Winchester really shines. It offers history among restaurants and shops galore. Popular historic sites in the city include Civil War-era cemeteries and barracks, and the headquarters of George Washington, Stonewall Jackson, and Philip Sheridan, a Union general. Shenandoah University, a private liberal arts school, also calls Winchester home, and its conservatory is downtown.
Where Patsy Cline Lived
Singer Patsy Cline is one of the people who called a Winchester neighborhood home. She lived in the house from ages 16 to 21, but moved after her marriage to Gerald Cline. While the house is in a working-class area, it is not among the homes for sale in Winchester, and it is a popular tourist spot and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Housing and Recreation in Winchester
Winchester, Virginia, real estate is a fun mix of old homes, townhouses, and new development. Whatever your needs and budget, chances are good that you'll find a match to help you live in Winchester. The city provides plenty of opportunities for getting out and about. There are the many festivals, of course, and also sites such as the 3-acre Wilkins Lake, a dog park, and a disc-golf course. Nature's playground awaits not far off in the forms of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Shenandoah National Park, and Monongahela National Forest. Hiking and horseback riding are just two of the activities that Winchester residents enjoy at these places.
There's no question that Winchester, Virginia, appeals to a diverse mix of people, from those who commute to work in Northern Virginia to those who are retired. With its housing options, small-town charm, and proximity to D.C., there's much to love about Winchester.
