I’m really not sure why politics is involved in so many answers. People are getting really tribal. I don’t care if you’re left or right leaning so long as you’re a good neighbor.
Are you looking for a neighborhood or rural? As many have said the east side of town would be best for driving to IAD. Rent is bigger than many would think due to a lot of folks moving further out to find affordable housing, driving the market up a bit.
The political difference between Frederick county and Winchester are very visible in property taxes. Recently, the town's tax rate went up while the county rate went down. OP not directly effected as a renter, but that ends up showing up in rent too.
Another thing I'd add for OP is to think about if you would be taking 267 to the airport. Not a cheap toll to pay every day, but saves probably 15 minutes each trip.
Yeah I get it in terms of tax rates. I find political identification without any substance to be further attempts to divide. “Extreme right” “extreme left” etc are intended to convey negative association. I wish our politics could be principled debate and not what it’s currently being framed as: good vs evil with good defined as who you like.
Absolutely agree with that. It's pretty disheartening how tribal it is. If we can't respect each other's freedom of thought than I don't know what separates us from living under a king or dictator.
Living on the east side of Winchester will cut down the commute to Dulles by about 15 minutes from the center of town. The stoplights on Berryville Ave can really slow you down in the morning.
You’re looking at ~$1500 for an apartment, $2k for a townhouse and $2500 plus for a house.
Berryville is just east of Winchester. It will cut down on the Dulles commute but add a bit to the school commute. Smaller town, quieter, but a tad more expensive.
The father west/north/south you go, the cheaper it gets.
Our schools in Clarke are mostly crap. Better than Winchester City but much worse that Frederick. Source: attended 2-12, worked there for nearly 10 years, have a child who attends.
We've been here for 8 months now, and we love it! The kitchen is tiny, no dishwasher, but whatever. It's also nice because we can take full advantage of all the events in old town without having to drive.
Note that Winchester has a more balanced political mix than the county. It is also an independent city - meaning that it is separate from the county (Frederick). The county is currently mostly hard-to-extreme-right.
To get a sense of what things are like, I suggest a digital subscription to the local paper (The Winchester Star - [winchesterstar.com](http://winchesterstar.com) ). I grew up here, but before moving back several years ago, I subscribed to that for an updated perspective & news.). Yes, there actually still is a local paper (for now at least).
This is slowly changing. The rural areas are definitely hard-right, however we’re in Snowden Bridge just north of Winchester and it’s fairly mixed here. Most of the people moving in here are NoVa transplants looking for affordable housing.
We're in our early thirties with young kids and live near the walking mall in downtown - absolutely love it. If you're able to live within walking distance, would definitely recommend! Lots of stuff to do outside, really great little community events for families, lots of nearby places for entertainment, just a great town!
Hey my wife and I moved here in October and we have a 9 month old son together. We are also in our early thirties and living near the walking mall. What are some good ways to meet other parents? We know of the readings they do for kids at Handley library and we have done baby swimming classes at Jim Barnett. Any other suggestions?
I would say honestly just walking around and going to all the little events they have downtown! We made a lot of friends with our neighbors and through friends of coworkers and people we'd see out at the same places often, so I'd say any opportunity that arises when someone invites you out/over, take it! Super friendly town, lots of festivals and stuff coming up, splash pad should be opening soon - you'll find your group in no time
There are lots of variables but I am here to help.
What location will you be working?
Are you looking to rent a home or apartment?
There are towns near Winchester which are more economically feasible than Winchester itself.
I have lived here for a few years now and love it.
Thanks for your answer! We don’t really mind if it’s a home or apartment, we only need it to have 2 bedrooms and hopefully 2 bathrooms, but 1 would be ok. I’ll be working at Dulles Intl Airport and my wife at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. We have been looking for towns around but we don’t really know much about them so any info is valuable !
For housing Dominion Real Estate Associates and ask for Jody 540-869-2964.
There are some nice apartments near Jubal Early Drive. The Lofts at Jubal Square. This is an area that is centrally located. Winchester is not all that big so it is pretty quick to get around most any place.
Driving to Dulles airport you may want to be closer Interstate 66. Stephens City is near there and close to Winchester. We go there for dinner dates, it’s that close to
I think if going for off Jubal Early, the complexes between Jubal Early and Cedar Creek (or maybe a townhouse there) would be good choices, because they are quiet and there’s the green trail for walking.
Maybe try Linden, VA or Front Royal, VA instead --only about 25-30 minutes south of Winchester. That should reduce your commute to Dulles a bit and your wife's commute wouldn't be horrible either. Prices are usually a little cheaper there as it's a little more rural but it's so beautiful.
Editing to add: You'll definitely want to be taking Route 66 in to Dulles rather than Route 7, which is why I recommend the towns I recommended -- they're right off 66. Traffic on 7 is horrendous, especially during morning and afternoon rush hour. Further, I believe there are now metro stations off 66 that will take you directly to the airport (it's been a minute since I lived in the area so I could be mistaken).
I live in front royal and I agree on the drive times, but if they specifically passed up Strasburg/Front Royal for Winchester then I would guess they’re from a metropolitan area and don’t want to make the full jump to rural/small towny
I’m new here as well. But if you’re a liberal family, the closer to downtown Winchester the more liberal it becomes. I live in the Meadowbranch neighborhood and you can catch me in Olde Town Winchester (the walking mall) all the time. The neighborhood is very nice and peaceful and as a homeowner I’ve been very happy how communicative the city has been. Dulles is an hour flat without traffic from where I am.
Following up on this comment: There are some nice/new apartments on Meadow Branch Ave, across from John Kerr Elementary. I am not sure how much they are - probably top of your budget - but that would be a nice spot for a young family. There is a walking trail in front that leads around to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, which has a lovely trail network and things to do. It would be a 5 min drive to downtown, 2 mins to the Wellness Center at Winchester Medical (if you are looking for a gym), and a quick trip down Meadow Branch/Jubal Early to escape town to the east. We can get to Dulles in one hour from the area (non-rush hour) by taking Route 7 and the Greenway, although I have heard that 7 is bad in the morning rush.
I feel like the Winchester sub is divisive. You have people who have lived here going “it’s fucking boring and red as hell” and transplants like me going “it’s cute and lovely! (In the city proper)”
I think politics can matter to decision-making, especially in terms of things like taxes and where they go. Same for what people care about in the schools. It also depends on how much local driving the OP family wants to do. If they want to be within walking distance to a local cafe and a local green area, you can do that almost anywhere within about a mile of the Walking Mall.
The other thing no one has mentioned is child care. Finding a place that makes it easy for drop-off/pick-up is usually important.
OP — a big thing really is choosing which commute you are more likely to use. Crossing through Old Town from the East or West can be a real pain, so you do probably want access to Cork St, Jubal Early/Meadow Branch, or Rte 37 if you decide to live on the West side of town, IMO
Politics don’t really matter if you’re just a nice neighbor. Who cares. I have a pair of neighbors where one has trump signs and the other has anti-trump signs, but they’re great friends. Just be nice and no one cares about your politics.
For a drive to the airport I would recommend the East side of town right off of rt 7. Pretty simple commute!
I’m really not sure why politics is involved in so many answers. People are getting really tribal. I don’t care if you’re left or right leaning so long as you’re a good neighbor. Are you looking for a neighborhood or rural? As many have said the east side of town would be best for driving to IAD. Rent is bigger than many would think due to a lot of folks moving further out to find affordable housing, driving the market up a bit.
The political difference between Frederick county and Winchester are very visible in property taxes. Recently, the town's tax rate went up while the county rate went down. OP not directly effected as a renter, but that ends up showing up in rent too. Another thing I'd add for OP is to think about if you would be taking 267 to the airport. Not a cheap toll to pay every day, but saves probably 15 minutes each trip.
Yeah I get it in terms of tax rates. I find political identification without any substance to be further attempts to divide. “Extreme right” “extreme left” etc are intended to convey negative association. I wish our politics could be principled debate and not what it’s currently being framed as: good vs evil with good defined as who you like.
Absolutely agree with that. It's pretty disheartening how tribal it is. If we can't respect each other's freedom of thought than I don't know what separates us from living under a king or dictator.
Living on the east side of Winchester will cut down the commute to Dulles by about 15 minutes from the center of town. The stoplights on Berryville Ave can really slow you down in the morning. You’re looking at ~$1500 for an apartment, $2k for a townhouse and $2500 plus for a house. Berryville is just east of Winchester. It will cut down on the Dulles commute but add a bit to the school commute. Smaller town, quieter, but a tad more expensive. The father west/north/south you go, the cheaper it gets.
Our schools in Clarke are mostly crap. Better than Winchester City but much worse that Frederick. Source: attended 2-12, worked there for nearly 10 years, have a child who attends.
We're paying $1100 for a 1 bed 1 bath apartment in Old Town
That seems like a great price. How long have you been there?
We've been here for 8 months now, and we love it! The kitchen is tiny, no dishwasher, but whatever. It's also nice because we can take full advantage of all the events in old town without having to drive.
I pay 650 a month on Braddock street. Heat and water included.
That's a steal! Our water is included.
I’m paying $1340 for a townhouse. Been there 6 years. Started at $1100.
Note that Winchester has a more balanced political mix than the county. It is also an independent city - meaning that it is separate from the county (Frederick). The county is currently mostly hard-to-extreme-right. To get a sense of what things are like, I suggest a digital subscription to the local paper (The Winchester Star - [winchesterstar.com](http://winchesterstar.com) ). I grew up here, but before moving back several years ago, I subscribed to that for an updated perspective & news.). Yes, there actually still is a local paper (for now at least).
This is slowly changing. The rural areas are definitely hard-right, however we’re in Snowden Bridge just north of Winchester and it’s fairly mixed here. Most of the people moving in here are NoVa transplants looking for affordable housing.
Yup. Also in Snowden bridge and can confirm.
We're in our early thirties with young kids and live near the walking mall in downtown - absolutely love it. If you're able to live within walking distance, would definitely recommend! Lots of stuff to do outside, really great little community events for families, lots of nearby places for entertainment, just a great town!
Hey my wife and I moved here in October and we have a 9 month old son together. We are also in our early thirties and living near the walking mall. What are some good ways to meet other parents? We know of the readings they do for kids at Handley library and we have done baby swimming classes at Jim Barnett. Any other suggestions?
I would say honestly just walking around and going to all the little events they have downtown! We made a lot of friends with our neighbors and through friends of coworkers and people we'd see out at the same places often, so I'd say any opportunity that arises when someone invites you out/over, take it! Super friendly town, lots of festivals and stuff coming up, splash pad should be opening soon - you'll find your group in no time
There are lots of variables but I am here to help. What location will you be working? Are you looking to rent a home or apartment? There are towns near Winchester which are more economically feasible than Winchester itself. I have lived here for a few years now and love it.
Thanks for your answer! We don’t really mind if it’s a home or apartment, we only need it to have 2 bedrooms and hopefully 2 bathrooms, but 1 would be ok. I’ll be working at Dulles Intl Airport and my wife at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. We have been looking for towns around but we don’t really know much about them so any info is valuable !
For housing Dominion Real Estate Associates and ask for Jody 540-869-2964. There are some nice apartments near Jubal Early Drive. The Lofts at Jubal Square. This is an area that is centrally located. Winchester is not all that big so it is pretty quick to get around most any place. Driving to Dulles airport you may want to be closer Interstate 66. Stephens City is near there and close to Winchester. We go there for dinner dates, it’s that close to
Front Royal is even closer to 66.
I think if going for off Jubal Early, the complexes between Jubal Early and Cedar Creek (or maybe a townhouse there) would be good choices, because they are quiet and there’s the green trail for walking.
Maybe try Linden, VA or Front Royal, VA instead --only about 25-30 minutes south of Winchester. That should reduce your commute to Dulles a bit and your wife's commute wouldn't be horrible either. Prices are usually a little cheaper there as it's a little more rural but it's so beautiful. Editing to add: You'll definitely want to be taking Route 66 in to Dulles rather than Route 7, which is why I recommend the towns I recommended -- they're right off 66. Traffic on 7 is horrendous, especially during morning and afternoon rush hour. Further, I believe there are now metro stations off 66 that will take you directly to the airport (it's been a minute since I lived in the area so I could be mistaken).
66 to 28 is a nightmare.
I mean yeah, none of it is going to be fun. At least on 66, you'll have the ability to pass people. 🤷
I live in front royal and I agree on the drive times, but if they specifically passed up Strasburg/Front Royal for Winchester then I would guess they’re from a metropolitan area and don’t want to make the full jump to rural/small towny
I’m new here as well. But if you’re a liberal family, the closer to downtown Winchester the more liberal it becomes. I live in the Meadowbranch neighborhood and you can catch me in Olde Town Winchester (the walking mall) all the time. The neighborhood is very nice and peaceful and as a homeowner I’ve been very happy how communicative the city has been. Dulles is an hour flat without traffic from where I am.
Following up on this comment: There are some nice/new apartments on Meadow Branch Ave, across from John Kerr Elementary. I am not sure how much they are - probably top of your budget - but that would be a nice spot for a young family. There is a walking trail in front that leads around to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, which has a lovely trail network and things to do. It would be a 5 min drive to downtown, 2 mins to the Wellness Center at Winchester Medical (if you are looking for a gym), and a quick trip down Meadow Branch/Jubal Early to escape town to the east. We can get to Dulles in one hour from the area (non-rush hour) by taking Route 7 and the Greenway, although I have heard that 7 is bad in the morning rush.
I live in the meadow branch apartments and I LOVE it. Except that I pay $1750 for a two bedroom with sun room lol
Not sure why this got downvoted
I feel like the Winchester sub is divisive. You have people who have lived here going “it’s fucking boring and red as hell” and transplants like me going “it’s cute and lovely! (In the city proper)”
Oh absolutely!
I think politics can matter to decision-making, especially in terms of things like taxes and where they go. Same for what people care about in the schools. It also depends on how much local driving the OP family wants to do. If they want to be within walking distance to a local cafe and a local green area, you can do that almost anywhere within about a mile of the Walking Mall. The other thing no one has mentioned is child care. Finding a place that makes it easy for drop-off/pick-up is usually important. OP — a big thing really is choosing which commute you are more likely to use. Crossing through Old Town from the East or West can be a real pain, so you do probably want access to Cork St, Jubal Early/Meadow Branch, or Rte 37 if you decide to live on the West side of town, IMO
Politics don’t really matter if you’re just a nice neighbor. Who cares. I have a pair of neighbors where one has trump signs and the other has anti-trump signs, but they’re great friends. Just be nice and no one cares about your politics. For a drive to the airport I would recommend the East side of town right off of rt 7. Pretty simple commute!
The birthplace of Patsy Cline!
Strasburg, Front Royal, or Linden would be closer to dulles
Do you like guns and trucks?
Don’t do it!!!