scooter06

Could someone familiar with Winchester, VA tell me a little bit about the town and the community. Is it a thriving, viable community, or has it gone the way of so many small towns in our country. I am thinking of relocation and don't know anyone from there, and would like to have some inside info from those who do.

bachslunch

Have you checked over at the city-data.com website? One often finds good answers to questions like this over there.

Gretchen

Have you gone and visited? Maybe engage someone in a small restaurant in conversation?

Christina

I have a cousin who lives there. I'm not sure why you picked that city out of the entire US to move to if you don't know anything about it, there must be some story there?

I don't think it's as totally dying as some small towns, no, and I don't think the unemployment rate is super high for that area or Virginia, although there isn't the industry there used to be as there isn't much anywhere (at least manufacturing). It's not exactly exciting or avant-garde, you must know that. I think there is a big drug problem around there as the city seems to have a zillion drug rehab facilities, inpatient and otherwise. It's very conservative, also, as you might expect, so lots of Trump voters. Lots of hunters, stuff like that.

At least it's near the mountains and some recreational areas and near the Skyline Drive, being near Garrett Co MD, there is a small ski resort there.

It's near Civil War sites, of course, and there is a college there but I don't know much about it (Shenandoah University). I think nearby Shepherdstown WV is considered the arty or hip place around there or quaint/cool, or even a destination for a short trip. I've been to their college once for an event (Shepherd U) as its known for its music program. http://shepherdstown.info/
Winchester not so much like that, I don't think it's cool or hip, but that may be just what you want.

scooter06

I live on the East Coast and had heard that it is becoming trendier due to proximity to D.C. Which is also a plus to me. Thank you for the info.

schlegal1

I would not characterize it as cool or hip. Christina has summed it up well. It will probably be cool in about 20 more years due to proximity to DC. It has a few cool and fun restaurants but it's not vibrant or exciting.

Gretchen

It's 75 miles and a hour drive to DC.
What measure would make this "trendy".
Throw the dart at the map again. LOL

NewbE

I was thinking the same, and 75 miles west of DC isn't the same as 90 minutes' drive north or south.

Gretchen

actually it is a 2 hour drive. I misspoke. So it is on back roads, etc.

Gretchen

Maybe this is a stealth post from the Winchester chamber of commerce to plant "trendy" news about their town!! LOL

schlegal1

While Winchester is not a happening place, it's not 2 hours on back roads to DC. It's about 1.5 hours on 66, a major highway. And as suburbs continue to sprawl, it may well be considered part of the larger DC metro area in a few decades.

Had you told anyone in 1980 that Ashburn and Aldie were getting Toll Bros. etc. housing developments now because people commute from there into DC they would have laughed you out of the room.

But the above is more about getting the facts right on location and suburban expansion--- I would NOT pick up and move to Winchester. No way. Unless you want to live in a place matching Christina's description.