Not only does the town have a variety of historic sites, but it also offers a rich cultural experience. 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The unemployment rate is 4.4% (August 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and above the Virginia rate of 4.0%. Winchester VA is situated in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, close to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several general practitioners and urgent care clinics available in the city as well. The five cities and communities below are ideal for seniors living their golden years. The festival includes a carnival, wine tastings, parades, music events, lunches, brunches, pie baking contests, pageants, celebrities, band competitions, races for kids and adults, fireworks, craft shows and more. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (August 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and above the Virginia rate of 4.0%. The Ice House Caf offers delicious food and live jazz, and the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park, with its red caboose, is popular with local nature enthusiasts. Those living in Poquoson always enjoy the annual Poquoson Seafood Festival, which includes boat races, craft beer, delicious food and live music. Based on the housing stock, population density, and the proximity of amenities of the area. Coming from Northern Virginia and working in Washington DC our small little family couldnt afford a single family home at the time, and the prices were just getting higher. An enjoyable outdoor scene. Thomas Jefferson called it the most sublime of natures works when he purchased the land from King George III of Great Britain in 1774. For those seeking the best of both worlds small town charm and big city amenities Winchester VA is the ideal spot. With restaurants, shops, and venues for the performing arts establishing a sense of place for young urbanites, Tysons design focuses on being green and encouraging a pedestrian community. Unemployment is among the lowest in the UK and the average wage is above the national average too. The population in Charlottesville grew by 7.1% from April 2010 through April 2020, a little below the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. I love that Winchester is a very family-friendly town and that there is a mall and many places to shop. Our top 10 moving to Detroit pros and cons include: Unique community atmosphere. The housing market is especially affordable, with a variety of homes available at a reasonable price. You can download the data here. Within Falls Church, families can enjoy concerts, ice cream socials, mystery theater, parades, craft shows, carnivals and Easter egg hunts. Based on these calculations, we narrowed down the list to Californias 10 most affordable cities. The population in Arlington is young, with 17.8% of the population under 18 and only 10.5% over 65 years old. Explore Sandy Bottom Nature Park or visit the Virginia Living Museum, which showcases 250 live animal species native to Virginia in its indoor and outdoor exhibits. Higher taxes. We use data, analytics, and a sense of humor to determine quality of life for places across the nation. Virginia Beach is located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, along the Atlantic coast. The median household income in Leesburg is $114,444, and the median home price is $434,300 (2019 estimates). Duplex or Multifamily Home as Your Real Estate Investment? Started in 1903 as a 36 bed facility in the historic district it has grown to a 445 bed regional referral center offering a broad spectrum of services that includes diagnostic, medical, surgical and rehabilitative care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Low cost of living. For example, renting a 1-bedroom apartment right smack at the city center can cost you about $1,130. The Cherry Hill Historic House and Farm provides tours and educational programs about life in the mid-19th century in what was then rural Virginia. Many colleges and universities are in or easily accessible from Tysons, including a campus of Virginia Tech; Columbia College; Stratford University, and Tysons Institute, a private computer training institute. Williamsburg has a relatively high proportion of seniors, with 15.7% of the population being over 65 years of age (2019). The NextStop Theatre Company offers professional theatre productions. Oh boy does Winchester have history. Virginia has a very strong military presence. If youre looking for some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, look no further than Georgia. Natural Chimneys in Augusta County look a bit castle-like. Woodrow Wilsons birthplace and Presidential Library and Museum add to that culture, as does The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind. Discover the spectacular Magic Mirror Room and more. It reminds you that open space matters. Additionally, the cost of living in Winchester VA is significantly lower than nearby cities like Fairfax and Vienna, making it a great option for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle. This is slightly lower than the U.S. (16.5% seniors) and Virginia (15.9% seniors). There is also one local option for higher education in town: Lord Fairfax Community College. Carter Mountain Orchard is also popular with families, as are several spots along UVAs campus. If you plan on commuting to Northern Virginia or beyond, you arent likely to hit traffic until you reach Loudoun or Prince William counties. There are playgrounds and bounce houses as well as several parks with trails and sports fields. Compare rates and make the right choice to move. However, a fossilized wooly mammoths tooth has. Vienna is a place where small-town charm combines with nature, music, beer and fascinating history all within the greater DC metro area. You can also find local art being promoted in several stores including Tin Top Art, and even our office on the downtown walking mall. Niche is not a lender and does not endorse the products of these advertisers. More Economy. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (August 2021), which is below the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and above the Virginia rate of 4.0%. By comparison, 10.4% of the population is under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. And Virginia is constantly making road improvements, which means there is constant road construction to deal with. AARP ranked Winchester as one of the most affordable communities in the country for retirees. That is probably okay for most people as the average temperatures in Winchester are fairly mild with highs in the upper 40s in winter and low 80s in the summer. By comparison, 9% of the population are under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. Wait, that didnt come out right. The schools are very diverse in its staffs and student. Continue reading as we dive into some notable Pros and Cons about the state itself, the top cities to live in across a variety of categories, and. What are the major pros and cons of living in Winchester, Connecticut. I enjoy a fine glass of wine from time to time, and being so close to the heart of Virginia wine country is thrilling. Recent job growth is Positive. The Ocean. This is higher than the U.S. (16.5% seniors) and Virginia (15.9% seniors). Are you thinking about moving to Winchester Riverside County California? Hampshire's county town is perhaps best known as a Cathedral City and ancient capital of England. 11 Factors Rank Duluth, MN as one of the Best Cities for Living in 2021, 7 Factors Rank Minnetonka as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota, 11 Key Factors You Should Know Before Living in Bloomington MN, 7 Factors Rank Wayzata, MN as One of the Best Cities for Living in 2021, 7 Factors Rank Edina MN as one of the Best Cities for living in 2021, 7 Key Factors You Should Know before Living in New Prague, MN, 7 Factors Rank Minneapolis as one of the Best Cities in Minnesota, 7 Key Factors You Should Consider Living in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, 12 Key Factors You Should Know Before Moving to Mankato MN, Lakeville: Best Minnesota City for Buying a House and Raising a Family. c) Almost half of the Civil War was fought in Virginia. It is fast growing and probably1/2 are not FROM there. To make the most of your experience, youll need to find a community that fits your lifestyle and meets your needs. You can also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The sixth-largest state by area and the 14. Falls Church has several parks and playgrounds that families will enjoy as well as historic sites, theaters and recreation centers. Fees that Niche receives for ads do not affect the terms you may be offered by the lender you choose. The population in Norfolk grew by 2.1% from April 2010 through April 2020, below both the overall U.S. rate of 7.4% and the Virginia rate of 7.9%. Virginias Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high natural arch located in Rockbridge County, is thought to be the remnant of an underground river tunnel. Depending on where you live in the state, transitions between seasons can be abrupt you can go from the 70s to the 30s in one day. Recently recognized as one of the 10 great places to retire by Kiplinger, Virginia doesnt tax Social Security benefits, and it has no estate tax or inheritance tax. We've noticed a lot of really nice homes in Winchester, we're planning a drive through possibly today. For a more relaxed vibe, the Barkhaus is Alexandrias first ever dog-friendly restaurant and bar, and its popular with young professionals. Arlington is located in northeast Virginia, on the southwestern bank of the Potomac, directly across from Washington. As with many other American cities with a low cost of living, much of the thanks goes to housing. It is not a wonder that Winchester features highly in happiness indices, as the quality of life is so good. Expats living in Manchester will have access to good healthcare in the form of the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. It is within Rockbridge County and accessible via Routes 11 and 60. Major attractions include the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the Virginia Fine Arts Festival. What is It Like Living in Houston, Texas? Here are my best answers. Winchester used to be a great little town with perhaps an unhealthy emphasis on its self-perceived historic importance, but it is now being dragged into the 21st century unwillingly and the results are decidedly mixed. I'm getting very mixed answers here so I was hoping someone familiar with the area could provide some insight. The people in the so-called Volunteer State (Go Vols!) Four-year colleges near Herndon include George Washington University, George Mason University, the University of the Potomac Virginia Campus and Marymount University. Well focus on eight critical attributes that often define a city: History and population, Lifestyle, Affordability, Housing market and neighborhoods, Healthcare and safety, Employment. See All 10 Private Schools Near Winchester, Selecting a category below will take you to another page. We're rated 38.5/100 in this cost, a full 60 points lower than the national average! This is lower than the U.S. (16.5% seniors) and Virginia (15.9% seniors). Escutcheon Brewing Co. Compare today's top mortgage and refinancing providers. If your retirement requirements involve hiking through the Appalachian Mountains, soaking up the sun in Virginia Beach, and paying less in taxes, then Virginia is for you. To determine Virginia's cream of the crop, we looked at several important factors like cost of living, crime, amenities, rent and distance to closest national airport for every place with over 10,000 residents. For nature lovers, Lexington is in a perfect location with its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the nearby national forests. The median household income in Richmond is $47,250, and the median home price is $230,500 (2019 estimates). Property taxes for 2017 were a low .91% in Winchester City limits and an even lower .6% in surrounding Frederick County. We also empower real estate professionals to establish or strengthen their web presence by highlighting their experience, knowledge and achievements. Also in May is the phenomenal Apple Blossom Festival Parade which celebrates Winchester's past, people, and passion for apples and their use of them. In Poquoson,19.6% of the population are seniors 65 years or older (2019). Calculated annually per 100,000 residents. The Peach State has plenty of small-town charm to welcome you in, as well as big-city development, artistic expression and innovation. So there you have it, the best place to retire in Virginia goes to Warrenton. There is so much to be said about the rich history of Virginia. The population in Norfolk is young, with 19.7% of the population under 18 and only 10.9% over 65 years old. Shenandoah University also offers programs from their conservatory student body in multiple venues ranging from free to $25 a ticket, as well as their summer theatre program featuring your favorite musical, and their well rounded yearly calendar where you can find legendary performers. Life expectancy rates are higher than the national average - 82 for men and 85 for women. The cost of living here is quite low compared to other parts of the country, making it a great option for those on a budget. Wyoming is known for its big skies, open prairies and cowboy boots yet its more than that. I. Pros and Cons of Living in Virginia Whether you want the countryside or the city; mountains or beaches; urban areas with easy public transportation or smaller, slower-paced communities; national parks or theme parks; Virginia has it. There are many things to do in Winchester due to its placement along the major interstate highway 81 and being an hour and a half drive east to DC. Affordability to own and rent is also considered. The median home here sells for $210,800, according to Sperling's Best Places, and the average combined state and local sales tax rate in Virginia is just 5 . This registered natural landmark is filled with towering columns, crystal-clear pools and peaks up to 10 stories high. Lots of entertainment options. As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest benefits of living in Winchester VA is its relative affordability. Whether youre looking to relax in the natural beauty of the area or explore its vibrant downtown district, Winchester VA has something for everyone. Pros Easy to maintain No doubt about it: apartments are easier to maintain than single-family homes. It is at the base of the Catoctin mountain ridge next to the Potomac River. The guides feature the HOMEiA Score, a proprietary index that rates communities on such factors as housing costs, education and employment. Im not saying there are not times of the day where you will see quite a few cars in front of you depending on what intersection you are sitting at, but you wont need an hour to get to the grocery store that is two miles down the road anymore. 6. Visit Crabtree Falls, James Monroes Highland, James Madisons Montpelier, the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, and Mulberry Row. 1. As you can imagine, that means Ive seen a lot of snow in my day, and rarely (actually never in college) a school closing. Norfolk boasts a vibrant harbor; the USS Wisconsin battleship; the Sail Nauticus sailing center; and Virginias only cruise terminal, the Decker Half Moone Center. There are some excellent public hospitals in the city where the standard of care is world class. If youre looking for some good old-fashioned Southern hospitality, look no further than Georgia. Okay, maybe Washington DC isnt that small, but at only 75 miles away you can easily attend nightly shows at the Kennedy Center (or watch their free shows everyday online here) or take in an art museum or two for the day. Severe climate. But some of the cons of Norfolk are traffic congestion, hot, sticky summers, and potholes. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks. Editors Note: Data has been updated for 2023. As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest benefits of living in Winchester VA is its relative affordability. Is Winchester, Virginia a good place to live? I thought I was moving south when I landed in northern Virginia, but unfortunately we do still get snow, even in Winchester. In Winchester there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Norfolk has many pros - a growing job market, a low sales tax of 4.3%. Staunton City is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley at the intersection of Interstates 81 and 64. Finally, we took the average rank across these criteria. In this article, well explore the pros and cons of living in Winchester VA to help you decide if this is the right place for you. HOMEiAs City Living Guides, created in partnership with local writers, are curated lists of the best, safest, and most affordable places to live. For hiking, Shenandoah National Park offers many options, including the favorite Old Rag Mountain Loop only 35 miles from Culpeper. Subpar public schools. Where else can you find mountains and beaches, high-end horse-racing communities and small towns with neighbors who travel by wagon all within a two-hour drive?, Travel aficionados who are looking to fill up their bucket list with various visits to fun U.S. states should most definitely pencil in Tennessee as one of their destinations. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (August 2021), which is below both the U.S. national rate of 5.2% and the Virginia rate of 4.0%. My girlfriend and I are looking for a home, we're from the Alexandria area and that's what we love, but it's just crazy expensive for next to nothing. Where Are The Best Places To Retire In Virginia? Whether you are looking for the country or the city; mountains or beaches; national parks or theme parks; its here. Job market. We then narrowed it down to places with at least 10,000 people that weren't townships. Before you consider a move to Chicago, you should consider 7 key factors that will increase your appreciation for the city and guide you to the right neighborhoods and activities for you. Virginia Family Medicine is a good option for your medical needs, as are Inova Primary Care, Vienna Internal Medicine and Virginia Integrative Health. Many families and young professionals live in Winchester. Overall, Winchester is a very friendly town filled with lots of nice people. Ashburn has museums, professional theaters, and even the Washington Football Team Training Camp. However, nothing can easily be upd. a) William & Mary is the nations second oldest college (after Harvard). The city lies on the high ground between the James and York Rivers. Each of the five large cities described are chock-full of neighborhoods that are favored by families with children, young professionals, and retirees. If you like bike paths, city tours, museums, or boutique shopping, your time will be well-spent in Arlington. Make sure to add the Stonewall Jackson House to your to-visit list. By comparison, 22.1% of the population are under 18 years of age, compared to 22.3% in the U.S. and 21.8% in Virginia. The town itself is also quite beautiful, with its historic neighborhoods, old-fashioned downtown district, and brick-lined streets. The cost of living is calculated based on 5 main categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation and energy. When relocating, it is important to be aware of the benefits and challenges of your new location. Combine that with the property tax savings you will likely see, and you can understand why more and more people are choosing to retire in Winchester!