Winchester 74 Excellent
Winchester Livability #144 ranked city in Virginia#4,421 ranked city in the USARanks better than 84% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Winchester

PROS
  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Ratings

    Through surveys and polls, AreaVibes obtained feedback from local residents in the area, and the results did not indicate a favorable outlook on factors like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Winchester?

Located in the state of Virginia, Winchester is a mid-sized city with a population of 27,912 inhabitants. Winchester has a population density of 3,036 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Winchester is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Winchester is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 47% married, this city falls well below the national average. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Winchester, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 24 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Winchester, Virginia could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Winchester, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, employment and more.

With a livability score of 73/100, Winchester is ranked #4,194 in the United States and #141 in Virginia. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Winchester scores well for amenities (B), cost of living (B), education (A-) and housing (B+)

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Winchester, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Winchester undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Old Court House Civil War Museum, and Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Winchester schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Winchester an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Winchester apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Winchester meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Winchester. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Winchester are simply unattainable. The median home price for Winchester homes is $247,800, which is 0.2% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Winchester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 7.9% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Winchester

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Winchester?

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Compare Winchester, VA Livability

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      Winchester transportation information

      Statistic Winchester Virginia National
      Average one way commute24min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.3%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool14.1%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.3%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home10.3%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Winchester, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).