Winchester for kids? (Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Franklin: homes, best school, living in)

[newfiemom]

Thinking of moving to Winchester--medical practice. Would like some honest input about schools, outdoor activities for kids that don't require me driving for miles for routine thigs like biking. Is skiing handy?? What about white water kayaking?? Hiking in the mountains--what is there within a 1/2 hour drive??? Thanks!!!

[brandoni57]

Winchester is on Tim's Ford Lake, nice place in the summer and spring for boating and biking. A really awesome Hiking spot is not far from there right on State Rd 16on the Alabama state line called Walls of Jericho, I highly recomend that. Winchester is 90 miles from Nashville, 60 miles from Chattanooga and 60 miles from my fair city of Huntsville. There is plenty of hiking and biking in both Chattanooga and Huntsville. Skiing... (assuming you mean downhill) GOOD skiing is about a 3 day weekend away.

[LabFamilyinSalem]

We too are looking to move to Winchester. Medical field here too. We have been there before to visit.....nice town with the 'essentials' and not too far from some BIG cities! NICE Lakes nearby too

[Dan.K]

I might as well pipe in here, WE are also looking to move into the Winchester or Tullahoma areas, I am also in the medical field, I ama surgical technologist, Nationally certified, and I have a line on a job in Winchester, at the Hospital there.
We curently live in California, 70 miles North of San Diego, We have family in Huntland and Harriman TN. We are planning a trip to check out some homes within the next 2 weeks...I am going to miss the dry summers here in so.cal, BUT NOT THE TRAFFIC!

[Tiffany]

I was born and raised in Winchester, TN. I grew up on Tims Ford. Winchester is close enough to Murfreesboro and Huntville so you have the bigger cities to go to, but it retains its small town charm. I personally think it is a great place to raise children, but again I am partial. Even though I no longer live here, I will probably move back one day. Also, a new high school was recently built. It is gorgeous! Tims Ford Lake and Sewanee Mountain all add to its appeal. There are some pretty nice golf courses too. Let me know if you have specific questions. Thanks!

[Dan.K]

Thanks Tiffany,
We are flying into TN on the 24th of Feb to look around in the areas of Winchester, Tullhoma, Manchester and a couple other areas....

[Tyler Lund]

Originally Posted by Dan.K

Thanks Tiffany,
We are flying into TN on the 24th of Feb to look around in the areas of Winchester, Tullhoma, Manchester and a couple other areas....

Hello You are looking into some wonderful areas. I live in Tullahoma and we have all the amenities of a a big city with stores such as North Gate Mall with Dillards and Jc pennies etc. but retaining small town charm we hold a population of 23,000 and are the largest city in our region(coffee,Franklin,moore,bedford,and warren counties).We have One of the best school systems in Tennessee. Tullahoma is just a wonderful city and hope you enjoy your visit. Tyler

[Dan.K]

Thanks Tyler,
We intend to look at about 24 homes in these areas. It's going to be a very fast paced weekend, thats for sure.

[LORIG03]

I have to disagreed with Tiffany. Winchester is not a great place to raise children. I too am from Winchester, but no longer live there. I would only move back when I retire not to raise my children. Winchester is a beautiful place, and it does have the charming small town feel that cities do not. However in a city you can stay away from the bad aspects like drugs. You can not do that in small towns. Winchester and surrounding counties have a high rate of drug users and dealers. While you may think your children are growing up in a safe small town enviorment, underneath the bearers lie drugs that you can not keep your kids from. When moving to a small town I would recommend to consider the following. Are you prepared to teach and opening discuss things that a lot of parents hide from their children? If so, then Winchester would be a great place for you. If you are not going to have time to maintain a strong presence in your childs personal life than I would recommend moving to a city where you have the means of people who do take the time to teach your children more about real life situations. If children do not understand about drugs and they like their enviorment is safe, they usuall tend to go after the unknown. I believe people should be aware of factors that surface when living in a small town.