Relocate from Aldie to Winchester or other outer area? Bad idea? (Reston: neighborhoods, good schools)

[stpickrell]

I thought Wegmans had said "no dice" about locating to Winchester VA.

Leesburg VA is about 30 minutes from Winchester and is close enough if you are a devoted member of the Wegmans cult.

[Nyfinestbxtf]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

Yes, Winchester is a larger city/town than Front Royal and of the two, it does have more historic architecture. It has a very active historic preservation group the City is ranked either #2 or #3 in VA preservation of it historic structures. It is the county seat (Frederick County, VA) so it's been a major hub in northern Shenandoah Valley since it's founding.

I was at a meeting the other day and someone mentioned "Wegmen's". So hopefully, there will be one soon. We love Wegman's too! However, there are many farms in/and surrounding Winchester that sell organic fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy (a few creameries). We like to buy from them as it also supports the local farmers and their families.

The biggest complaint/criticism I hear about Winchester is the "commute" into D.C. But not everyone has to commute into the D.C. area. That said, anyone who has accepted a new job in the area should really take a look at Winchester. To me, it's the best bang for your buck in the area.

There's so much to do outdoors during both the summer and winter seasons. The landscape is gorgeous and it's so nice to be surrounded by mountains on an every day basis.

Winchester has been ranked the #1 Retirement City in the USA and it is a vibrant community. The historic downtown is constantly being redevelopment and there are many more plans . The two groups attracted to this area are (1) single, 20 - to 30-something professionals, and (2) empty nesters. You'll be surprised (and pleased) when going out for dinner or a beer at the Old Town Walking Mall, how many older couples you'll meet.

If you look at the history of Winchester, there was a wide range of religious groups that settled in the Valley, including many from the PA area (i.e., Mennonites). This is reflected in the current churches you see today -- Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, etc. as well as Greek Orthodox, Jewish, and some "universal" churches. Oftentime, the older, historic churches offer different types of services. For example, we live in the neighborhood of the Old Stone Church, one of the oldest in Winchester (1788), originally built by Presbyterian settlers, later purchased by a Baptist Church, and now a National Historic Site. We thought it was only opened for tours, however, people have weddings there and it is open 4-5x a week for services and church activities, especially for Latin groups. It's really great hearing singing and children playing in the lawns at that church.

The churches are quit active in charity work too as there is a coalition of churches who have banded together, offering food and shelter for the homeless.

The downtown of Winchester is very quaint and looks like it would be nice to walk around. I hear the pedestrian mall is pretty good too. Looking forward to visiting the historic sites. I'm a bit of a history buff.

Wegman's would be great, but would survive if there is not one built. We don't like Wegman's so much for their choices of organic and health food, we just like the ambience of their store. Sounds kinda stupid, but Wegman's is pretty awesome inside. We do like farmers markets and a good meat market.

Commuting wouldn't be an issue. Like I said, my wife will be working in Front Royal. Though I hear commuting to DC is a complete horror show; glad we don't have to be a part of that.

It's good to hear there are plenty of outdoor activities. We enjoy hiking, I enjoy fishing, mountain biking, boating. Though I did notice there doesn't seem to be any big lakes near by. Anyway, the mountains are gorgeous.

Yes, I saw a website that ranked Winchester as the #1 place for retirement. I will be retiring in a few years, so that is good.

A good church is important to us. We would just be looking for a simple church that preaches all of the Bible and participates with small groups. I don't think that will be too hard to find. Especially after I retire, I would like to get more involved with charity work. It is difficult to offer my time, but can offer monetarily for the time being.

Thank you for all the information. It was very helpful.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

I thought Wegmans had said "no dice" about locating to Winchester VA.

How long ago was this? I thought one thing that influenced Wegman's decision on a new store location of household median income? As the City grows, new-ish transplants buy and/or move into the area and [should] raise the current median income. Also, there is a major move increasing commercial/business spaces in the downtown area.

Leesburg VA is about 30 minutes from Winchester and is close enough if you are a devoted member of the Wegmans cult.

If you live in Winchester, you get a little spoiled. Nearly everything we need (i.e., supermarkets, shops, doctor's offices, etc.) is within 5 miles of my house.

And crossing the mountain into Leesburg, especially during the winter, is not a pleasant thing.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Nyfinestbxtf

The downtown of Winchester is very quaint and looks like it would be nice to walk around. I hear the pedestrian mall is pretty good too. Looking forward to visiting the historic sites. I'm a bit of a history buff.

They have so much out here. There are many organizations -- not just Civil War either. George Washington was a surveyor as a young man in Winchester so there are historic sites of that era. There are several preservation groups, a French & Indian War organization, a skirmish group, etc.

It's good to hear there are plenty of outdoor activities. We enjoy hiking, I enjoy fishing, mountain biking, boating. Though I did notice there doesn't seem to be any big lakes near by. Anyway, the mountains are gorgeous.

I grew up around lakes and the Jersey Shore so we do miss a variety of water systems. Folks around here do alot of fishing in the Shenandoah River (quite large) and we are still exploring fishing opportunities. We visited a fishing farm(?) once in Inwood (just north of Winchester) but didn't care much for it.

[Locolover]

OP here, still following. We have decided to wait a year and reassess our wants/needs but Winchester is still on the list for when that time comes. I am a member of the Wegman's cult so yeah that is a consideration too

[Nyfinestbxtf]

Another important question. I am Skins fan and have been since the days of John Riggins. I was wondering if Redskin games are broadcasted on local cable television channels in the Winchester area or do I still need NFL Sunday ticket?

It is going to be awesome to be a resident of my favorite NFL team. Never in my lifetime I thought that this was going to happen.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Nyfinestbxtf

Another important question. I am Skins fan and have been since the days of John Riggins. I was wondering if Redskin games are broadcasted on local cable television channels in the Winchester area or do I still need NFL Sunday ticket?

It is going to be awesome to be a resident of my favorite NFL team. Never in my lifetime I thought that this was going to happen.

We have the same television stations as Washington, DC.

[Nyfinestbxtf]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

We have the same television stations as Washington, DC.

Good to hear.

[Nyfinestbxtf]

Another question. Is the housing market in the Winchester area a sellers market or buyers market? Is the housing market there on the upswing?

I see a lot of houses on the market in the area and that would appear to be much competition for the sellers to get their house sold.

[NYS Refugee]

I would say that Winchester is a great little city. My wife and I moved down here almost two years from Long Island, New York. We wanted to also avoid the wild and crazy cost of living from "The Hampton's". I can't help but feel that NOVA is very similar when it comes to the wealth and the cost of living. I have to say we were in a little bit of culture shock for the first 6 months but soon learned about all of the events/festivals/shopping/hiking/etc that are within a day drive away. We now find with the substantial change in the cost of living, we can actually go out and not break the bank. We also can afford a good sized home with a backyard and pool. For us it was a good move and I am sure if you gave it a try you would like it as well.