Winchester

Winchester is a city in northern Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. Population around 28,000. Its area covers 9.3 square miles. Winchester is the oldest city in the Commonwealth, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the home of Shenandoah University, and Lord Fairfax Community College. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley recounts the area's history, and includes the 1790s Glen Burnie House and landscaped gardens. Old Town Winchester, a shopping and dining hub, is home to Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum, featuring Civil War memorabilia. To the east, vast Jim Barnett Park includes a lake, an arboretum and sports facilities. It has a drive-in theater, and all the major stores and restaurants. Single family homes run from$180K and up. Its close to I-81 and Route 66 for commuting. Taxes are much lower than the rest of Northern Virginia. The Town of Winchester has older, historical homes that are desired due to the walking mall being located there, with bars and restaurants and shops. The Apple Blossom Festival and parade happens early May and the whole town shuts down.