Moving to Winchester-Frederick County

Winchester/Frederick County is a great place to live and work, whether you’re starting your first career, switching careers, or starting down the retirement path. There is so much to love about our community, from the friendly people and charming small town feel, to the scenic landscape and outdoor recreation opportunities, vibrant downtown, pleasant climate, and the area’s convenient proximity to Washington, DC.

• We are one of the fastest growing communities in the greater Washington, DC metro area.
• From customer service and back-office operations to manufacturing and healthcare, it is clear to see why we are a great place for careers.
• Find housing options for most any budget or lifestyle with prices nearly 40% lower than Washington, DC.
• Our location is centered on the East Coast, making accessibility to numerous destinations less than a day’s drive.
• Our community prides itself on involvement, with many opportunities for volunteering and participation in civic organizations, career development, networking, and education.
• While you can enjoy a slower pace here in Winchester/Frederick County, we still offer exciting ways to spend your free time – with concerts, festivals, museums and history to explore, hiking and outdoor activities, wonderful restaurants, and unique local shopping.

Winchester has been recognized as a great place to retire by numerous publications:

• AARP Magazine (2011)
• Wall Street Money (2012)
• MarketWatch.com (2013)
• Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (2015)
• Fidelity.com (2015)
• Where to Retire Magazine (2016)
• Readers Digest (2017 and 2018)
• Forbes (2019)

Forbes – Best Places to Retire in 2019
Forbes’ list of The Best Places To Retire In 2019 highlights 25 locales that offer both affordability and a high quality of life, including Winchester. Forbes compiled the list by amassing and comparing data on nearly 700 places across all 50 states.

“AARP – Best Places: The Good Life For Less”

AARP The Magazine toured the nation to find the top 10 retirement destinations that offer a fabulous lifestyle without outrageous costs. To determine the list, AARP The Magazine examined financial data on more than 350 cities across the country including the median housing price, cost of living, tax rates on pensions and Social Security, recreation, climate, and health resources. The magazine describes Winchester as “a peaceful hamlet near the nation’s capital” and highlights the area’s Civil War history, rural location with apple and peach orchards, and shady brick historic district.

“10 Great Places to Retire 2015”

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance describes Winchester as a city that appeals to retirees who love its small-town Southern charm and big-city amenities.

Best Small Places for Business and Careers

The Winchester-Frederick County area was also listed by Forbes as one of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the United States. (#9). Learn more about working and living here, as well as data regarding cost of living, education, and taxes in this brochure: Find Your Place Here.

Are you planning to relocate to the Winchester-Frederick County area?

Stop by the Visitors Center while you are in Winchester and pick up one of our relocation packets. The packet includes helpful local information and an optional area map.

If you are relocating to the City of Winchester, you may also visit their website for the New Resident Guide online.

For future Frederick County residents, learn more about Living in Frederick County.

Real Estate Tax Rates

City of Winchester – 93¢ per $100 of assessed value
Frederick County – 51¢ per $100 of assessed value

View Our Newcomer’s Welcome Video!

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