About Winchester

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Department Directory

Find contact information for staff and City departments using the Department Directory.


Stay Informed

Stay informed and involved with your local government by taking advantage of the various communications tools the City offers (i.e. newsletters, social media, notification system, news show, podcast, and much more).

Communications


Information for Residents

New Resident Guide

The City of Winchester welcomes you to our beautiful city. We are honored that you are beginning a new chapter of your life here and invite you to get involved in your new community.

View Online New Resident Guide

Property Search Portal

Review information about properties within city limits using the property search tool. Using an interactive map, search for the address and find property information such as school district, trash/recycling collection days, tax information, first due fire station, floodplain designation, and much more.


Online Payments

The City offers several online (or via phone) payment programs. Click below for the list and more information.

Online Payment Options


Winchester History

At one time a Shawnee Indian camping ground, Winchester was founded in 1744 by Colonel James Wood and is the oldest city in the Commonwealth west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More Winchester History Information


Parks & Recreation

Winchester Parks and Recreation offers 270 acres of public park land within city limits and a variety of programs, events and recreational facilities for all ages.

Parks and Recreation Information


Winchester Public Schools

Winchester Public Schools strives to provide a high-quality and diverse public education through four elementary schools, one middle school and one privately-endowed public high school.

Winchester Public Schools


Green Circle Trail

The Winchester Green Circle project, when completed, will provide safe facilities and accommodations for both bicyclists & pedestrians, connecting major destinations for citizens and tourists.

The circle connects areas of historic, recreational, educational and natural interest. Some of those attractions include Glen Burnie Historic House & Gardens/Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Jim Barnett Park, Shenandoah University, Old Town Winchester, and the Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve.

Winchester Green Circle


Handley Regional Library

Architects J. Stewart Barney and Henry Otis Chapman of New York designed Winchester's Handley Regional Library building, which opened in 1913, in Beaux-Arts style.

Handley Regional Library


Old Town Winchester

Discover charming shops, delicious restaurants, centuries-old architecture, numerous historical landmarks and museums waiting to be explored. Old Town Winchester offers convenience, charm and a warm welcome to all. 

Old Town Winchester


Regional Tourism

For information about what's happening in Winchester and Frederick County, stop by the Visitors Center located at 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road or check out the website for a list of area events, attractions and more.

Winchester-Frederick County Tourism


Higher Education

Shenandoah University is located within Winchester's city limits and just a few short miles away in Middletown, VA is Lord Fairfax Community College. Both institutions offer a wide variety of higher education, technical and adult learning classes and degrees.

Shenandoah University

Laurel Ridge Community College


Taxes

Review a complete list of general tax information.

Winchester Tax Information


Awards and Recognitions

Check out the awards and recognitions the City has received over the years which only showcases that Winchester is a great play to live, work and visit!