Study: NoVa population growth slowing as Winchester sees fastest growth in Virginia

WINCHESTER, Va. (DC News Now) — As growth in Northern Virginia suburbs stagnates, Winchester and its surrounding counties remain the fastest growing metro area in Virginia, according to study by the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia.

For Maria Dunckhorst’s family, moving to a brand new 1,800 square foot home in Winchester from a Manassas townhouse was a lifestyle upgrade at a fraction of the price.

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“We would not have been able to afford this house in Manassas,” she said. “We’ll have a total of four bedrooms and three and a half baths.”

Between 2020 and 2023, Fairfax County lost about 20,000 residents. During that same period, Winchester, Fredrick and Clarke counties gained about 6,000 residents.

“What people are finding is people can afford a little bit more here because our taxes are about half,” said Sheila Pack, of Re/Max Roots in Winchester.

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Pack said many people retiring are opting for 55 and older communities in the area, the proximity to Washington, D.C. and the affordability. With remote work booming during the years after the pandemic, she said living in the area has become feasible for D.C.-area employees.

“This is about an hour, hour and a half. So it’s perfect for them because the taxes are lower, their house prices are lower, and then they’re just within an hour drive,” she said.

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