At first glance, Winchester, Va. might not seem like a promising city for entrepreneurs--but take a closer look. Nestled 80 miles from the nation’s capital, the city of Winchester has seen robust growth. The population has boomed 7.12% since 2000.
The city, which sits at spot 19 on Forbes’ list of best places to start a small business with more than 110,000 residents with an expanding income growth. The city’s one-year job increased 4.8% while 5-year job growth sits at 12%.
Winchester provides businesses a diverse and growing workforce and the manufacturing and retail sectors serve as the backbone of the labor market.
FOX Business anchor Brian Sullivan heads back to his hometown to prove American prosperity is alive and well.
By the Numbers
The unemployment rate for the town hovers around 3.0% in 2007, lower than the national average; projected future job growth in the next 10 years sits around 27.93%
Future job growth is predicted to be 28.57% over the next ten years
Sales tax is 5.00% and income tax is 5.75%
The median household income was $$47,959 last year
The median home cost is is $315,300, home appreciation the last year has been -3.80%
The city’s cost of living is 7.39%, slight lower than the national average
A Glance In the Rearview Mirror
1.) What has changed about your hometown the most since you left?
Size. We had one high school for whole county when I graduated in 1989 now there is three, and talk of more. The area is growing as Washington, D.C., jobs move to Winchester.
2.) What one characteristic in your life now do you credit your hometown for planting in you?
Common sense. This is a self reliant area with grounded, hard working people. There is no pretention. I've tried to keep that grounding in my career.
3.) What do you miss the most?
I miss my family and the small town feel. Everyone says "hello" even if they don't know you.
4) Given the chance, would you move back? Why?
Yes, though maybe later in life. I love being a journalist and right now NYC is the place to be. I understand why my parents moved us back here when I was younger though. Good quality of life.
5.) What economic opportunity has your hometown lost?
Winchester needs to keep its small town feel. Its growing with the big malls and chain stores - which is fine because they provide jobs - but it can't forget its roots. It needs to maintain the historic downtown area.
6.) What does your hometown not get enough credit for?
Its Patsy Cline's hometown! Most people think she's from Texas but she was born and raised in Winchester.
