Life in Winder, GA
Located about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta, Winder is the county seat of Barrow County and offers a small-town charm with close proximity to larger city conveniences. With its historic downtown district, reputable schools, and access to nature trails and parks, Winder is an attractive option for families, retirees, and professionals.
Winder Neighborhoods
- Downtown Winder: Quaint, walkable with shops, restaurants, and historic homes
- Russell: Family-friendly area near schools and parks
- Chandler Village: Suburban-style developments with modern homes
- Mulberry Park: Peaceful, newer subdivisions with nearby green space
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Winder Population
Winder, Georgia, is a growing city in Barrow County with a population of roughly 20,000 residents. Known for its small-town charm and convenient location within the Atlanta metropolitan area, Winder offers a diverse and family-friendly community.
Winder Demographics
- Median Age: 34 years
- Ethnic Breakdown:
- White: 58%
- African American: 25%
- Hispanic/Latino: 12%
- Asian: 2%
- Median household income in Winder (2023 estimate): $59,944 (up 4.5% year-over-year).
- Per capita income: $43,476
- Poverty rate: ~13.9% of residents are below the poverty line.
Winder Schools
Winder is served by Barrow County School District, offering
reputable public education and new facility upgrades.
Notable Schools:
- Winder-Barrow High School
- Russell Middle School
- County Line Elementary
- Apalachee High School (just outside the main city)
Childcare & After-School Programs
- Winder First United Methodist
Preschool
- Discovery Point Winder
- Kids World Learning Center
Extracurriculars & Youth Programs
- Winder YMCA: Sports, swimming, after-school
programs
- Winder Cultural Arts Center: Dance, art, and music
- Martial Arts: ATA Black Belt Academy
- Soccer/Baseball Leagues: Through Barrow County
Recreation Department
Winder is Known for
Winder, Georgia, is known for its historic small-town charm, community-focused lifestyle, and central location within the Atlanta metro area. As the county seat of Barrow County, Winder blends rich Southern history with modern growth, featuring a vibrant downtown district filled with local shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Barrow County Museum and the restored Winder Train Depot. The city is also recognized for its close-knit community events, including seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and parades that bring residents together year-round.
Nature lovers are drawn to Winder for its proximity to outdoor recreation, especially Fort Yargo State Park, a 1,800-acre destination known for hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Additionally, Winder's affordable cost of living, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong school system make it a popular choice for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of nearby Athens and Atlanta.
Living in Winder
Housing: Renters vs. Owners
- Homeownership: 61%
- Renters: 39%
- Housing options range from historic properties to new construction subdivisions and townhomes.
Winder Parks
- Fort Yargo State Park
- Jug Tavern Park
- Victor Lord Park (sports fields,
walking trails)
Weather in Winder
- Summer: Warm and humid, 80s-90s
- Winter: Mild, rarely below freezing
- Spring/Fall: Ideal for outdoor activities
and events
Working in Winder
Top Employers & Hiring Sectors
Winder has a strong local economy supported by government, healthcare,
and logistics.
- Barrow County Schools
- Piedmont Winder Hospital
- Walmart Distribution Center
- City of Winder Government
Major Sectors:
- Healthcare
- Logistics & Distribution
- Public Education
- Construction & Skilled Trades
Transportation & Commute
- Located on GA-316,
connecting to Athens and I-85
- Commute to Atlanta: ~1 hour
(traffic dependent)
- Close to Bethlehem, Auburn,
Monroe, and Braselton
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment
Grocery Stores
- Publix
- Ingles Markets
- Walmart Supercenter
- Aldi (in nearby Bethlehem)
- Local farmers markets and produce
stands
Dining in Winder
- Speedy Burrito - Mexican
- Smokin' Po Boys BBQ
- Magnolia Place - Southern cuisine
- Oshio Teriyaki & Sushi
- Downtown Wine & Gourmet - Wine bar and bites
Entertainment & Parks
- Fort Yargo State Park: Lake, trails, disc golf,
camping, and more
- Winder Cultural Arts Center: Theater and events
- Jug Tavern Park: Community events and open play
space
- Seasonal events like the Jug
Tavern Festival and Christmas Parade
Community Services & Resources in Winder
Government & Social Services
- Barrow County Social Services - provides assistance programs, support services, and social welfare services.
-
Barrow County Resource Guide - lists local government offices and services such as senior center, housing authority, emergency services, health department, etc.
- Department of Community Supervision (Winder Field Office) - handles reentry, supervision, and related services for corrections/justice system cases.
Mental Health & Behavioral Services
-
Advantage Behavioral Health Systems - Barrow County - mental health, substance abuse, developmental disability services, behavioral supports, case management.
-
Ministry Village - local nonprofit providing counseling, therapy (CBT, DBT, play therapy), crisis support, family counseling.
Housing, Homelessness & Basic Needs
- The Light Community Outreach & Resource Center - provides emergency beds (adults), meals, showers, laundry, employment placement assistance, and life skills programming.
- Spirit of Sharing, Inc. - nonprofit offering food, clothing, shelter support and community outreach programs.
- Winder Housing - Community Resources - includes United Way 211, Barrow County Resource Guide, resident support services.
- Barrow County Senior Citizens Center - programs for adults 50+, including fitness classes, social events, meals, health screenings, and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels).
- Community Center (Winder) - multi-purpose facility for events, recreational programming, and community gatherings.
- Wimberly Center for Community Development - offers services aimed at family self-sufficiency, various support programs.
- Barrow Literacy Partnership / Support Programs (Barrow County Schools) - provides free books, early literacy programs, family engagement, library support.
- Barrow County School System - Community Resources - includes after-school programs, domestic violence support (via Peace Place, Inc.), GED/literacy classes, etc.
- Barrow Arts & Sciences Academy (BASA) - a STEM & arts high school serving Winder with lottery-based enrollment, strong graduation rate.
Senior & Community Support
Education, Literacy & Youth Resources
Georgia Service Areas
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