There's a reason so many people are moving to Winston-Salem and that's because the secret is out, people love living here!
Did you know that Winston-Salem was ranked #59 as one of the “Best Places to Live” and ranked #35 in “Best Places to Retire” by US News? It was also named as one of “North Carolina’s Safest Cities” by WalletHub in 2019. We also put together a list of the best neighborhood in Winston-Salem for you! You can also check out some of the homes for sale in Winston Salem here.
Known for its mild weather and prime location, it is no wonder that Winston-Salem was named the 5th best city to live in North Carolina. With its eclectic art scene and notably low cost of living, you’ll want to check out this city and see all that it has to offer.
Here are 12 things youwill love about your move to Winston-Salem!
The People You Meet in Winston-Salem
One of the best parts of living in Winston-Salem is the people that you meet. Your neighbors and lifelong friends make this city home. Southern hospitality is a given and everyone is friendly. Known for having a younger crowd due to its proximity to top-rated universities, there are many families and young professionals. There is also a mix of international citizens which adds to the diverse culture that this city offers. With an estimated population of 242,125 people as of 2018, and a growth rate of 0.57% annually, everyone is starting to realize just how great of a city Winston-Salem is.
A Sense of Community
Do you want the city life but a small-town feel? Then Winston-Salem is for you! With its dense suburban quality, lots of parks, and known as a safe place to live, many residents own their own homes and participate in community events that bring everyone together.
Celebrated as a diverse community, there are many festivals and events that the city puts together to commemorate this diversity. As a southern city, food festivals are put on in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem such asTaste Carolina Winston- Salem, a food tour that showcases true southern hospitality and character. This food festival features live music, art, architecture, and amazing restaurants downtown. There is an event for everyone, even line dancing lessons that the city puts together.
With this southern but international feel, there are lots of different worldly cuisines that are offered in the city and can be reflected in a lot of the local restaurants. For instance, there is a Winston Salem Greek Festival where you can try all kinds of authentic Greek dishes. These events and sense of community are great for small businesses and entrepreneurs as it leads people to try new things and support local businesses.
The Amazing Food
Winston-Salem is a foodie haven! Southern comfort food mixed with authentic international flavors? I think yes! If you are moving to Winston-Salem, you have to check out all of the local Carolina BBQ. The Camel City BBQ Factory is a local favorite and located off of Liberty Street downtown. Offering various amounts of beer, sandwiches, and plates, this place is a must-do when it comes to Carolina BBQ.
Some other local favorites include:
Mozelle’s - Located on the west end of the city, this southern bistro provides an intimate atmosphere all while supporting local farmers.
Village Juice - Locally pressed juices and smoothies with healthy breakfast and lunch options. Try the avocado toast!
Mojito Latin Soul Food - Offering authentic Latin flavors and are best known for their Cuban sandwiches.
Spring House - Located in a 1920s historical home, this new American style restaurant with farm-to-table dishes is worth all of the hype.
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina - A Tex Mex southern-style restaurant with a menu full of nachos, a Mexican burger, and Sweet Pete Puffy Tacos.
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There Are Many Things To Do in Winston-Salem
Once you eat lunch at one of the local restaurants, go walk it off at one of the many parks and hiking trails in the area. Quarry Park is a peaceful place to take the dog and get some fresh air while overlooking the city skyline. Bring your camera to snap some pretty pictures while you are at it.
Some other adventures include:
Black Mountain Chocolate Factory - Located downtown, bring your friends and family to see how chocolate is made! Take an official tour, or self-guided tour, and don’t forget to buy chocolate to take home at the end.
Old Salem Museum and Gardens - Old Salem is a historic part of town that has been preserved for years. Take a tour of these historic buildings and gardens to learn about the history of Winston-Salem.
Foothills Brewing - See where your favorite local craft beers are made. Not only do you get to learn all about beer, but Foothills Brewing offers tastings for all the beer lovers out there.
Education
Home of both private and public colleges and universities, as well as top-rated high schools, Winston-Salem is a well-educated area. Salem College, Wake Forest University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Carolina University, Winston-Salem State University, Carolina Christian College, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts are all located here.
If you are planning to move to the area make sure to check out the different school districts and keep your preferences in mind when choosing a home. If you have school-age children there are many fantastic elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools to choose from.
Sports In Winston-Salem
Home to Wake Forest University sports, Truist Field is where Wake Forest University football plays. The Winston Salem Dash, the cities minor league baseball team, plays at Truist Stadium downtown.
North Carolina is also home to many professional sports teams and has some awesome fans. Many residents can be seen watching the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team which plays in Raleigh, and the Carolina Panthers football team plays in Charlotte.
Mountains To The West
The location of Winston-Salem is just one of the many perks. Located only 2 hours and 15 minutes away from downtown Asheville, the mountains are super close and make for a perfect day trip. For a short 30-minute drive, check out Pilot Mountain for some gorgeous views. Hanging Rock is another great option with 20 miles of hiking trails, a campground, and a lake for swimming and canoe rentals. Grandfather Mountain, just west of Winston-Salem, is great for climbing and you may even spot a black bear.
Beaches To The East
If the mountains are not really your scene then you are in luck because the beaches are only a quick two and a half-hour drive away. Wrightsville Beach is the closest beach to Winston-Salem but there are many others to choose from, such as Topsail Beach and the Outer Banks. In the Summers this makes for the perfect getaway if you are craving sand between your toes and an ocean breeze.
Local Coffee Shops
The residents here take their coffee very seriously. Many college students can be seen completing their homework while sipping a latte, or neighbors may meet up on a Thursday afternoon to hear some live music and share their love of cold brew.
If you are a caffeine lover, check out these local favorites:
Krankies Coffee - Known for its live music scene and open space for artists, this iconic location is also known as the “Wherehouse” and has become a frequent destination and cultural hub. Not only is the coffee divine but they have really good biscuits.
Twin City Hive - Off of Brookstown Avenue, Twin City has the best cold brew in town and all syrups are homemade.
West End Coffee House - Located right near Foothills Brewing, West End offers coffee and gelato. Make sure to try the Affogato which is a shot of espresso over one of their famous flavors of gelato.
Camino Bakery - This is a great destination for college students. Enjoy coffee, tea, beer, and wine in this fun atmosphere. On Wednesdays, bring your friends for half-priced wine bottles and grab one of their many vegetarians, nut, and gluten-free options of pastries and baked goods.
The Real Estate
One of the most important reasons on our list. Finding a great place to call home is imperative and Winston-Salem has so many different options to choose from.
Rated the #5 city for first time home buyers, there is lots of new construction that are bringing new and up and coming options to the market. Many older textile factories and tobacco factories are being converted into loft apartments downtown which is attracting many to the area.
From downtown lofts to single-family homes with lots of land, there are different options to appeal to everyone. Architectural styles range from contemporary to bungalow and craftsman style homes. There are many great public schools in the area and many residents have their own car and commute to work.
The Low Cost of Living
Winston-Salem is not just a great place to live, it is affordable too. The cost of living here is much lower than that of the national average which means you get more for what you are paying for. In fact, the cost of living is actually 32% lower than the national average which is kind of a big deal. The average income of residents living here is less than the national average but real estate prices are lower than the national median sales price.
Interestingly enough, grocery prices are also 1% lower than the national average which means you will be saving more on your trips to Harris Teeter. Retirees in North Carolina can live here for 3.7% cheaper than anywhere else in the state. No wonder retirees love living here. Winston-Salem overall offers better value for your money and was rated a 7.5/10 on a value index scale which compared housing costs to income.
Golf
If you love playing golf, then you will love it here! There are many private country clubs to become a member of, or grab your buddies and visit one of the many public golf courses. Some well-named clubs are Forsyth Country Club, Old Town Club, Winston Lake Golf Course, Reynolds Park Golf Course, Maple Chase Golf and Country Club, and Meadowlands Golf Club, just to name a few. Pinehurst is a short car ride away as well!
The Art Scene
Art can be viewed all over the city and it is part of what makes Winston-Salem so special. Referred to as the “City of the Arts,” the art scene here is vibrant and alive. Sculptors, painters, and musicians alike find a sense of free expression here. One of the best things to do is to go to one of the many art galleries or art workshops. There is an abundance of local art schools in the area that encourages young artists to embrace their talents.
The cities love of art dates all the way back to the year 1949 when the first arts council of the United States was established right in the middle of the city. There is a well-known art district located around 6th and Trade Street where street murals can be admired and galleries can be visited.
Home of the Southeastern Center of Contemporary Art and home of Carolina Music Ways, all art and music are admired. The Heavy Rebel Weekender Music Festival is hosted here as well which showcases classic rock n’ roll and a car show! Make sure to join in on the PBR drinking contest, a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Eating Contest, and all the live music that your heart desires.
The Nightlife
Night-time entertainment is important if you are moving to the area and luckily Winston-Salem has a lot of that. Locals here love beer and the prevalence of local breweries further proves my point. Wise Man Brewing, Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company, and Small Batch Brewery are all great places to kick back a cold one with some good company.
Another fan favorite is the Trolley Pub of Winston-Salem! If you are looking for a more adventurous approach to a night of cocktails, pedal away on this downtown trolley pub only powered by you, your friends, and drinking games. You will end the night with great memories, not to mention a fantastic leg workout.
Relocating to Winston Salem
One of the best things in life is exploring new places so whether you move to Winston-Salem or just come for a visit, it's a city that will help you shape your story! Many people come to and from Winston-Salem for work whether it's tech, banking, healthcare, teaching, or another job, and leave with a great story and memories. There's something special about living in Winston-Salem and we think you will enjoy finding out! If you're curious about moving to Winston-Salem you should also check out the neighboring city of Greensboro, NC.
If you're looking at homes for sale in Winston-Salem and would like help finding one or learning more about the area please feel free to contact us- we love to help!
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FAQs
What do I need to know about North Carolina before moving there? ›
- Basketball is a big deal. ...
- So is barbecue. ...
- The Biltmore Estate is worth a visit. ...
- North Carolina is a tech hub. ...
- The Blue Ridge Parkway will blow you away. ...
- If you like waterfalls you'll like North Carolina. ...
- Higher education plays a big role in the state's economy.
Winston-Salem is an excellent place to live if you seek a close-knit community in a mid-size city with a college-town vibe in scenic North Carolina. In addition, residents have access to amenities and features without the many drawbacks of living in larger metropolitan areas.
What do you call someone from Winston-Salem? ›Winston-Salem
So, are you a Winstonian? A Salemite?
“Raleigh again tops our list of best places to live in North Carolina — and our list of the best places to live anywhere in the U.S., as well,” says Bankrate.
What is the legal age in North Carolina to leave home? ›Any juvenile who is 16 years of age or older and who has resided in the same county in North Carolina or on federal territory within the boundaries of North Carolina for six months next preceding the filing of the petition may petition the court in that county for a judicial decree of emancipation.
Is it cheaper to live in Greensboro or Winston-Salem? ›The cost of living in Winston Salem, NC is -1.3% lower than in Greensboro, NC. You would have to earn a salary of $59,237 to maintain your current standard of living. Employers in Winston Salem, NC typically pay 0.3% more than employeers in Greensboro, NC.
Is Winston-Salem NC expensive to live? ›The cost of living in Winston - Salem, NC is 1% higher than the state average and 4% lower than the national average. Winston - Salem, NC housing is 21% cheaper than the U.S average, while utilities are about 8% less pricey.
What is special about Winston-Salem? ›Named a Forbes' Top 10 Best Downtown, Winston-Salem combines inspired cuisine, craft breweries, museums, culture, and shopping — all within a vibrant, walkable city center.
What is unique about Winston-Salem? ›What Is Winston-Salem Known For? Interestingly, one of the key things Winston-Salem is known for is its tobacco and cigarette industry. The city is fondly nicknamed the Camel City for the world-famous cigarette brand that started there in 1875.
What is the ethnic breakdown of Winston-Salem? ›| Population | |
|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino, percent(b) | 16.2% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino, percent | 45.0% |
| Population Characteristics | |
| Veterans, 2017-2021 | 11,275 |
Is Winston-Salem good for retirees? ›
Mayor Allen Joines told the Winston-Salem Journal that “Winston-Salem has consistently been rated as a great place to retire with superb medical facilities, a comprehensive selection of art activities, relatively low cost of living, and a wonderful quality of life.” In this article, we'll discuss some of the quality-of ...
How walkable is Winston-Salem? ›This location has a Walk Score of 88 out of 100. This location is Very Walkable so most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Is Winston-Salem a walkable city? ›In the video, Maupin counts down the 10 least walkable cities in America based on the website Walk Score. Of the 10 cities he mentions, four of them — Greensboro, Durham, Charlotte and Winston-Salem — are in North Carolina.
What is the #1 safest city in NC? ›1. Rolesville. The safest city in North Carolina is Rolesville. The city has a population of 10,050 people and is located in Northeastern Wake County, just outside Raleigh.
What is the most beautiful city in North Carolina? ›One city in North Carolina snagged a spot on the list. According to the site, Asheville is among the most beautiful cities in America. Full of eclectic charm, this small town is one of the most popular places in the state to visit and is even a great place to explore for those who have called it home for years.
Where is the healthiest place to live in NC? ›Raleigh ranked the healthiest city in North Carolina and 38th healthiest in the U.S.
Can you leave a 10 year old home alone in NC? ›No, there is not a law in North Carolina that states a certain age when children can be left home alone. Many parents will be looking to find day cares, babysitters, and camps to watch their kids this summer.
What is the age of majority in NC? ݤ 48A-2.
A minor is any person who has not reached the age of 18 years.
In North Carolina, a minor aged 17 will not face any legal charge or consequence for running away from home. The runaway laws in the state are unique because most states do not have similar laws in place. Under North Carolina runaway laws, a 17-year-old who leaves home is not automatically emancipated by his actions.
What is Winston-Salem NC budget? ›The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget was adopted and took effect on July 1, 2022. It totals $627.6 million, with $408.4 million budgeted for operations, $165.1 million for capital, and $46.6 million for debt service. The total budget increased by 17.9% Compared to FY 2021-2022.
Is Winston-Salem an affordable place to live? ›
Winston-Salem is ranked among the top 3 metros nationally for overall value and housing affordability, according to a November 2022 study, and has a lower cost of living than Raleigh, Charlotte and many others across the country. Cost of Living index data is based on a US average of 100.
Is Winston-Salem suburban or urban? ›Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina with a population of 247,917. Winston-Salem is in Forsyth County and is one of the best places to live in North Carolina. Living in Winston-Salem offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.
Who is the largest employer in Winston-Salem NC? ›- Hanes Companies, Inc. Zippia Score 3.8. #1 Best Company In Winston-Salem. ...
- Hanesbrands. Zippia Score 4.4. ...
- BB&T. Zippia Score 4.8. ...
- Beverage-Air. Zippia Score 3.9. ...
- Novant Health. Zippia Score 4.8. ...
- Primo Water. Zippia Score 4.3. ...
- Debbie's Staffing. Zippia Score 4.1. ...
- Hatch. Zippia Score 4.4.
1. Downtown Winston Salem. With a median home price of $931,922 and a median rent of $1,095, Downtown Winston Salem is the most expensive neighborhood on our list.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Winston-Salem NC? ›| 1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | 0 Children | |
| Living Wage | $15.19 | $12.54 |
| Poverty Wage | $6.53 | $4.40 |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25 | $7.25 |
On average, Winston Salem, NC residents spend about $116 per month on electricity. That adds up to $1,392 per year.
Is Winston-Salem a foodie town? ›Home to Texas Pete Hot Sauce, birthplace of Krispy Kreme and world capital of Moravian Cookies, Winston-Salem is a foodie's mecca. Whether you're craving a plate of world-famous North Carolina barbecue or a glass of local Yadkin Valley wine, you'll find it all in Winston-Salem.
What percent black is Winston-Salem? ›Race & Ethnicity
The largest Winston-Salem racial/ethnic groups are White (45.0%) followed by Black (32.8%) and Hispanic (16.2%).
Winston-Salem experiences some seasonal variation in monthly snowfall. The snowy period of the year lasts for 3.6 months, from November 29 to March 16, with a sliding 31-day snowfall of at least 1.0 inches. The month with the most snow in Winston-Salem is February, with an average snowfall of 3.4 inches.
What airport is in Winston-Salem NC? ›Welcome to Smith Reynolds Airport. Located just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Airport provides an effective base of operations for corporate aircraft, air charter services, general aviation, and air cargo.
Why did people settle in Winston-Salem? ›
The history of Winston-Salem, North Carolina dates back to 1753, when a devout, religious group from Eastern Europe called the Moravians immigrated to the American shores. These Moravians were drawn to the North Carolina coast because of its famed, fertile soil and endless possibilities.
Why was Winston famous? ›Winston Churchill was an inspirational statesman, writer, orator and leader who led Britain to victory in the Second World War. He served as Conservative Prime Minister twice - from 1940 to 1945 (before being defeated in the 1945 general election by the Labour leader Clement Attlee) and from 1951 to 1955.
Is Winston-Salem in the mountains? ›Winston is conveniently located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. We have explored far and wide and decided to put together a list of our "favorite finds" to help you out when you visit the area.
Is Winston-Salem a poor area? ›Winston-Salem's city-wide poverty rate in 2018 stood at 20.6 percent, unchanged from the year prior, and nearly four percentage points higher than its 1980 poverty rate.
What race car driver is from Winston-Salem? ›Rajah Caruth is not your everyday student-athlete, not only is he a full-time student at Winston-Salme State, he's also a professional driver on NASCAR's truck series and Xfinity series circuits.
Is Winston-Salem urban or rural? ›In the 2020 census, the population was 249,545, making it the second-largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region, the fifth-most-populous city in North Carolina, the third-largest urban area in North Carolina, and the 90th-most-populous city in the United States.
Which Carolina is best for retirement? ›What does this mean for retirees? If you're looking for a state with more hustle and bustle, North Carolina is likely a good choice. If you're after a more small-town feel, then South Carolina may be more ideal.
Is North Carolina friendly to seniors? ›One of the benefits of retiring in North Carolina is that the state offers tax breaks for seniors. If you're over 65, you can exempt up to $35,000 of your retirement income from state taxes. In addition, Social Security income is not taxed, and income taxes have been lowered to a flat rate, to 4.9% in 2022.
Is North Carolina a good state for seniors to retire? ›North Carolina is an attractive state for retirees and its low taxes allow you to stretch your savings. Undiscovered beaches let you enjoy a leisurely coastal retirement without a massive Florida or California price tag.
How far is Winston-Salem from the ocean? ›There are 219.78 miles from Winston-Salem to Atlantic Beach in southeast direction and 259 miles (416.82 kilometers) by car, following the I-40 route. Winston-Salem and Atlantic Beach are 4 hours 30 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . This is the fastest route from Winston-Salem, NC to Atlantic Beach, NC.
What is the average commute time in Winston-Salem NC? ›
Winston-Salem (average commute: 32.3 minutes) High Point (average commute: 31.7 minutes) Greensboro (average commute: 30.1 minutes) Mebane (average commute: 29.4 minutes)
Do people like living in Winston-Salem? ›Winston-Salem is an excellent place to live if you seek a close-knit community in a mid-size city with a college-town vibe in scenic North Carolina. In addition, residents have access to amenities and features without the many drawbacks of living in larger metropolitan areas.
What is the most beautiful street in Salem? ›Historic Chestnut Street in Salem is considered one of the most beautiful streets in America. The Federal-style Phillips House is open to the public for tours from May through October, and its carriage house is home to a collection of antique vehicles.
Is North Carolina a good state to move to? ›North Carolina is an ideal destination for those who want to relocate to a place with a low cost of living, beautiful weather, excellent job market and stunning landscapes. From the beaches to the mountains, North Carolina has something for everyone.
Is it worth moving to North Carolina? ›North Carolina has plenty to offer newcomers - from excellent educational institutions to thriving job markets and family-friendly towns. And from the coastal areas and the Outer Banks in the east to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in North Carolina? ›| Category | Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Housing and Utilities | $7,350 |
| Health Care | $7,179 |
| Food and Beverages (non-restaurant) | $3,630 |
| Gas and Energy Goods | $1,139 |
In the three presidential elections since 2008, Indiana and North Carolina went back to supporting Republicans.
What are the top states people are moving to NC from? ›Among the top-sending states, in-migrants from neighboring South Carolina were the most likely to be NC-born (24%) while in-migrants from New York (6%) were the least likely to be NC-born. Among the top-sending countries in 2019, in-migrants from Mexico (25%) and South Korea (24%) were the most likely to be NC-born.
Does North Carolina tax Social Security benefits? ›North Carolina exempts all Social Security retirement benefits from income taxes. Other forms of retirement income are taxed at the North Carolina flat income tax rate of 4.99%. The state's property and sales taxes are both moderate.
Is it cheaper to live in Florida or North Carolina? ›North Carolina is the 19th lowest-cost state in the country, meaning there are 32 states (including the District of Columbia) more expensive than North Carolina. Among nearby states, Virginia, Florida and Georgia are more expensive, while South Carolina and Tennessee are less expensive (although only slightly).
Is it a good time to buy house in NC? ›
Is it a good time to buy a house in North Carolina? If you can lock in a good interest rate, now could be a good time to buy. North Carolina home prices are rising slightly — in February the median was $340,300 — but they're still lower than the national median.
Does North Carolina have state income tax? ›For Tax Year 2023, the North Carolina individual income tax rate is 4.75% (0.0475). For Tax Year 2022, the North Carolina individual income tax rate is 4.99% (0.0499).
What are major issues in North Carolina? ›- Robocalls.
- Medicaid Provider Fraud and Patient Abuse.
- Opioid Crisis.
- Preventing Crime.
- Consumer Scams.
- Protecting the Environment.
- Open Government.
- Internet Safety.
North Carolina is one of the states which is at high risk during hurricanes. From 1852 to 2020, this state has had a history of 58 hurricanes. Hurricanes have impacted almost 12% of the population living in coastal areas. Also, as of 2022, North Carolina is one of the states with the biggest per capita loss.
What is the average electric bill in NC? ›Monthly electric bills are a product of how much electricity you use per month and your electric rate. In North Carolina, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $145/month, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 1,112 kWh * 13 ¢/kWh.
What is considered low income in NC? ›In this case, low-income means less than 30% of the state median income. Based on the latest information available, the median income for a family of four in North Carolina is $72,830. That means the eligibility cut-off is around $21,800.
What is the average water bill in NC? ›According to the 2018 report, North Carolina residents on average pay $27 - $41 per month for five thousand gallons of water. Lower prices, however, aren't necessarily cheap; Eskaf warns North Carolinians shouldn't get too comfortable with those prices because they might actually be too low for what's at stake.