People frequently ask me which neighborhood is the best in Winston Salem. Answering that question is difficult because people have different needs and desires. So, I conducted a Facebook and Instagram poll to see which neighborhoods rate highest among Winston Salem residents, and here are the results.
West End
The west end is a popular, historical neighborhood in Winston Salem. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area, but it’s going through quite a renaissance at the moment, with lots of shops and restaurants opening up that make it a cool place to be. Another tally on the plus side for the West End is that it’s very walkable and close to downtown, but it has hilly, windy roads that give it a cozy, private feel.
Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is a little farther removed from downtown but still within easy commuting distance for work or shopping. It has a more suburban feel—houses have larger lots, bigger floor plans, and many mature trees. This neighborhood has six different parks, two separate greenways, and two public pools, making it a great place for families. Most of the houses were built in the 60s and 70s, but a newer section called New Sherwood Forest boasts some homes that were built from the 80s into the 2000s. Home prices in Sherwood Forest average around $390,000, but you can still find a range of prices there.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Salem. It’s known for its beautiful, tree-lined streets and grand old Southern-style homes, some of which date back to the early 1900s. This neighborhood is centrally located and offers lots of great shopping and dining opportunities. For instance, the famous Reynolda Gardens and museum are nearby, as is Reynolda village, which boasts high-end specialty shops and restaurants. Because it’s one of the most desirable areas in Winston Salem, Buena Vista is also one of the more expensive places to buy a home, with an average home price of $690,000.
Ardmore
Ardmore is an eclectic and well-loved neighborhood in Winston Salem. Like the West End, it has been undergoing a lot of renovation and remodeling, which has increased its desirability. Ardmore is book-ended by Wake Forest and Forsyth County Hospital, so many health care professionals choose to live here. It has become known as a close-knit society that hosts lots of community activities, making it a attractive place to raise a family.
