I field questions about the Winston-Salem area all the time from people who are considering a move to the area. For that reason, I thought it would be helpful to address the five most common questions I get about Winston-Salem. Here goes!
What Are the People Like?
I moved here from the Chicago area with my two sons about two years ago, and at the time, we didn’t know a single soul. In our experience, people were very warm and welcoming; in fact, they were so friendly that it almost caught me off guard. Coming from a really large metropolitan area, I wasn’t used that kind of warmth, and I frankly wondered if they were trying to hustle me! 😂 As it turned out, they were being completely genuine, and my opinion hasn’t changed over the last two years. I’ve also reached out to former clients to see how they were settling into the community, and without exception, they have applauded the southern charm and “live and let live” mentality of the residents.
How are the Schools in the Area?
This question could be the subject of an entire post in and of itself because the schools your children will attend depending on the area of the city in which you settle.
Winston-Salem is home to various outstanding schools, including Forsyth County Schools, Meadowlark, and Reagan and West High School. If you have school-age children, be sure to research the various districts to find one that is a good fit for your family.
But I will say this: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school district has some excellent schools. I recommend you go to greatschools.org and/or niche.com to see school rankings in the area. Personally, I’ve been very happy with the schools my sons attend.
What’s the Employment Situation Like?
A lot of jobs in the area are in the health, finance, and banking industries. We have several large hospitals and banks, and companies like Hanes, Reynolds American, and Krispy Kreme have their corporate headquarters here. In addition, Winston-Salem has many blue-collar employment possibilities for those looking for work. The city is growing rapidly, so jobs are available in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Of course, COVID put a hitch in job growth everywhere, but we are starting to see that bounce back, and the job market in this area looks strong and promising.
What are the college and university choices?
There are several universities and colleges in the Winston-Salem area, including Wake Forest University, Salem College, Winston-Salem State University, and Forsyth Technical Community College. The options are diverse, and you should find a program that meets your demands.
What’s the Weather Like?
As I mentioned in the “Pros and Cons” video and post, Winston-Salem enjoys four distinct seasons. If you’re looking to move somewhere with perpetual summer of perpetual winter (hey, some people like winter), then this isn’t the place for you, but if you enjoy the changing of the seasons, you’ll love it here. Winters are comparatively mild, depending on where you’re comparing them to, but we do have a clear winter season. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful and pleasant, and summer is hot and humid, as you’d expect in the South.
What about the Cost of Living?
The cost of living in Winston-Salem is reasonable, especially when compared to other major metropolitan areas. Housing is more affordable here than in most places, and you can get a lot for your money. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are also relatively affordable. The only area where you can expect to pay a little more in healthcare.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around Town?
There are a few different options for getting around Winston-Salem, and a lot of it depends on where you live.
The city does have a bus service that serves the entire city. You may also catch express buses from various stations and taxis, Uber, and Lyft to get into downtown. The city has many bike paths and bike lanes, so if you want to go green, you will be able to travel around the city on two wheels. If you want to expand it nationally, Winston-Salem is an Amtrak stop, so there are plenty of opportunities for long-distance travel!
What’s the Crime Situation Like?
The crime rate in Winston-Salem is lower than the national average. We have our share of crime, as does any city, but it’s generally safe here. I always tell people that you have little to worry about if you use your common sense and take precautions like not leaving your car unlocked with valuables visible.
What Are the Neighborhoods Like?
Winston-Salem is a medium-sized city. The population in the city proper is just under300K, and the population of the Piedmont Triad is over 1.5 million. As with any city, some areas are safe and affluent, while others are poorer and rough around the edges. I recommend you visit neighborhoodscout.com and check out a crime graph for any specific neighborhood you may be considering.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me at jeff@govalentino.com or (336) 837-5924.
