When moving to Winston-Salem, NC, there are a few things that you might not hear about until you experience them firsthand. Here are some lesser-known aspects of living in Winston-Salem.
April 24, 2024
Winston-Salem is attracting individuals and families from different regions looking to relocate and start a new chapter of life. For many, the city offers an ideal lifestyle with its affordability, climate, economic opportunities, educational options, healthcare facilities, and Southern hospitality. For others, Winston-Salem may not be “the place.” After moving from Chicago and years of helping people move to Winston-Salem, I’ve discovered consistent themes in unforeseen lifestyle adjustments that catch Winston-Salem newcomers off guard. Here’s what no one tells you about moving to Winston-Salem.
The humidity in Winston can be uncomfortable, to put it mildly.
Humidity levels remain relatively high throughout the year. Summers are hot, with average humidity levels ranging from 0% to 80% or higher, especially during the peak of the summer months. In the winter, humidity levels decrease but vary depending on weather patterns and precipitation.
Air conditioning is considered a necessity rather than a luxury.
With temperatures in Winston-Salem frequently exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels, air conditioning is essential, especially in July and August. The cost of cooling a home varies depending on the house’s size, the cooling system’s efficiency, and personal preferences for temperature settings. Travel west for two hours towards the North Carolina mountains, and you might be able to tolerate living without A/C.
It can be freezing one day and blistering hot the next.
Sometimes, summer likes to drop in on us in the winter. We usually welcome the break from winter, except for during the holidays.
Everyone says y’all, and you might, too, if you give it enough time.
Even if you don’t adopt other regional usages, you’ll probably adopt the usage of the word ‘y’all’ (if you haven’t already).
You must register your vehicle and pay property tax on it annually.
You’ll need a North Carolina driver’s license before registering your vehicle within 30 days of moving to North Carolina. Before registering your car, it must pass a safety inspection at an authorized inspection station (most North Carolina auto care facilities are authorized). The NC DMV website is helpful (surprisingly)!
The soil is gunky, red, stain-everything clay.
Red clay is an obsession in central North Carolina, but not by choice. Locals commiserate over the bright red and messy soil, which holds water better than a bucket. Your kids won’t miss an opportunity to drag it into the house, and there’s a 100% chance your dog will roll in it to cool down in the summer. Don’t get me started on trying to launder mud stains out of clothes. Gardening with such soil can cause some heartache, too. The clay is so dense that weeds seem like the only thing it will grow. Lawn care experts make a good living in Winston-Salem!
People in Winston-Salem put pine needles in their yards ON PURPOSE.
While most areas of the country are raking the stuff up, people in North Carolina purposely put it down. It’s one of the first things you’ll notice when you look at landscaping around neighborhoods and something most newcomers never grow a liking to. The reason? We’re unsure, but pine needles don’t wash away as quickly as mulch made with wood chips and bark. Also, it’s cheap.
There’s a church on every corner.
This is a heads-up to those from areas where the general rule is not to talk about religion. In Winston, religion is not a taboo subject. A warm welcome from your new Winston-Salem neighbors may include an inquiry about whether you’re looking for a church home (it’s ok if you’re not).
Barbecue is a noun, and smoking it is a craft.
Barbecue is a meat delicacy that varies by region in North Carolina. There are two types: Eastern and Western. In Winston-Salem, we call Western-style barbecue ‘Lexington-style barbecue’ and sometimes ‘Piedmont-style barbecue.’ Here’s what you need to know: Western-style barbecue uses nearly the entire pig and is vinegar-based, and Lexington-style barbecue uses only the pork shoulder, chopped and served with a tomato-based sauce.
Most people only know how allergic they are to pollen once they cross the North Carolina border.
Pollen is a significant factor in the outdoor environment of Winston-Salem, particularly during the spring and early summer months. Allergy medication is a must if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
The difference between the urban areas of Winston-Salem and the rural areas surrounding it is pretty jarring.
The rural towns surrounding Winston are culturally and linguistically distinct. The locals have thick accents and are generally some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Newcomers, especially those from the north, tend to assume (wrongly) that Southerners with thick accents are hicks and rednecks.
When they call for snow in Winston-Salem, everyone prepares like it will be the monster blizzard of the century.
The city is shutting down if it’s more than half an inch. Also, let’s hope you get to the grocery store in time, or you’ll be out of luck.
Many restaurants and small businesses close on Sunday.
It’s also rare that businesses in Winston stay open late. There’s Waffle House for that.
All liquor stores in North Carolina are government-owned (and also closed on Sundays).
Don’t take your kids shopping at the ABC Store. It sounds cute, but ABC stands for Alcohol Beverage Commission. It’s the only place you can buy liquor in North Carolina (wine and beer are sold in grocery and convenience stores). While we’re on the topic of alcohol, it’s good to know that happy hour is illegal in North Carolina.
