Livability Score

63
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities D-

There are some amenities close to this location.
Coffee (13) F
Rena Marie's Coffees & Bubble Tea
Coffee Shop
Downtown Deli and Cafe
Coffee Shop
DeBean Espresso
Coffee Shop
Anchor Coffee Co.
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Camel City Coffee
Coffee Shop
The Ardmore Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop
Organix Juice Bar
Coffee Shop
Dough-Joe's Coffee & Doughnuts
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (34) F
a/perture cinema
Cinema
Unknown Name
Theatre Arts
Truist Stadium
Stadium
Children's Museum of Winston Salem
Museum
Old Salem
Attraction
Salem College Elberson Fine Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts
Museum
Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Stadium
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex
Stadium
David F. Couch Ballpark
Stadium
Groves Stadium
Stadium
Unknown Name
Museum
Reynolda House
Museum
Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art
Museum
Reynolda Gardens
Attraction
Marketplace Cinemas
Cinema
Museum of Anthropology
Museum
Kentner Stadium
Stadium
Wait Chapel
Attraction
Bowman Gray Stadium Racing
Stadium
Bowman Gray Stadium
Stadium
Spry Soccer Stadium
Stadium
Unknown Name
Stadium
Bolton Street Soccer Stadium
Stadium
Mount Tabor Stadium
Stadium
Food and Drink (95) D-
Joyner's
Bar
vintage sofa bar
Bar
Bojangles'
Fast Food
ABC Store
Alcohol
Small Batch
Bar
Jimmy John's
Fast Food
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Fast Food
Wise Man Brewing
Bar
Panera Bread
Fast Food
Incendiary Brewing Company
Bar
Dawg House Saloon
Bar
Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
Bar
Lil Dipper
Sweets
Church's Chicken
Fast Food
Chopt
Fast Food
Jimmy John's
Fast Food
Krispy Kreme
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food
ABC Store
Alcohol
McDonald's
Fast Food
Popeyes
Fast Food
Last Resort
Bar
Total Wine
Alcohol
Bojangles'
Fast Food
Fitness (7) F
OsteoStrong
Gym
Southbound Model Railroaders, Inc.
Community Centre
South Fork Community Center
Community Centre
Groceries (33) F
Publix
Grocery Store
The Butcher's Block
Butcher
Ollie's Bakery
Bakery
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Dewey's Bakery - Coffee
Bakery
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Asia Grocery
Grocery Store
Compare Foods
Grocery Store
Forsyth Seafood
Seafood
Chef Smart
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Compare Foods
Grocery Store
The Fresh Market
Grocery Store
Harris Teeter
Grocery Store
Marymar Supermarket
Grocery Store
La Providencia
Grocery Store
Lowes Foods
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
ALDI
Grocery Store
Dewey's Bakery
Bakery
Lowes Foods
Grocery Store
Parks (105) A+
Unknown Name
Playground
Joe White Tennis Center
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Unknown Name
Park
Kids Zone
Playground
Winston Square Park
Park
The Passageway Pocket Park
Park
ARTivity On The Green
Park
Corpening Plaza
Park
Kimberley Park
Park
Bailey Park
Park
Kimberley Park
Park
Unknown Name
Playground
Granville Park
Park
Salem Square
Park
Miller Park
Park
Greenway Park
Park
Blum Park
Park
Bon Air Park
Park
Blum Park - Swimming Pool
Park
Ardmore Park
Park
Central Park
Park
Washington Park
Park
Happy Hill Park
Park
Washington Park
Park
Shops (184) D-
Fiddle & Fig
Houseware
Bookmarks
Books
1st Street Mart
Convenience Store
Mast General Store, Winston-Salem, NC
Clothing
Chop Shop Barber Shop
Hairdresser
Shell
Convenience Store
Hanes Team Store
Gift Shop
Northwest Discount
Convenience Store
Cycle Your City
Bicycle
Salon 7
Hairdresser
Pink Rhino Beauty Parlor
Beauty
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Ace Hardware
Home Improvement
Unknown Name
Beauty
Family Dollar
Discount Store
AT&T
Electronics
Rack Room Shoes
Shoes
Rent-A-Center
Furniture
Sprint
Electronics
Talbots
Clothing
Book and Gift Store
Discount Store
T Bagge Merchant
Discount Store
Speedway
Convenience Store
Hickory Tree Furniture
Furniture
Family Dollar
Discount Store
See more Winston-Salem amenity data

commute C-

Of all people who commute, 1.2% take public transportation in Winston-Salem.
Public Transit Stops (64)
Stops & Stations
D-
5th Street & Church Street
Bus Stop
5th Street & Church Street
Bus Stop
5th & Chestnut
Bus Stop
5th Street & Patterson Ave
Bus Stop
Innovation Quarter (5th & Patterson)
Bus Stop
5th Street & Patterson Ave
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
5th Street & Research Parkway
Bus Stop
Innovation Quarter (4th & Research)
Bus Stop
5th Street & Research Parkway
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
5th Street & Highland Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Highland Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Cleveland Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Cleveland Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Bus Stop
5th Street & Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Bus Stop
Unknown Name
Bus Stop
5th Street & Dunleith Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Dunleith Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Cameron Ave
Bus Stop
5th Street & Cameron Ave
Bus Stop
114
Bus Stop
5th Street & 4th Street
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.2%
F
See more Winston-Salem commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Winston-Salem is 95/100 - which is 2% higher than North Carolina.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
B-
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
B+
See more Winston-Salem cost of living data

crime F

Winston-Salem crime rates are 5,069 per 100k, which is 105% higher than North Carolina
Property Crime
3,894 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
1,176 crimes per 100k
F
See more Winston-Salem crime data

employment D

The median income in Winston-Salem is $47,269 - which is 2% lower than North Carolina.
Med. Household Income
$47,269
F
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
C+
See more Winston-Salem employment data

health F

There are some hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (45)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
F
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Hospital
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
Police
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Forsyth County Emergency Services
Ambulance Station
North Carolina Highway Patrol
Police
GAP Salem Endoscopy Center
Doctor
Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
Hospital
Andrews Apothecary
Pharmacy
W.R. Warren, D.D.S. General Dentistry
Dentist
Forsyth Medical Center
Hospital
KidSmiles
Dentist
Unknown Name
Fire Station
Robinhood Integrative Health
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Walgreens
Pharmacy
Novant Health Urology
Doctor
Novant Health Salem Family Medicine
Clinic
Brookview Hill Medical Cneter
Doctor
Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services
Hospital
Central Piedmont Retina
Doctor
Salem Neurological Center PA
Doctor
Old Vineyard Behavioral Health
Hospital
Novant Health Premier Medical Associates
Doctor
Brookview Hills Internal Medicine
Doctor
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
C-
See more Winston-Salem health & safety data

housing A+

Winston-Salem home prices are $152,000 - which is 3% lower than North Carolina
Home Price
$152,000
D+
Home Appreciation Rate
6%
B
Home Affordability
3.2x (home price to income ratio)
B
See more Winston-Salem housing data

schools C-

The Winston-Salem graduation rate is 82% - which is equal to North Carolina
School Test Scores
35%
F
High School Grad. Rates
82%
C-
Elementary Schools (66) A
Kingswood School
Wiley Magnet Middle
Cook Literacy Model School
Brunson Elementary
St Leo School
The Downtown School
Paisley Ib Magnet School
The Arts Based School
Kimberley Park Elementary
Childrens Center
Whitaker Elementary
Salem Montessori School
J F Kennedy High
Moore Magnet Elementary
Diggs-Latham Elementary
Redeemer School
Ephesus Jr Academy
Summit School Inc
Our Lady Of Mercy Catholic School
Winston-Salem Preparatory Acad
Homebound/ Hospital Education
Ashley Academy
St Johns Lutheran School
Bolton Elementary
Speas Elementary
High Schools (26) A+
Kingswood School
R J Reynolds High
Paisley Ib Magnet School
J F Kennedy High
Salem Academy
Summit School Inc
Winston-Salem Preparatory Acad
Homebound/ Hospital Education
Early College Of Forsyth Co
Middle College Of Forsyth Cnty
Career Center
Woodland Baptist Christian School
Carter G Woodson School
Main Street Academy
Carter High School
Parkland High
Mount Tabor High School
Carver High
Atkins Academic & Tech High
Abc Of Nc Child Development Center
Winston-Salem Street School
See more Winston-Salem education data

ratings C+

Winston-Salem has an overall rating of 66% from 46 reviews.
User Reviews (3)
From AreaVibes
C
User Surveys (43)
From AreaVibes
B
See more Winston-Salem user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Winston-Salem, NC
( 46 Ratings )

Living in Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem Area Facts

  • Winston-Salem has a Livability Score of 63/100, which is considered average
  • Winston-Salem crime rates are 105% higher than the North Carolina average
  • Cost of living in Winston-Salem is 2% higher than the North Carolina average
New Real Estate Listings in Winston-Salem Area
Search Homes for Sale in Winston-Salem, NC

Winston-Salem Reviews

Write a review about Winston-Salem Tell people what you like or don't like about Winston-Salem…
Perfect for Families or Broke College Kids, Not for Singles 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 25, 2022) I moved to Winston-Salem after graduating. Big mistake. If you're a college student, I think it's a cheap, pretty place to live. If you have a family, I think it's a cheap, pretty place to live. If you are in your mid 20's - mid 30's, it's pretty rough. I've tried meeting people ...Read More on Hinge and BumbleBFF, but there's not much to do! Everyone I've spoken to says the same: it's a very sleepy town and a nightmare for dating and making friends.
The parks are lovely. If you must live here, get a dog and hit the dog parks. That's where I've made most of my friends. If you are into nature, you couldn't be in a better spot: day trips to mountains, day trips to beaches, waterfalls, etc.
If you're looking for an active social/dating life: I'd recommend a pass. Read Less
Good Place to have a family, not so much for a 20 something 3 rating By Anonymous ( Dec 16, 2021) I have lived in Winston-Salem my entire life, and growing up it was great. I moved back after college and it has gone downhill as far as things to do at my age. Other than shopping there really isn't much, the down town has very little nightlife and meeting people is next to impo ...Read More ssible. The only people in their 20's that live here are Wake Forest University kids. For families though its pretty great, good neighborhoods and schools, but not if you're single and young. Read Less
Winston Salem - A 21st Century City with Great History 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 05, 2010) I live in North Carolina, not so far from Winston Salem. My wife and I always enjoy visiting the city . For us, the number 1 attraction in Winston Salem and the place we enjoy most is Old Salem. This authentic European-style village was restored to show what life was like in the ...Read More early days of our country. It will probably exceed your expectations; but don't go on Sundays, because some buildings are not open.

The SciWorks and Children's Museum of Salem both have interesting exhibits and are well worth a visit. The Children's Museum has many interactive displays and proved to be a fun stop for kids.

Winston Salem is the home base where Krispy Kreme donuts were first created. If you are so unfortunate as to not have eaten them (and even if you have), you must pay this scrumptious place a visit.

This city is also the home of Wake Forest University. It is one of the great universities in the south. Overall, there are many reason to visit the city of Winston Salem, even though I have only named a few. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Winston Salem - A 21st Century City with Great History 4 rating By Anonymous ( May 05, 2010) I live in North Carolina, not so far from Winston Salem. My wife and I always enjoy visiting the city . For us, the number 1 attraction in Winston Salem and the place we enjoy most is Old Salem. This authentic European-style village was restored to show what life was like in the ...Read More early days of our country. It will probably exceed your expectations; but don't go on Sundays, because some buildings are not open.

The SciWorks and Children's Museum of Salem both have interesting exhibits and are well worth a visit. The Children's Museum has many interactive displays and proved to be a fun stop for kids.

Winston Salem is the home base where Krispy Kreme donuts were first created. If you are so unfortunate as to not have eaten them (and even if you have), you must pay this scrumptious place a visit.

This city is also the home of Wake Forest University. It is one of the great universities in the south. Overall, there are many reason to visit the city of Winston Salem, even though I have only named a few. Read Less

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Compare Winston-Salem, NC Livability

      vs

      Winston-Salem, NC

      Winston-Salem is one of North Carolina’s most livable cities, with a mild year-round climate, diverse neighborhoods, and an affordable cost of living. Winston-Salem’s downtown area is bustling but not overwhelming. Historic neighborhoods in the west, northwest, and southern sections of the city feature beautiful homes and leafy, quiet streets.

      If you’re looking for a city that still has a small-town feel, Winston-Salem is perfect. Folks moving from a larger metro area will be pleasantly surprised by the slower pace of life balanced by the wide variety of things to do. Over the last decade, the population has shifted to younger professionals and families, and amenities have been designed with them in mind. Winston-Salem is also home to several universities, including Wake Forest University, Salem College, The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and Winston-Salem State University.

      Once a town known for manufacturing and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, today Winston-Salem is a city known for jobs in technology, healthcare, and business. The newly-designated Innovation Quarter near downtown is friendly to entrepreneurs and startup companies.

      The downtown area has undergone a renaissance in the last few years, with lots of former industrial spaces turned into apartments, office space, restaurants, shops, and breweries. But there’s also plenty of green space — the city has over 25 miles of trails and greenways and 80 parks, including nearby Salem Lake. For history fans, Old Salem is a recreation of the original town settlement. Visitors can feel as though they’ve gone back in time, and walk through a 16th-century town...yet are just a few steps away from shops and restaurants in the heart of the city. The Reynolda Museum of American art showcases world-renowned artists in a lavishly decorated 19th-century mansion. For sports fans, there's baseball at the new downtown stadium, winter hockey, and drag racing at Bowman Gray Stadium.

      Home and rental prices are slightly lower than average, and the cost of living in Winston-Salem is affordable, compared to other U.S. cities. One drawback is that crime is slightly higher than average in some parts of the city. Compared to larger cities in North Carolina like Charlotte or Raleigh, Winston-Salem boasts the same quality of living, with lower costs and less traffic.

      Public transportation options are slim. However, the Winston-Salem Transit Authority bus system offers routes that cover the major shopping centers and business districts throughout the city. The Piedmont Area Transit Authority is offers another set of bus routes to surrounding towns, commuter lots, the closest airport, and train stations.

      Known as the City of Arts and Innovation, there are plenty of activities, festivals, sports, and concerts to keep residents entertained year round. The Downtown Arts District is a fun, walkable area with art galleries, restaurants, shops, cafes, and breweries. To make up for the lack of public transportation options, there is plenty of parking throughout the city.

      D- Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Winston-Salem? Yes, there are some amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Unknown Name
      Joe White Tennis Center
      Unknown Name
      Unknown Name
      Kids Zone
      Winston Square Park
      The Passageway Pocket Park
      ARTivity On The Green

      Entertainment

      a/perture cinema
      Unknown Name
      Truist Stadium
      Children's Museum of Winston Salem
      Old Salem
      Salem College Elberson Fine Arts Center
      Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts
      Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum

      Food & Drink

      Joyner's
      vintage sofa bar
      Bojangles'
      ABC Store
      Small Batch
      Jimmy John's
      Tropical Smoothie Cafe
      Wise Man Brewing

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Winston-Salem? Of all people who commute, 1.2% take public transportation in Winston-Salem.
      Drive to Work
      79%

      3% higher than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      1%

      4% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      2%

      equal to the US average

      C Health & Safety

      Is Winston-Salem a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Old Vineyard Behavioral Health Services
      Forsyth Medical Center
      Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
      Novant Health Medical Park Hospital
      Old Vineyard Behavioral Health

      Pharmacies

      Andrews Apothecary
      South Park Family Pharmacy
      Walmart Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Robinhood Integrative Health
      Triad Dermatology
      Michael McKee DDS/DMD
      Neurosurgery and Pain Specialists of the Carolinas
      Novant Breast Center
      Central Piedmont Retina
      Salem Neurological Center PA
      Brookview Hills Internal Medicine