Pros & Cons of Living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Updated for 20

Winston-Salem in 2024: A Balanced Look at Life in the Triad​

Considering a move to Winston-Salem, North Carolina? A recent video offers an updated look at the city's pros and cons for 2024, providing valuable insights into what life is really like in this vibrant Triad hub.

The Upsides of Winston-Salem Living:

A Thriving Food Scene: Winston-Salem boasts a fantastic array of restaurants and coffee shops, with notable concentrations in areas like Bailey Park and on Fourth Street. Foodies will find plenty to explore and savor [00:22].

Enjoyable Climate with All Four Seasons: Experience the beauty of all four seasons without extreme temperatures. Winters are typically mild with minimal significant snowfall, and while summers can be humid with temperatures reaching the 90s, the fall and spring seasons are particularly beautiful. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the possibility of playing year-round [01:30].

Extensive Park System: The city is home to an impressive network of parks, including popular spots like Bailey Park, Quarry at Grant Park, Tanglewood Park, Triad Park, Miller Park, and Bolton Park. For those seeking more rugged outdoor adventures, Hanging Rock State Park is just a short drive away [03:25].

Growing Business Hub: Winston-Salem is actively attracting new businesses, fostering innovation, and becoming a center for research. This growth is partly fueled by institutions like the Wake Forest School of Medicine and various colleges such as Winston-Salem State University, Wake Forest University, Salem College, and Forsyth Tech, which provide a strong and talented workforce. North Carolina has even been recognized as the number one state for business by Forbes for the last three consecutive years [04:36].

The Downsides to Consider:

Car Dependency: Outside of the downtown area, Winston-Salem is not particularly walkable, meaning a car is almost essential for getting around. While public transportation options like buses exist, there is no subway system [05:46].

Limited Food Variety and Nightlife: While the food scene is good, it may not offer the same diverse range of international cuisines or late-night dining options found in much larger metropolitan areas. Similarly, the nightlife scene, while present, isn't as vibrant as in major cities [06:48].

Rising Housing Costs: Like many growing areas, Winston-Salem has seen an increase in housing costs. The average home price in the city is currently around $315,000 to $320,000. While still more affordable than the national average, prices have risen significantly since 2018-2019 [08:07].

Despite some challenges, the video concludes with an optimistic outlook, suggesting that the many pros of living in Winston-Salem ultimately outweigh the cons [08:41]. If you're considering this dynamic North Carolina city, it offers a compelling blend of community, opportunity, and quality of life.