Winston-Salem may not be as well-known as the relatively nearby and larger North Carolina cities of Charlotte and Raleigh, but it’s a place to love in its own right. Along with boasting a traditional Southern heritage, the “Twin City” — as Winston-Salem is nicknamed — has been consistently listed among the 10 best places to retire in the United States. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the city #7 among the Best Places to Retire in 2020, while Winston-Salem is ranked fourth in the publication’s latest list of the Best Places to Live in North Carolina.
Winston-Salem’s broad appeal can be traced at least in part to a unified mass transit system, a thriving community at prestigious Wake Forest University and, of course, the time-honored Southern hospitality. But if the scrumptious Lexington-style barbecue and the annual Lexington Barbecue Festival nearby weren’t compelling enough to consider moving here, perhaps the low cost of living will seal the deal.
Housing costs in Winston-Salem are much less than the national median sales price. Nationally, the average home purchase was $369,000 for August 2020, but the average home sale for Winston-Salem hovered around $235,000, according to statistics provided by the Triad MLS.
If you are looking to buy a house in or around Winston, be sure to check out these five areas with the highest livability scores:
- Stokesdale
Many Stokesdale residents point to the safety that comes with living in this small North Carolina town. While Stokesdale has a rural feel to it, it is still close to chain grocery stores, a pharmacy and a few restaurants. Adjacent to the new I-73, Stokesdale is convenient to the Triad’s many cities and is less than eight miles from Piedmont Triad International Airport.
2. Oak Ridge
Bordering Stokesdale is Oak Ridge, a slightly larger small town that still maintains a rural character. A higher dollar area than Stokesdale, Oak Ridge ranks among the top in the region for median household income, at a whopping $124,342. And with Oak Ridge’s good selection of wine lounges and bars clustered around downtown, residents don’t need to leave town to enjoy the nightlife.
3. Clemmons
Living in Clemmons offers residents a sparse suburban feel. Public schools in Clemmons are highly rated. Over in Tanglewood Park, a parks and recreation center that runs parallel to the Yadkin River, the town proudly hosts an annual display of lights in the wintertime celebrating the holidays.
4. Bermuda Run
Bermuda Run is an exceptionally small town that is home to numerous residential developments, a thriving business community, Davie Medical Center, diverse shopping and restaurant options, and walking trails. With a dense suburban feel and a tight-knit community, Bermuda Run is perfect for families looking to settle down and raise children.
5. Lewisville
Lewisville has a reputation for being proactive in maintaining its small-town ambiance and fostering a strong sense of community. Shallowford Square is the focal point for downtown, and the wide variety of events that take place here each year is an important part of what makes Lewisville a great place to live and raise a family.
