Winston Salem

About Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is one of North Carolina's largest cities, home to a population that's been steadily growing in the past few decades. The city is north-east of Charlotte and west of Greensboro, close to the northern border of the state.

In Winston-Salem, you'll enjoy temperate weather, with mild winters but noticeable season changes. Recreation is just a short drive away in one of the surrounding national forests or parks, and the Great Smoky Mountains are also nearby. The city prides itself on its dynamic culture and diverse mix of things to do. Whether you're interested in sampling the area's craft beers, enjoying modern art or relaxing in the park on a sunny afternoon, there's not much you can't do in Winston-Salem.

The city also has a healthy economy with plenty of available jobs. The growth of technology companies in this area has earned national attention, as businesses flocked to the new Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, built recently to meet the need for data analysis in nearby Research Triangle Park.

The History of Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem was created in 1913, when the neighboring towns of Winston and Salem were combined into one. Each of these towns had its own rich history to contribute to Winston-Salem. Salem was first settled in 1753 by a Moravian Church bishop. The area grew quickly, attracting a number of settlers. In 1856, Salem was officially incorporated. Around the same time, the town of Winston got its start. It began as surplus land that Salem landowners sold to Forsyth County. By the 1880s, the town was home to close to 40 tobacco manufacturers, driving the local economy and growing the population.

The towns of Winston and Salem were in such proximity that the U.S. Post Office began referring to the larger area as Winston-Salem. Once the merge was official, the city continued to flourish, thanks to a healthy economy that was supported largely by the tobacco and textile industries.

Jobs in Winston-Salem

For generations, the economy of Winston-Salem was rooted in the tobacco and textile industries. However, today it's blossomed into a leader in the fields of high-tech, biotechnology and nano-tech, and it also hosts an active health care industry. The Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, located in downtown Winston-Salem, is home to a number of tech-based businesses.

Several well-known companies, including HanesBrands Inc., Blue Rhino, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Reynolds American, are based in the city. If you're planning to join the Winston-Salem job market, its largest employers include the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health and local government offices.

Winston-Salem Neighborhoods

Here are just a few of the neighborhoods to explore in Winston-Salem:

Old Salem

The Old Salem district dates back to the earliest Moravian settlers, and many of the original buildings from the late 1700s were impressively preserved. You can visit the Home Moravian Church and the Moravian Archives, as well as several other historic points of interest.

Buena Vista

This area of Winston-Salem is very popular for its tree-lined streets and large number of historic homes, featuring Tudor and Italian Renaissance architecture. It's also the site of the Reynolds Auditorium, constructed in the early 1920s by well-known architect Charles Barton Keen.

West End

The first true suburb of Winston-Salem, West End is nicknamed the city's "front porch." During its hey day, it was home to many of the most successful families in Winston-Salem, most of them living on "Millionaire's Row."

West Salem

Originally established in 1782, West Salem is one of the city's oldest communities. Today, it's home to many young families and has a community garden that produces hundreds of pounds of produce for locals every year.

Schools in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools serves the public schools in Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. A significant number of private and parochial schools also are located in the city.

If you're interested in pursuing higher education, there are several colleges and universities you can attend in Winston-Salem. Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University and Salem College are just a few of the post-secondary schools in the area.

Resources for Moving to Winston-Salem

Here are a few helpful resources for your move to Winston-Salem:

• Utilities: The city provides water and sewer services. Two of the area's major power suppliers are Salem Electric Company and Duke Energy.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city collects trash and recyclables curbside, with your specific location determining your pick-up schedule. In the fall, the city also provides leaf pick-up.
• Transportation: There are a number of bus routes in and around Winston-Salem that provide easy access to other nearby cities as well.

Winston-Salem Housing Information

The housing market in Winston-Salem has seen improvement since a significant drop in 2008, peaking in late 2015 and then dropping again. If you're planning to purchase a home in the city, this means that you'll be able to find something for an excellent price. Median home prices in Winston-Salem are far below the national average. You'll be able to browse a wide variety of homes ranging from historic mansions to trendy apartments.