A list showcasing the nation’s most vibrant and livable small to mid-sized cities ranks Winston-Salem among the 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live, by Livability.com.
Livability’s algorithm evaluates nearly 100 data points across eight key categories: economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health. Over 2,000 cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 and a median home value under $500,000 are included in the ranking.
“Having visited Winston-Salem, I can clearly see why it deserves a spot on this year’s list for the third consecutive year. Our data shows what Winston-Salem residents or newcomers feel right away – a welcoming place with a packed social agenda and plenty to explore. With a growing population and job market, Winston-Salem is also a city on the rise, and I am excited to see what’s next,” says Amanda Ellis, Livability.com editor-in-chief.
Winston-Salem was ranked highest in the categories for amenities, environment, and transportation which includes data points like cultural and leisure opportunities and average commute times. The 100 cities included in the list represent the top 5% of U.S. cities with populations in the studied range.
“Winston-Salem continues to earn national recognition because of the unique combination of innovation, culture, and quality of life we offer here. This ranking affirms what we already know — that Winston-Salem is not only a great place to live, but also a great place to build a business, raise a family, and invest in the future. This list is an excellent tool for people looking to relocate and we’re excited that Winston-Salem will be top-of-mind for them,” says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.