In Winston–Salem, you’ll find a place to reimagine the life you want. Full of small–town charm and big–city excitement, it’s a place to dig your roots deep. Built by entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, and artists, we’re constantly pushing forward, creating a community that’s resilient and thriving. Our time is now, and so is yours. Let’s reimagine, together.
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With more than 75 restaurants and 30 bars & breweries to enjoy in Winston-Salem’s walkable downtown, there’s always something new to discover. Throughout town, you’ll find everything from family-owned restaurants to incredible fine dining. Further out, Winston-Salem is the gateway to the Yadkin Valley Wine Country region which is home to more than 70 wineries within a short drive of the city.
Winston-Salem offers big-city amenities in a place that’s small enough to make your mark. Our rankings for job growth outlook and safety are among the best nationwide. There are endless sports, activities, entertainment, and community events to explore. You’re guaranteed to get moving with more than 3,500 acres of parks and recreation, and 25 miles of greenways and trails.
Collaboration is in Winston-Salem’s DNA. Founded in 1913 by the towns of Winston and Salem working together for a strong economic future, the way we get things done is collaborative, not competitive.
Today, we’re recognized as one of the best cities to start a business, and we’re leading nationally in number of new business startups.
Our collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem and thriving Innovation Quarter are creating limitless possibilities for dreamers and doers.
To learn more about who we are in Winston-Salem, browse our new magazine, NEXT: Industry & Community Insights.
When compared to other major metros, the cost of living in Winston-Salem stands out for its affordability. Winston-Salem is ranked among the top 25 cities nationally in terms of Housing Affordability, according to a June 2019 index.
The national average totals 100.
Winston-Salem’s median home value of $143,600 is considerably lower than other major metros in North Carolina and along the east coast.
With a ranking system that factors affordability, resale value, and our community’s quality of life, Livability finds Winston-Salem in the top five, nationwide, for first-time homebuyers, and Winston-Salem is ranked #18 by Business Insider among the best places to live in the South due to affordability and quality of life. Renting an apartment or home in Winston-Salem is very affordable compared to other metros. There are a large variety of options available and new construction bringing new options to the market. Downtown has more than 2,700 units with an additional 300 units currently under construction.
Novant Health is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient facilities and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience. In 2017, Becker’s Hospital Review named Novant Health as one of the nation’s 150 best places to work in healthcare. In 2018, Novant Health provided more than $883.7 million in community benefit and was one of the first recipients of the CMS Health Equity Award.
Since the founding of the medical school in 1902 and North Carolina Baptist Hospital in 1923, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has grown into a nationally-recognized academic medical center and integrated health care system. Wake Forest Baptist combines the delivery of superb patient- and family-centered care with a proven record of outstanding achievement and pioneering efforts in education and research.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is the fourth-largest school system in the state and serves 55,000 students across 80 schools.
Forsyth Country Day School is a private, college preparatory, independent school for preschool through high school located in Lewisville, NC, just outside of Winston-Salem. Students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
Salem Academy and College is the oldest educational institution for girls and women in the United States. Salem Academy offers boarding and day school for high school girls.
Our students have a place to achieve their dreams, no matter which field of interest they pursue. Winston-Salem is home to five colleges and universities with an enrollment of more than 15,000 students combined. Forsyth Technical Community College, with more than 11,300 students enrolled, is also here.
One of the largest in the North Carolina Community College System, with an enrollment of over 11,000 credit students and over 24,000 Corporate and Continuing Education students.
Piedmont International University
Advanced degrees in faith-based careers, education, and health sciences.
13th Best Small College in the US, with roots dating to 1772.
A leading performing arts conservatory worldwide.
Home to highly-ranked medical, law, business and divinity schools.
Winston-Salem State University
Top HBCU and top school for getting a job in NC after graduation. #3-ranked online RN to BSN online degree program, nationwide.
