Winston-Salem, NCBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located in the Piedmont area of North Carolina, Winston-Salem combines artistic flair with entrepreneurial innovation. The city’s thriving arts scene, vibrant downtown and easy access to outdoor activities offer residents a dynamic place to call home.
Winston-Salem, NC, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
In Winston-Salem, NC, arts and culture abound. This mid-size city is centrally located in North Carolina, and its superior quality of life and accessibility have earned it a spot among the best places to live in the U.S.
With the cost of living below the national average, residents can get more bang for their buck and choose from a wealth of housing options, from historic homes to downtown lofts. The city of nearly 254,000 has experienced steady growth over the past decade. The population has increased by about 2,000 residents every year since 2010, while still retaining its affordability and quintessential Southern charm.
Education is a top priority to residents, and Winston-Salem is home to several renowned educational institutions. Because of the number of higher education institutions (six!), employers have access to a rich talent pipeline and a highly educated workforce.
In addition, downtown’s Innovation Quarter is a renowned research center making a name for itself on the national stage when it comes to regenerative medicine research. Winston-Salem’s collaborative ecosystem also contributes to its reputation as a startup city, and both small businesses and startups thrive here.
But it isn’t all work and no play in Winston-Salem. Navigating the city is a breeze! From almost any point, residents have easy access to a wide range of restaurants, museums and retailers. Downtown Winston-Salem is the city’s central business district and is bustling with things to do, all in a few walkable blocks. More than 75 restaurants and 30 bars and breweries are in the downtown area, and the city is the gateway to the Yadkin Valley Wine Region, making Winston-Salem a foodie’s paradise.
Looking to stretch your legs after all of that delicious food? Winston-Salem is a breath of fresh air for those seeking outdoor adventure. With more than 3,500 acres of parks and 25 miles of greenways and trails, it’s easy to maintain an active lifestyle. For water lovers, Salem Lake in the southeastern region of the city offers a 7-mile trail with sweeping views of the 365-acre lake, which visitors can explore by jon boat or kayak rentals.
Winston-Salem, NC Quality of Life LivScore
Winston-Salem, NC Top Categories
Housing & Cost of Living
Environment
Transportation
Winston-Salem ranks highest for housing, environment and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem experiences four distinctive seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are chilly and damp. Spring and fall are mild and cool. The average highs and lows are 86°F and 68°F (summer) and 51°F and 33°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Winston-Salem is relatively small compared to other parts of the country and averages roughly 6 inches a year.
The average annual rainfall in Winston-Salem is around 45 inches per year. The wettest months of the year are typically June and July.
Winston-Salem averages 216 sunny days a year.
Old Salem is a historic Moravian village nestled on the edge of downtown. Grab homemade Moravian cookies from Winkler Bakery and walk around the scenic village. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
Winston-Salem Weather
216 days
Average Annual Sun
45 inches
Average Annual Rain
6 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Winston-Salem, NC
The Reynolda Gardens, located on the grounds of the historic Reynolda House, are free to the public. The greenhouse is home to various cacti, orchids and palms from around the world.
Old Salem is fun for kids and adults, offering field trips and educational tours for students. Kids will love the spooky stories told at Halloween and the beautiful fall foliage.
In the West End neighborhood, Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro specializes in Southern fare with a twist. Serving lunch, dinner, and brunch, Mozelle’s offers a range of dishes, from shrimp and grits to vegetarian options like tomato pie.
Krankies Coffee roasts its own beans in the heart of downtown. With plenty of outdoor seating, visitors can enjoy freshly made coffee drinks along with specialty biscuits and sandwiches.
The Local and State Economy in Winston-Salem, NC
Health care and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and education are three of the top industries in Winston-Salem. HanesBrands, Reynolds American Inc. and BB&T Corp. are all headquartered here. Even better? The beloved Krispy Kreme Doughnuts were founded in Winston-Salem in 1937.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Winston-Salem is 7%.
Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax.
Winston-Salem is home to several high-performing health care providers. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is a nationally ranked academic medical center that provides advanced health care services. Novant Health is a network of hospitals and medical centers in the area. Finally, Novant Health’s Forsyth Medical Center is a leading hospital that offers comprehensive medical services.
There are several colleges and universities in Winston-Salem, including Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State, a top-ranking HBCU.
Quick Facts About Winston-Salem, NC
- Median Household Income
- $52,305
- Median Home Value
- $204,120
- Average State Property Tax
- $1,583
- Total Population
- 253,357
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $739
- Average Commute
- 17.71 minutes
Winston-Salem is among the best places to live in the U.S. for its solid performance in the housing, cost of living and environment categories. Read more about why Winston-Salem is a great place to live, and learn about the cost of living there. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Best Place to Live.
