North Carolina / Forsyth County

Moving to Winston Salem, NC

Thinking of making a move to Winston Salem, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Winston Salem and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Winston Salem before you move.

Moving Help for Your Winston Salem, NC Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Winston Salem move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Winston Salem, NC Piano Movers Winston Salem, NC Cheap Movers Winston Salem, NC Small Movers Winston Salem, NC Apartment Movers Winston Salem, NC Long Distance Movers Winston Salem, NC

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winston Salem, NC

Considering a move to Winston Salem, NC? This welcoming community of 251,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $255,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (57% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Winston Salem's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Winston Salem, NC

Winston Salem has a population of 251,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 46% White, 34% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
251,000
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
35.7
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
46.0%
Black
33.5%
Asian
3.8%
Others
16.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Winston Salem, NC?

The cost of living in Winston Salem is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.7. Median home values are around $255,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$255,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
88.7
Grocery
95.4
Housing
78.9
Utilities
100.8
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
96.3
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Winston Salem, NC a safe place to live?

Winston Salem is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 30. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,350
Crime Index
4,070
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 30

Weather

What is the weather like in Winston Salem, NC year-round?

Winston Salem experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 31°F. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 57% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
31°F
Max
52°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
48°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
50°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
57%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $58,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.0%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$40,500
Household Income
$58,500
Family Income
$73,000
Per Capita Income
$29,500
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$35,500
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Public Transport Usage
3.4%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.5%
Bachelors or More
31.0%

Education

How are the schools in Winston Salem, NC?

Winston Salem offers quality education options, with public schools like R. J. Reynolds High School and Paisley IB Magnet School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
R. J. Reynolds High School
Street
401 N. Spruce St
Phone
336-703-4145
Students
1,750
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Paisley IB Magnet School
Street
300 Giles Ave
Phone
336-703-4152
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
14.3

Private Schools

Name
Forsyth Country Day School
Street
5501 Shallowford Rd
Phone
336-945-3151
Students
820
Name
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School
Street
1725 NC-66
Phone
336-564-1010
Students
450

Colleges

Name
Wake Forest University
City
Winston-Salem
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
8,500
Name
Winston-Salem State University
City
Winston-Salem
State
NC
Distance
3 miles
Students
5,400
Name
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
City
Winston-Salem
State
NC
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,100

Healthcare

Winston Salem residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 90.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Address
1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
Phone
(336) 716-2011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
Address
3333 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone
(336) 718-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage
90.6%
Health Care Index
73.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Winston Salem, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.8%. Winston Salem offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Winston Salem handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
1-919-715-7000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Winston Salem, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Winston Salem, review the core fields on this page: population 251,000, median home value $255,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 57%.

Ready to Move to Winston Salem, NC?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes