The Best Cities Near Winston-Salem, NC: Top 10 Picks for Settling Down Near North Carolina’s Twin City

If you’re someone who’s looking for a quiet life without losing access to city amenities, then living in one of the cities near Winston-Salem, NC, could be the right decision for you. Where is Winston-Salem? This bustling city is located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, just north of Charlotte. Its name is a result of the merger of two towns — Winston and Salem — in 1913.

Winston-Salem itself offers residents lots of job opportunities, a vibrant arts scene, and plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. People choose to live near this bustling city instead of in the city itself for a variety of reasons, such as more affordable housing, good schools, and an overall lower cost of living.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Winston-Salem that residents of nearby cities can take advantage of throughout the year. Whether it’s the RiverRun International Film Festival, checking out a performance of the Winston-Salem Symphony, or getting out on the Greenway Trail at Salem Lake, you’ll have access to all of this and then some.

These Are the Top Cities Near Winston-Salem, NC

Choosing to settle down in one of these nearby cities might be the right move for you. The trick is finding the right one that meets your needs. So, whether you’re looking for family-friendly cities or a city that offers a short commute to Winston-Salem, here are our top 10 picks. 

Greensboro is a great place to move for those looking for jobs in healthcare, education, or manufacturing.

1. Greensboro, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,150
• Average home value: $258,000
• Great for: Young professionals, families, job opportunities, outdoor activities
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 32-minute drive

Greensboro is a major city close to Winston-Salem, with a population of close to 300,000 people. This is a great place to move if you’re looking to advance in your industry or get a job in the healthcare, education, or manufacturing fields. Thanks to its size, you’ll find all kinds of fun things to do without feeling overwhelmed. Lake Townsend and Lake Brandt, north of the city, offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and walking the trails. Locals like to stop by Dear Dad’s after water adventures for their famous burgers and fries.

You’ll find that this city also has lots of cultural attractions to check out, including the Bog Garden at Benjamin Park, the Greensboro Science Center, and the historic Blandwood Museum that dates back to 1795. Greensboro is home to a few universities and colleges, including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), so residents also have the opportunity to see first-class athletes participate in a variety of competitive sports.

2. Clemmons, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,175
• Average home value: $378,800
• Great for: Families, retirees, jobs, short commute
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 14-minute drive

Clemmons, NC, is considered one of the best cities near Winston-Salem for people who need to commute into the city for a job. Winston-Salem is a thriving city, and lots of folks choose to live in Clemmons because it allows them to lead a quieter lifestyle without losing access to the fun of downtown. Clemmons has been ranked the No. 1 Best Place To Live in Forsyth County by Niche and boasts an A-rating for schools — another reason families flock to this city.

There are plenty of things to do in this peaceful part of the state, including family-friendly activities like spending the day at the Village Point Greenway and Fishing Pier. Tanglewood Park is another popular spot for residents, where they can walk, bike, golf, or go out on the horse riding course. Afterwards, locals gravitate to places like Clemmons Kitchen or 2520 Tavern for a bite.

3. Colfax, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $402,600
• Great for: Families, schools, jobs, easy commute
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 20-minute drive

Another great city near Winston-Salem that’s ideal for commuters is Colfax, NC. This town is nestled between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, and it’s a short drive to Piedmont Triad International Airport. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle and plenty of opportunities to get to know their neighbors.

Festivals and events are held throughout the year in Triad Park, which features its own amphitheater. Families with active kids will love the close location of baseball/softball fields, volleyball courts, as well as playgrounds.

While Colfax, NC, doesn’t have many local eateries within its city limits, residents don’t have to travel far for delicious local food and drinks. Five minutes away, you can find Gypsy Road Brewing and Olympic Family Restaurant.

High Point is an attractive place to live for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
(Source: Visit High Point via Facebook)

4. High Point, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $244,400
• Great for: Families, working professionals, retirees, lower cost of living
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 26-minute drive

If you’re looking for a city close to Winston-Salem that also offers a short commute to Greensboro, you get the best of both worlds living in High Point, NC. Families and retirees alike are drawn to this city because of its affordable housing market and overall affordable cost of living.

High Point is home to all kinds of parks, including Southwest Park and High Point City Lake Park. Those retiring in North Carolina find it a golfer’s dream, thanks to top-notch courses like High Point Country Club and Winding Creek Golf Course, less than 15 minutes away.

Downtown High Point is very walkable. You’ll find family-friendly places like the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum, along with quirky attractions like the world’s largest chest of drawers and the semi-annual High Point Furniture Market. There are plenty of local restaurants to enjoy, like Frady’s Taphouse & Eatery or local North Carolina BBQ at Sweet Old Bill’s.

5. Oak Ridge, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,050
• Average home value: $577,700
• Great for: Families, good schools, safe community
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 24-minute drive

One of the safest cities near Winston-Salem, NC, is Oak Ridge, which is a short 24-minute drive from the city. Living in Oak Ridge also means you’re within commuting distance to Greensboro, making it a popular place for families to put down roots. Oak Ridge is a smaller, tight-knit community known for its stellar schools, like the Early College at Guilford and the Summerfield Charter Academy — both of which have A+ rankings on Niche.

Oak Ridge Town Park is where the community comes to gather for all kinds of events, including craft fairs, live music, and the “Light Up the Night” Christmas Tree lighting. This historic city offers plenty of small-town charm (enough to rival the best small towns in North Carolina) and even has a stop for hikers or campers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

6. East Bend, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $247,900
• Great for: Retirees, families, small town living, access to the outdoors
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 30-minute drive

If you’d prefer a smaller city close to Winston-Salem, then you can’t go wrong with the community of East Bend. Residents love strolling the city’s main street and exploring popular businesses like Kitchen Roselli. Thanks to its proximity to Pilot Mountain and the fertile soil, East Bend boasts a booming wine industry. The vineyards thrive here thanks to the rich soil and the mild climate that residents enjoy year-round.

This delightful town has two wineries to enjoy, Divine Llama Vineyards (you can go llama trekking!) and Cellar 4201, offering the best wines of Yadkin County.

Picturesque Kernersville is one of the best all-around cities near Winston-Salem, NC.
(Source: Downtown Kernersville via Facebook)

7. Kernersville, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,100
• Average home value: $316,400
• Great for: Families, professionals, short commute time, historic homes
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 14-minute drive

One of the best all-around cities near Winston-Salem, NC, is the picturesque community of Kernersville. This town is proud of its historic character and features homes like Korner’s Folly, a 19th-century home filled with artwork, woodwork, period furnishings, and eccentric architecture. It offers tours throughout the year, and during the holidays, an authentic German Christmas market collaborates with the city of Kernersville for the Kernersville Yuletide Night Market.

When the weather is warm, you’ll find residents entertained by live music, festivals, and storytime in the park or at the rec center. Neighbors can also enjoy the amenities of Triad Park. The Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden is another popular place to learn more about plants and tour the stunning garden displays.

8. Pfafftown, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Median home sale price: $323,000
• Great for: Families, retirees, small town feel, outdoor activities
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 20-minute drive

Another one of the top cities near Winston-Salem is Pfafftown, which is actually pronounced “POFF-town.” The city was named after an early settler who owned a farm in the area. Today, Pfafftown still features several working farms that offer everything from produce to livestock and other locally made items like jams, breads, textiles, and honey.

Stop by Rita Dee’s Alpaca Farm to visit with alpacas and shop for yarn, blankets, and other woven items. Fair Share Farm offers residents fresh produce year-round and is a favorite among locals.

Residents love having lots of opportunities to get outdoors in Pfafftown, whether you want to walk the trails at CG Memorial Hill Park or check out the future Bashavia Creek Preserve.

9. Walkertown, NC

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $900
• Average home value: $263,400
• Great for: Families, retirees, affordable housing, jobs
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 15-minute drive

Rounding out our list of cities close to Winston-Salem, NC, is the charming area of Walkertown. Located just a short drive from Winston-Salem, you can get the small-town feel with lots of green spaces. Residents enjoy a robust community event calendar, with annual events like the annual fall festival, sports programs for kids, and plenty of educational programs at the local library. Walkertown Community Park offers residents lots of space for sports or play, as well as areas to walk and enjoy the outdoors.

Along Old Hollow Road, you’ll find a variety of local businesses and restaurants that offer something for everyone. Enjoy delicious seafood at Walkertown Seafood Shack or breakfast all day at Cagney’s Kitchen.

Lewisville is an ideal place to live for those who like to stay active by hiking, camping, or fishing.
(Source: Town of Lewisville via Facebook)

10. Lewisville, NC

• Average rent (all sizes): $1,025
• Average home value: $388,900
• Great for: Families, professionals, affordable housing, good schools
• Commute to Winston-Salem: 14-minute drive

Lewisville, NC, is a popular small city, and it’s ranked No. 1 among the Best Places to Raise a Family in Forsyth County, according to Niche. It’s also the ideal place for people who like to stay active by hiking, camping, or fishing. Shallowford Square is the greenspace at the heart of downtown, and where you’ll find residents gathering for walks, picnics, playtime with kids, or for fun local events like live music.

Across from the square is The Nissen House, a 19th-century home that offers tours of the home itself and the surrounding gardens. Residents love stopping at the community market for local produce or grabbing delicious fare at Antonio’s Italian Restaurant.

Cities Near Winston-Salem, NC — FAQs

Q: Which city is close to Winston-Salem?
A: Kernersville, NC, and Charlotte, NC, are two of the closest cities to Winston-Salem.

Q: How far apart are Charlotte and Winston-Salem?
A: Charlotte and Winston-Salem are about 80 miles apart.

Q: What are the 10 largest cities in North Carolina?
A: The 10 largest cities in NC include:

• Charlotte
• Raleigh
• Greensboro
• Durham
• Winston-Salem
• Fayetteville
• Cary
• Wilmington
• High Point
• Concord

Q: What are the sister cities of Winston-Salem?
A: Winston-Salem has 5 sister cities:

• Buchanan, Republic of Liberia
• Kumasi, Ghana
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Shanghai, Yangpu District
• Ungheni, Moldava

Move to One of These Cities Near Winston-Salem, NC, With the Help of PODS

Ready to move to North Carolina and start living in one of the best cities close to Winston-Salem, NC? Let PODS make your move easier with a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway, where you can pack and load on your schedule. Need help with the heavy lifting? They can refer you to packing and loading assistance. Once the container is ready, have it picked up and delivered to your new North Carolina home, or to a secure PODS Storage Center. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you won’t be under any tight moving deadlines.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}