Consider this humble brag— not so humble. | Photo by WStoday
Wanna know what makes Winston-Salem one of the best places to live? We have numbers to prove it. Consider this an early Christmas present from us.
With Winston-Salem constantly growing and undertaking multiple high-profile developments this year, we’re reeling in the accolades. Earlier this year, Livability ranked Winston-Salem among the top 100 best places to live in the nation. And our education system ranked highly, too.
UNC School of the Arts earned the No. 3 spot on the list of “Top 25 Best Drama Schools in the World” by The Hollywood Reporter.
Winston-Salem State University ranked No. 22 among HBCUs nationwide, according to US News & World Report.
Wake Forest University ranked No. 51 in National Universities, according to US News & World Report.
NASCAR returned to The Madhouse for the first time in 50 years, with plans to return in 2026 for another Clash series.
Here’s one more thing to brag about Winston-Salem. Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. received a Clean Energy Champion Award for adopting energy policies and attracting clean energy industry investments to the Twin City. Take a look at how one local environmental organization is taking strides in this sector.
Development
Vision for the downtown amphitheater is amplifying. The original $10 million project is now projected to $25 million, with an anticipated opening date of spring 2027 to allow more time for planning and construction. Project leaders are awaiting a city ordinance on noise level to invest in a better sound system — peek at the new design.
Edu
Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools approved a later start date for schools in the district. Following a 5-4 vote by the board, schools will start on Aug. 24 and end on June 4, starting this upcoming school year. The board says this calendar historically aligns with other school districts across the state. (WXII 12 News)
Fun Fact
This NYU student turned into a luxury runway model overnight after being spotted by a talent scout while walking on a subway platform. The Twin City has plenty of local parks for you to practice your runaway walk. Maybe you’ll be next.
Answered
Yesterday, we asked what year the Twin City hospital opened, and 51% of you nailed it, choosing 1895. Close behind, 1946 and 1951 each captured about 23% of the votes. Curious how hospital care in the Twin City has evolved over the years? Dive into its fascinating history.
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? We’re talking deals on everything from travel to tires.*
A 2026 planner to keep track of your events, to-dos, goals, and more. We love this best-selling weekly option that includes 12 months of monthly and weekly pages for easy planning + scheduling. Or, opt for this flower-adorned daily planner with monthly tabs, metal cover protectors, and a page for expense tracking.
With holiday cheer in the air, I’ve been getting my fair dose of Hallmark movies this season. Do you have a Winston-Salem love story? Share how you found your OTP (One True Pairing) in the Twin City — whether it’s a soulmate, your best friend, or a furry companion — for a chance to be featured.
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