City

Why Winston-Salem is one of the best places to live

Don’t take our word for it — here is how Winston-Salem ranks compared to the rest of the nation.

November 10, 2025 • 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: Bailey power plant early morning beauty shot

Consider this humble brag— not so humble.

Photo by WStoday

Table of Contents
Housing affordability + living cost

Wanna know what makes Winston-Salem a great place to live? Don’t take it from us, we have numbers to prove the Twin City is one of the best cities to live in America.

With Winston-Salem constantly growing and undertaking multiple high-profile developments this year, we figured it was time to talk about what the Twin City is known for. 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, Plus received its largest gift in history from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
  • Wake Forest University ranked No. 51 in National Universities and No.12 in Best Undergraduate Teaching by US News & World Report.
  • Forsyth Tech turned 65, and Mayor Allen Joines proclaimed Dec. 15 as Forsyth Tech Day.
  • Salem College ranked No. 35 on the list of 2025 Liberal Arts Colleges by Washington Monthly.
Overhead shot of three people on bikes on a road. People stand behind banners that line the sidewalks.

Winston-Salem hosts large events like Gears and Guitars that bring large crowds every year.

Photo by Weldon Weaver courtesy of Gears and Guitars

Housing affordability + living cost

The median household income in Forsyth County is $65,541, according to the most recent data available from the NC Association of County Commissioners. The median home price in Winston-Salem is $257,120, according to Zillow, compared to $329,817 statewide. Plus, Winston-Salem landed in the top 10 metros with monthly apartment rents under $1,000, according to the New York Times. Still not convinced? The overall cost of living in Winston-Salem is 10% lower than the national average, according to Redfin.

Here are some other accolades the Twin City earned this year:

Got any more reasons to brag about the Twin City? Share it with us below.

More from WStoday
WStoday: Village Fabric Shop at Reynolda Village
Small Business
Local craft shops in Winston-Salem
Explore the best local craft shops in the Twin City, where you can browse crafting supplies and sign up for hands-on workshops.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: Young girl smiling at a green mascot and a man wearing a black hat and sunglasses while standing infront of a an-made forest bed.
Parks and Recreation
Help preserve our environment during Forsyth Creek Week
Learn about creeks, birds, and how to help our natural habitats thrive within Forsyth County.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: Gardening workshops in Forsyth County
Travel and Outdoors
Gardening workshops in Forsyth County this Spring
From composting to planting seeds, these workshops will teach you best practices for growing your garden.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: Chantae Reynolds and two ladies posing during Cash Mob at Lizzie's Natural Products, supporting small businesses in Winston-Salem.
Small Business
Meet the Winston-Salem local behind a movement supporting small businesses
Chantae Reynolds turned an idea into a grassroots effort to gather locals and help small businesses thrive in the city through a Cash Mob initiative.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WS_WakeForest_FacetoFace_MAR2026
Sponsored
🏀 Magic Johnson is taking the stage at Face to Face
Sponsored by
WStoday: hand holding iced coffee infront of Coffee park Airstream new space in Winston-Salem, NC
Small Business
Coffee Park Airstream Drive-Thru expands into a new artsy space in Winston-Salem
Discover how the drive-thru coffee spot became a hub for artists and coffee lovers in Winston-Salem.
March 11, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: People chatting around a table, drinking beer at Radar Brewing Co.'s outdoor patio.
Live
Outdoor dining spots in Winston-Salem
Make the most of good weather by taking your meals al fresco on one of Winston-Salem’s many beautiful patios.
March 10, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
WStoday: Half Past Three clothing store at Reynolda Village
Small Business
Local love: WStoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
March 9, 2026
 · 
Kellina Wanteu
WStoday: Black and white photo of Carnegie Library of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County from the digital archives
History
The history of Winston-Salem’s Carnegie library
Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie built a handful of libraries around the US, here’s the story of the Twin City’s first library.
March 3, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
Trees in background with hands holding a sticker that says "I voted" with an American flag.
City
5 reminders as you cast your vote on primary election day
What registered voters need to know before going to the polls.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Staff