Do you find yourself spending more time maintaining your home than enjoying it? Maybe keeping up with a large yard or constant repairs is starting to feel like more work than it’s worth. If so, you’re not alone. Many active homeowners reach a point where they want to spend less time on house upkeep and more time doing the things they love.
Transitions to a smaller space are a big deal. It marks a new chapter in life: one of freedom, simplicity, & getting back to what actually matters. Winston-Salem is the perfect place to start this new chapter. It has the classic Southern charm, top-notch medical care, and a vibrant culture.
Whether you’re after a historic district where you can walk everywhere or a quiet suburban spot to unwind, finding the right spot for downsizing in Winston-Salem gets a lot simpler when you have a map to follow. The Ginther Group takes the mystery out of the best neighborhoods for active older adults, showing you the types of houses that make aging a breeze, and helps you navigate that emotional process of selling a home that’s been your happy place for years.
Top Low-Maintenance Neighborhoods for Active Adults
Let’s face it; where you live is everything when you’re approaching this new phase of life. Your priorities change from school districts & having a big backyard, to locations that are walkable, close to healthcare, and have a real sense of community going on. Winston-Salem delivers in spades with its diverse neighborhoods that cater to exactly these needs.
Ardmore
If you’re a history buff who still enjoys an active lifestyle, Ardmore’s a real contender. Its charming bungalows & tree-lined streets make for a lovely, highly walkable area. Plus, you get the added bonus of being just a stone’s throw from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, which is a total game-changer for anyone who wants medical care on tap. The community here is super strong too. You’ll see your neighbors out for a stroll with their dogs or chatting on the front porch.
Atwood / Atwood Acres
If a quieter pace without leaving the city limits is what you’re after, then Atwood’s a great choice. It’s located a bit southwest of the city, but has that distinct suburban feel. It’s known for having some great, mature neighborhoods with low crime rates, making it a safe haven for older, active adults living in Winston-Salem.
Brookberry Farm
If resort-style living in a socially vibrant community sounds appealing, look no further than Brookberry Farm. Located on the western edge of the city, this neighborhood features beautiful patio homes and cottages with comprehensive lawn and exterior care. It’s a highly social community that boasts a clubhouse, a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, and extensive walking trails. It feels like a permanent vacation while still being just a short drive from downtown.
Buena Vista
For classic Winston-Salem charm, Buena Vista is a premier choice. This area features elegant townhomes and small single-family homes, with some areas having lawn care and exterior maintenance. Its prime location allows for easy walks to the shops and restaurants at Reynolda Village, the Wake Forest University campus, and the surrounding Greenway trails, making it perfect for those who want a blend of sophisticated and active living.
Downtown Condos
For retirees seeking urban convenience and walkability, downtown condos are a perfect choice. Options like One Park Vista, West End Terrace, and Plant 64 lofts offer 1–2 bedroom units. These condos provide low-maintenance living with no yard work, some utilities included, and added security. You’ll be steps away from restaurants, Bailey Park concerts, and the vibrant Innovation Quarter, making it an ideal fit for active adults who love city life.
Peace Haven / Country Club
This area offers a quiet, suburban feel with the convenience of being close to everything. Here, you’ll find a variety of patio and cluster homes in well-established, tree-lined neighborhoods. With HOAs handling the lawn care, it’s a popular spot for active adults who appreciate the proximity to the Country Club of Winston-Salem and the shops along Robinhood Road. Many streets are golf-cart friendly, fostering a relaxed and connected community atmosphere.
Pfafftown and Old Town
For those who don’t mind a bit of a drive out to the outskirts, Pfafftown and Old Town offer some lovely peace and quiet. These suburban areas are really retirement-friendly. You get the benefits of a quiet lifestyle, often at a lower cost of living, while still being just a short drive from downtown Winston-Salem.
West End
If you want to stay in the loop with what’s happening in the city, the West End is the way to go. This area has a real cultural vibe and is walkable to downtown Winston-Salem. You can pop over to art galleries, try out a different restaurant every night, or take in the nightlife in a lively bar. The historic homes here have tons of character, and the overall atmosphere is lively and diverse, perfect for active adults who don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Comprehensive Retirement Communities
If you’re looking for a laid-back all-inclusive lifestyle, Winston-Salem has a number of top-tier communities like Homestead Hills, Salemtowne, and Creekside Terrace. These active adult communities have a continuum of care (from independent living to assisted living) plus a whole social calendar & wellness programs to keep you active.
Recommendations by Personality
Finding the right neighborhood or housing style can depend greatly on your personal lifestyle preferences. Here are some quick recommendations based on personality and priorities:
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- Love walkable neighborhoods with historic charm? Check out West End or Buena Vista. Tree-lined streets, unique architecture, and the ability to stroll to your favorite local spots make these areas a dream.
- Looking for modern homes with resort-style perks? You’ll love Brookberry Farm with it’s pools, clubhouses, green spaces, and brand-new construction.
- Need to be close to hospitals and medical care? Consider Ardmore or the new townhomes off Country Club Road since these areas are convenient and close to everything you need.
- Craving downtown energy but no car hassle? Check out Plant 64 or West End condos. You’ll be in the heart of the action, with everything just steps away.
- Want a quiet spot near a golf course? Take a look at Peace Haven patio homes for a serene vibe with easy access to recreation.
Best Home Types for Downsizing
Once you’ve found the perfect neighborhood, it’s time to think about the type of property you need. Downsizing isn’t just about going smaller. It’s about finding a layout that works for your future needs.
Condos
Condos are the ultimate low-maintenance option. With the exterior maintenance & landscaping usually covered by an HOA, you can say goodbye to mowing the lawn and cleaning the gutters. Condos often come with shared amenities like pools or clubhouses, which makes for a great built-in social network.
Townhomes
Townhomes offer a sweet spot between a single-family home and a condo. You get a bit more space and a bit more privacy than a condo, along with a small patio or garden area, but you still get the benefit of shared maintenance responsibilities. This is perfect for active adults who like the idea of being able to travel without worrying about their property back home.
One-Level Living
When it comes to aging in place, accessibility is the name of the game. Homes that are designed for one-level living eliminate the need for stairs – which reduces the risk of falls and makes life a whole lot easier. Whether it’s a ranch-style house or a patio home, prioritizing a single-story layout means your home stays safe and comfortable for many years to come.
How to Sell a Long-Time Loved Home
Moving homes can be stressful enough, but selling a home you’ve lived in for 30 or 40 years is a whole different story. It’s not just a financial transaction, it’s saying goodbye to the place where you raised your family, celebrated the holidays, and built a life.
Acknowledge the Emotion
It’s perfectly alright to grieve the loss of your home. Letting yourself feel that sadness is a natural part of the process, but try to nudge that aside a bit and focus on the excitement of your new future. Picturing yourself living in a simpler, more streamlined life can be a real game-changer when nostalgia starts to feel overwhelming.
“Keep, Donate, Toss” Way of Thinking
Let’s face it, decluttering is often the most physically demanding part of downsizing. To avoid feeling utterly swamped, try breaking down the job by tackling one room at a time using the “Keep, Donate, Toss” approach.
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- Keep: Only the stuff that you use all the time or that just holds deep sentimental value.
- Donate: Furniture, clothes, and dishes that are in good condition, but won’t fit in with your new lifestyle.
- Toss: Anything that’s broken, past its best, or has just gone off.
But remember, you’re not just getting rid of “stuff.” You’re clearing the decks for your new life. If you have a pile of old photos and documents, why not digitize them? That way, you get to hold onto the memories without having to clutter up your new, smaller home with a ton of physical stuff.
Making Sense of the Market
Let’s be real. The real estate market has probably changed a fair bit since the last time you bought or sold a home. Prices, marketing, and staging requirements are all different now. Getting a handle on what your home is actually worth is vita. You need an objective view to set a price that’s going to attract buyers while getting you the best return.
Ginther Group’s Special Touch
At The Ginther Group, we know this isn’t just about closing a deal. It’s about helping you transition to a lifestyle that brings you a sense of joy. We’re committed to giving our clients the kind of highly personalized service that makes a difference to them, using our years of experience in the Winston-Salem area to get the job done.
Our mission is simple: to make homeownership easier than it has to be. We’ll guide you through all the ups and downs of Winston-Salem downsizing, from finding the perfect place to move to, to selling your current home, all while giving you the support and reassurance you need to feel confident about your future.
Low-Maintenance Living for Active Older Adults in Winston-Salem
Downsizing doesn’t mean settling for less. It means upgrading your freedom to do all the things that really matter to you. By moving to a quiet neighborhood like Ardmore or Pfafftown, or choosing a condo that lets you off the hook when it comes to lawn maintenance, you can suddenly find yourself with all sorts of extra time to spend on hobbies, travel, family, and all the rest.
If you’re ready to simplify your life and explore senior living in Winston-Salem, we’re here for you. Drop us a line today at 336-283-8689 to schedule a consultation. We’ll do our best to help you find a new home that leaves you feeling at peace.
