Quick answer: Some of the neighborhoods commonly regarded as among the safest in Winston-Salem include Buena Vista, Sherwood Forest, Brookberry Farm, Reynolda, the Mount Tabor area, Lewisville, and Pfafftown due to lower reported crime trends, strong community reputations, desirable amenities, and overall quality of life.
If you are planning a move to Winston-Salem, you will quickly discover that the city offers a wide variety of communities, from walkable historic neighborhoods near downtown to quiet suburban areas popular with growing families. The “right” neighborhood often depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and what makes you feel most comfortable at home.
For some buyers, safety means sidewalks, street lighting, and an active neighborhood atmosphere close to restaurants and entertainment. For others, it means a peaceful cul-de-sac, highly rated schools, and a slower suburban pace. Since every homebuyer’s priorities are different, this guide looks at factors such as neighborhood reputation, local crime trends, schools, amenities, commute convenience, and overall livability to help you compare your options.
Whether you are relocating for work, searching for a family-friendly community, or simply exploring the best places to live in the Triad, understanding Winston-Salem’s neighborhoods can help you make a more informed move. For an even deeper look at what it is like to call this city home, explore our Living in Winston-Salem: A Complete Relocation Guide.
How We Figured Out the Best Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem
We go beyond just numbers when checking out the safest spots in Winston-Salem, NC. A truly safe community doesn’t just have low crime rates. It also has residents who are engaged with one another, public spaces that are well-looked after, and easy access to all the things you need. This is exactly how we rank the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem.
What Crime Data and Local Trends Are Saying
Crime maps made public by the authorities and local police reports give us the facts we need to evaluate neighborhood safety. However, crime rates can shift from one year to the next, so it’s tough to get a clear picture using just numbers. In Winston-Salem, the northwest and west side generally tend to have lower crime rates than other parts of the city. However, the downtown core and the east side can be more patchwork when it comes to safety. To get a more accurate picture, we take a closer look at current crime data and have a chat with local police to see what’s really going on.
What a Neighborhood’s Reputation Says About Safety
A community’s long-term reputation can be a pretty good indicator of its safety. Places with active neighborhood groups, high rates of homeownership, and people who’ve lived there for a while tend to be safer. When neighbors know each other and get involved in local events, they tend to look out for one another, which naturally deters crime. We weigh the history and what people actually think of these areas pretty heavily.
Why Schools, Parks, and Lifestyle Matter
For the most part, safe neighborhoods have well-funded schools, tidy parks, and shops and amenities that are within easy reach. How walkable the area is, how long it takes to get to work, and how close it is to grocery stores like Harris Teeter or local restaurants, all add up to making a place safer and more convenient to live in. For more about local education, check out our neighborhood articles where we speak about the local schools.
Home prices and lifestyle costs vary significantly by area. Before choosing a neighborhood, it helps to understand the overall Cost of Living in Winston-Salem.
| Disclaimer: Safety experiences vary by block and personal preference. We strongly encourage readers to visit neighborhoods at different times of day, review current local crime data, and work with a local real estate expert before making a purchasing decision.
What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem, NC?
Buena Vista neighborhood overlooking downtown Winston-Salem, NC
We looked at the latest data, asked around the community, and with the addition of input from local real estate pros, we would like to share which neighborhoods in Winston-Salem are the safest.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is one of Winston-Salem’s oldest and most sought after neighborhoods. Residents rave about this spot for having low crime, quiet streets, and a super strong sense of community. It’s home to some of the biggest and oldest homes in Winston-Salem, lots of mature trees and great spots for evening strolls.
This is the place to be if you’re after historic charm and luxury, but don’t mind that the homes are a bit older. It’s a great choice for luxury buyers, professionals who are looking to put down roots, and families who want to be right in the heart of the action. It’s just a short drive from downtown and some of the main hospitals, but also has easy access to the Graylyn Estate, Reynolda Gardens, and the Forsyth Country Club.
Sherwood Forest (Old and New)
Sherwood Forest consistently tops the list of most desirable spots in northwest Winston-Salem. Old Sherwood Forest is a whole lot safer than about 89% of the other neighborhoods in Winston-Salem, boasting some really low crime rates for both violent and property crime. New Sherwood Forest does really well too for safety and family-friendly living.
Choose Sherwood Forest if you want a suburban feel without having to leave the city. Families will love it here because it’s close to some great parks, including Hathaway Park and Shaffner Park, and also within walking distance of some fantastic schools, including Sherwood Forest Elementary. The average household income here is around $137,800, a stable and established demographic. You’ll also be able to grab a cup of coffee or do some shopping at the Robinhood Village Shopping Center, and is just a short walk from the Salem Creek Greenway.
Brookberry Farm
Brookberry Farm is a master-planned community that’s become popular among families who are looking to relocate. It was built with security, a sense of community and an active lifestyle in mind. There are some fantastic private amenities here too.
If you’re after modern construction and resort-style living, then Brookberry Farm is the place for you. It’s ideal for families who are looking for a safe and secure place to raise their kids. There are some fantastic walking trails, community spaces, and a strong sense of security here.
Reynolda Area
The Reynolda area is located close to Wake Forest University and blends some of the best bits of history with some of the best bits of modern living. It has a great reputation for being safe and stable, with a very low crime rate.
If you’re after a property that’s close to higher education and has some amazing cultural institutions on the doorstep, then this is the place for you. It’s a great spot for professionals and families alike. You’ll be able to get to the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, some boutique shopping, and some fantastic dining options all within walking distance. There are also some great parks to explore.
Mount Tabor Area
The Mount Tabor area is a heavily residential part of northwest Winston-Salem. Residents often mention this spot as one of the safer parts of town. It’s known for having some classic brick ranch homes and some beautiful tree-lined streets.
If school zoning is a top priority for you, then the Mount Tabor area is the place to be. Families love this spot because it has some fantastic schools, including the highly-regarded Mount Tabor High School. You’ll also be able to get to the Muddy Creek Greenway and the Robinhood Village Shopping Center easily.
Ardmore
Ardmore is the largest of Winston-Salem’s neighborhoods, home to about 4300 households. With Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Centre right next door, it’s a highly walkable area, that’s packed to the brim with beautiful historic Craftsman-style bungalows.
If you’re hunting for urban walkability and a dash of historic charm, then Ardmore is the place to go. It’s perfect for young professionals and hospital staff, and the Ardmore Neighborhood Association is right behind preserving the residential feel of the area. However, locals will tell you that Ardmore is generally pretty safe, especially up in Upper Ardmore, though buyers should keep in mind that little things like car break-ins can happen, and safety does vary a bit from one block to the next.
Lewisville
Even though it’s technically a suburb just outside the city limits, Lewisville is always a popular choice for families moving to the Winston-Salem area. It has that lovely small-town feel, and yet it’s still just a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions.
Choose Lewisville if you prefer a more laid back pace of life, bigger homesites, and some lovely scenic spots to get away from it all. You’ll find it’s perfect for buyers who want a quieter place to live. Locals enjoy the community events, the proximity to Tanglewood Park, and some great local businesses like 2520 Tavern and Be Kind Coffee Co.
Pfafftown
Out in the northwest section of the county, Pfafftown is a growing, semi-rural community that has a real peaceful feel to it. There’s plenty of room to breathe, with big lots and a slower pace of life.
Choose Pfafftown if you’re after housing that’s good value with a high level of suburban appeal. It’s a fantastic place to bring the family. There’s plenty of space, plenty of peace and quiet, and without the need for a long commute into Winston-Salem.
Why You Should Research Winston-Salem Neighborhoods on a Block-by-Block Basis
You see, just like any big city, the neighborhoods in Winston-Salem can be quite different from one another, even from one street to the next. Take the contrast between a busy urban center, like the West End, and some quiet suburban enclave like Clemmons. That makes a world of difference to how you go about your daily life.
When shortlisting a particular property to buy, take the time to get a feel for the local streets. Think about the daily commute traffic, how pedestrian friendly it is, the state of the street lights, how well maintained your neighbors keep their homes, and how much ambient noise there is about. You should also be sure to check out the plans for future development in the area, because commercial rezoning can quickly turn a quiet residential spot into a noisy nightmare.
We really can’t stress this enough – homebuyers should make a point of driving around potential neighborhoods at different times of day, plugging any crime maps to see what other buyers are saying and getting in touch with a local real estate expert for some local real estate advice. You should also pay a visit to the local schools and amenities to get a proper feel for the community.
What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem for Families?
Sherwood Forest neighborhood
Where safety is a top priority, education and recreation are right up there. Families who want to get deeper into these specific communities should probably read our guide on the Best Family Neighborhoods.
We reckon the following areas stand out for families:
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- Sherwood Forest
- Mount Tabor Area
- Lewisville
- Brookberry Farm
Families love these areas because they offer access to top-rated public schools, loads of local parkland for kids to play in, a strong community feel and bigger homes that give them plenty of space to let the kids run around.
What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem for Young Professionals?
Buena Vista neighborhood
Young professionals typically need a balance between having a safe place to live, a short commute time, and a lively social scene.
Top recommendations for young professionals include:
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- Ardmore
- Buena Vista
- Reynolda Area
- West End
These areas are a great choice because they’re all highly walkable, have loads of great restaurants and coffee shops right on the doorstep, are just a stone’s throw from the city’s business district and the major hospitals, and have plenty of local arts and entertainment to explore.
Safest Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem has a great mix of neighborhoods to offer, each one catering to different lifestyles, budgets, and priorities. Safety means different things to different people, the best way to find your perfect home is to partner with local real estate professionals who understand the block-by-block nuances of this city.
As you’re planning your relocation to Winston-Salem, take some time to think about the schools you’d like your kids to go to, calculate how long your daily commute will be, figure out what your lifestyle needs are, and set a budget that you feel comfortable with.
If you’re ready to find a safe and beautiful home in North Carolina, we are here to help. Here at The Ginther Group, we have decades of combined experience in local real estate and we’re always on hand to offer personalized advice, and a deep understanding of the local market. Call us today at 1-336-283-8689 or fill out our contact form online to get your home search off to a flying start.
