Greensboro, Winston Salem or High Point (Winston-Salem, Kernersville: crime rate, neighborhoods, taxes)

[Dman420]

Which area is better and why? Any input will be appreciated

[friendnc]

I'd pick Kernersville. It's right in the middle of all 3 of those cities.

[mdswines]

Based on my visits to the Triad in the past, I just don't like High Point as much. Everything revolves around the furniture "markets" twice a year.

My wife and I are strongly considering a move to Winston-Salem. It seemed like a very nice place to live, as does Greensboro. They both seemed to have plenty to do while still being cities that aren't too crowded or big.

I'd like to hear some NC natives weigh in on which they like more, Greensboro or Winston-Salem.

[liveInNC]

Originally Posted by Dman420

Which area is better and why? Any input will be appreciated

Greensboro is more-or-less family oriented. Winston-Salem tends to be a little younger and a little more "artsy".

High Point has many run down ghetto type areas and fewer "nice" areas.

[Niki]

I live in Greensboro and prefer it to Winston-Salem and High Point. (Especially High Point.) Winston has some nice areas though and would probably be just as good as Greensboro to live in.

[Cassie]

Originally Posted by Dman420

Which area is better and why? Any input will be appreciated

High Point is fine to me for a day trip. Same with Winston-Salem. Wouldn't wanna live in either place. W-S has some nice areas, but overall, we find it a dirty, unappealing, heavily trafficked city. It has plenty of ghetto areas.

Arts and culture? LOL! Well, to each his own in their definition. We wouldn't feel safe enough there to venture out at night trying to find what there is.

My husband, who was formerly in law enforcement, says that the bad parts of High Point are nowhere near as bad as the bad parts of W-S.

Again, to each his own, but W-S isn't a place where I'd choose to live.

Best wishes in making your decision!

Regards,

Cassie

[mdswines]

Originally Posted by Cassie

High Point is fine to me for a day trip. Same with Winston-Salem. Wouldn't wanna live in either place. W-S has some nice areas, but overall, we find it a dirty, unappealing, heavily trafficked city. It has plenty of ghetto areas.

Arts and culture? LOL! Well, to each his own in their definition. We wouldn't feel safe enough there to venture out at night trying to find what there is.

My husband, who was formerly in law enforcement, says that the bad parts of High Point are nowhere near as bad as the bad parts of W-S.

Again, to each his own, but W-S isn't a place where I'd choose to live.

Best wishes in making your decision!

Regards,

Cassie

Hi Cassie. Thank you for your post. The crime problems are definitely a concern to my wife and I. My Mother-in-law grew up in Kernersville and said similar things about W-S. Is it really that bad? Are the bad areas of town spread out, or are they concentrated around the downtown area?

Thanks again for your post. I appreciate any info you or your husband can pass along.

- Matt

[kwguy]

I'm sorry you've heard so many bad things about the crime rate in Winston-Salem. Go ahead and called me biased--I grew up within Winston-Salem city limits (near the mall) and still live part-time in Advance (in Davie County about 15-20 mins from downtown W-S). As with any city of its size, there are certainly neighborhoods you want to avoid, but we never had any problems. Going out to eat at night or going to Borders late at night has never been an issue...

Since the departure of Wachovia and other companies, as well as Krispy Kreme's struggles, the city is not the brightest bulb when it comes to jobs and opportunities, but with BB&T, Wake Forest and its medical center, as well as RJR, it still offers a great family environment, connection with the arts, and an ideal location in North Carolina. Be sure to check out Clemmons and Lewisville (both suburbs of W-S).

[mdswines]

Originally Posted by kwguy

I'm sorry you've heard so many bad things about the crime rate in Winston-Salem. Go ahead and called me biased--I grew up within Winston-Salem city limits (near the mall) and still live part-time in Advance (in Davie County about 15-20 mins from downtown W-S). As with any city of its size, there are certainly neighborhoods you want to avoid, but we never had any problems. Going out to eat at night or going to Borders late at night has never been an issue...

Since the departure of Wachovia and other companies, as well as Krispy Kreme's struggles, the city is not the brightest bulb when it comes to jobs and opportunities, but with BB&T, Wake Forest and its medical center, as well as RJR, it still offers a great family environment, connection with the arts, and an ideal location in North Carolina. Be sure to check out Clemmons and Lewisville (both suburbs of W-S).

I've been told that Clemmons and Lewisville are nice areas. We plan on checking them both out when we visit next month. Do you prefer one over the other? Or are they both pretty much the same?

Thanks.

[Cassie]

Originally Posted by mdswines

I've been told that Clemmons and Lewisville are nice areas. We plan on checking them both out when we visit next month. Do you prefer one over the other? Or are they both pretty much the same?

Thanks.

I think Lewisville is one of the areas that was annexed by Winston-Salem, and where, after a lengthy court battle which Forsyth Citizens Against Forced Annexation lost, homeowners now owe 21 months worth of back taxes to W-S.

I haven't stayed current on how soon those taxes are due. There was some talk about stretching out the payments but apparently that plan had to be approved by the N.C. General Assembly. I honestly don't know if Clemmons was annexed. IMHO, it would be a real good idea to check carefully into both.

Best wishes,

Cassie