Moving to Winston Salem, need school advice (Winston-Salem, Clemmons: transplants, rental homes)

[croche]

Hello! Earlier this week my husband accepted a job in the Winston-Salem area, so I now begin the daunting task of trying to find a place for my family to live. I have three school-aged children - 6th, 5th, and 1st grade, and I need to choose a school system that's roughly within a 20-30 minute radius of my husband's new job, which is on Kimel Park Dr near Hanes mall. We want to rent a home in a more rural area, with a decent school system (doesn't have to be a 10/10, but I'm hoping for at least a 6). After studying the map of nearby areas, I'm thinking maybe around Clemmons? Lewisville? Somewhere south-ish. I heard Pfafftown is beautiful, but maybe a little too far from his work. My oldest is big into computers and my boys like track and basketball. I'm a veterinarian, and I eventually want to buy a place in the country where I can have chickens and goats. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I don't know this area at all! We'll be moving from Ohio.
Thanks so much!!

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

You're right on track. Clemmons and Lewisville are the best mix of good schools, slightly rural setting, and proximity to your husband's job. Pfafftown is indeed both beautiful and a bit far for what you're looking for.

[JoeTarheel]

I wouldn't call Clemmons/Lewisville rural in any way...it's totally suburban. It's a good recommendation and you can find homes with larger yards, but Davie County/Advance might be a better option for a more rural setting. Davie County schools are pretty highly rated as well, especially on the northwestern side of the county near Clemmons - and it's just across the Yadkin River from Forsyth County plus is within your driving requirements to the Hanes Mall area.

Rental homes are not very common in Clemmons or Lewisville, so I don't know how successful you'll be at finding one. Not sure about Davie County either for rentals. Most home in the area are owner-occupied.

[cchswcupk]

i was just getting ready to say look in advance. I just built a house in kinderton village in advance and i love being out in the middle of no where. I am still only 15 minutes from the mall and thruway.

[emelvee]

I work near the mall and we live in the Meadowlands subdivision just outside of Wallburg. I don't know your price range - most homes here are 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft and priced in the mid-$300s to low $400s. It's about a 20 minute drive from the mall area. However, if by "South-ish" you're referring to the general feel of the area, it might not be a good fit - a majority of the residents seem to be from other areas. We love Meadowlands - lower Davidson County taxes, good schools, very safe area.

[rhauser]

The Meadowlands is not the type of neighborhood for goats and chickens as the lots are generally less than .50 acre (although some are larger) and the HOA rules may not allow it. However, there are adjacent neighborhoods where this is common. If you buy in Davidson county have a radon test done. We're happy as it's safe, low taxes, great schools, and easy to commute to other places. In our experience, it's a mix of transplants and locals, families to retirees. Good luck.

[emelvee]

Yeah, I missed the goats and chickens part...that wouldn't be allowed in Meadowlands. But OP could definitely consider other areas in northeastern Davidson County - we have a new middle school and will have a new high school in fall 2017.

[SanMateoMom]

I hear good things about Vienna Elementary, Jefferson Middle, and Reagan High School. I'm not certain if they are all in the same district, but I think that they are. Be sure to call the school board before you buy a house to be sure about what district you're in.

[SanMateoMom]

Also check out Meadowlark Elementary and Middle School. You can read reviews of local schools on greatschools.org.