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My husband and I are considering a move to W-S from Ohio. We have lived in a number of states (musicians--going where the work is) but are concerned that we not repeat our experience here in Ohio. There is very little diversity where we are and wariness of "outsiders", new ideas, new approaches. In that regard, how open and accepting is the culture in W-S?
I'm not from the area, though I lived nearby several years ago (Durham-Chapel Hill) and can tell you it's not going to be like Ohio. I'm planning a move soon to Winston-Salem myself, from a large city where oddly enough I've had similar experiences. Because of the presence of Wake Forest U, the large medical centers and the emergence of some high-tech/bio med companies the city has and is continuing to attract people from all over. I would try to focus your housing search around the NW or SW side of the city, where most transplants seem to settle. Silas Creek Parkway north of 421 is a nice area to check out.
Yep, there's plenty of diversity here. The culture is very open and accepting, as we constantly have all types of people coming and going with the universities, medical facilities, financial institutions, etc. There are a number of very visible ethnic groups represented here, including Latino/Hispanic, African-American, Indian, oriental, and Greek. There's even a mosque!
There's also a very active arts community, including the UNC School of the Arts, so there are plenty of Bohemian artist/musician types hanging around.
I think you'll find the city to be quite tolerant and accepting.
I agree with the above posts. You will, however, have people tell you that W-S leans more toward a "traditional family values" type of culture. What I have seen is that there is plenty of room for the traditional family culture to co-exist with diversity and tolerance of all types of lifestyles and mindsets.
Neighborhoods in and near downtown are also a good place to do a housing search if that type of environment suits you.
There are a number of very visible ethnic groups represented here, including Latino/Hispanic, African-American, Indian, oriental, and Greek. There's even a mosque!
Oriental is a type of rug and the people are Asian. I am not trying to be rude or a know it all, but just want to point it out because some Asians find it offensive to be called Oriental. I was corrected by a friend, so now when I see it, I feel the same obligation!
^ I didn't know that--thanks for filling me in! My apologies if I've offended anyone.
I know, it can be confusing! I didn't want to make you feel bad, but I figured it would be better to let you know the correct term. My friend's neighborhood in W-S has a small Filipino population. I have heard this area is one of the fastest growing Hispanic populations. I think W-S will see a lot more diversity in the next 10-20 years. Some people will always resist the change in demographics, but I think for the most part it is accepted.
I don't find Winston Salem to be very diverse at all, but I lived in Atlanta for 11 years. My family and I have lived in Winston Salem for a year and there are pockets of diversity. We have children, so we were not only looking for a more diverse area, but an area with good schools. I'm glad we moved into an apartment instead of purchasing a home right away. We've been able to take our time and find an area that we really like.
I think the question was more to the point of whether or not W-S is accepting of diversity. In many areas of the community, diversity is well-accepted. In any city, there are always going to be people and areas that are not. But in general, I think the OP will find W-S more open than where they're moving from.
Thanks to all the posts about this. You're right: my question is actually about acceptance of diversity. My husband and I are actually middle-class wasps--what we are hoping for is an area that open to different ideas, approaches, learning from diverse cultures. A place where it doesn't take years and years to be accepted. We are certainly not experiencing that here in central OH.
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thanks
