Me and my wife just moved 20min north of Milwaukee and glad we did, we can do without the big city but we do like being close enough for the shopping and cultural mix. We are seriously considering the move to NC mostly for the weather! We are so done with these long brutal winters!
Laughed like hell at your "winter storm panic". I'm from Massachusetts and now live in Kansas and the same thing here. Back in the northeast you get 10" of snow, you shovel it and get on your way. Here, you get 3 " and the city (Wichita) shuts down. Also, giving SERIOUS consideration to moving to either Winston-Salem or Greensboro.
Thanks for the update to your experience. We are in the process of moving to the Triad area and we're excited to explore our new area. I grew up in the Boston area and love going back to visit but am always glad to step away from the fast pace.
Thanks for the videos! I moved to WS in 2012 to attend WFU for grad school and left for RDU in 2016. Now I am moving back to WS in a week to start off 2024. I am excited to be back and have been back several times over the years to visit. I agree with all your pros. Its a drivable city, we definitely noticed the difference in the housing market prices and cost of living in general, and even when I started visiting a gain alot in 2018 I noticed that in 2 years the city grew alot with additions to downtown like the Ramkat, Wiseman, and incendiary. When I was in grad school a lot of that area was dead and largely super dark at night. While I can't wait to move there is one GLARING con about Winston that I have optimism improves soon. Winston has diversity but continues to be an incredibly segregated city. All cities in NC have their history with segregation but compared to the Triangle, we were in shock when looking for housing that glaring issues still existed. East of 52 there are several nice houses and even nice neighborhoods, but the infrastructure still reflects the racism that coincided with the construction of that interstate. Things like grocery stores are virtually non existent on that side of town and public transportation continues to completely shut down on that side of town on the weekends. It's really inhibiting the growth and potential of that area at this point. After living in Durham and Raleigh, I experienced no completely neglected areas like that. For us the frustrating part is it took a lot of WS out of the running when it came to housing. I am optimistic this will change one day but that was one thing that was just the same when I lived there way back when.
I was born and raised in Winston, I agree with a lot he said. I have been in Atlanta for 4 years and No one likes yes ma’am or sir. I don’t understand it. I tell them that’s how I was raised.
I'm originally from Winston-Salem & lived there for 22 years and I would love to move back. I ❤ Winston-Salem, NC The snow stuff is so so true lmao it drives me nuts after all these years lmao Pro: Minor league baseball WS Dash (Go Warthogs!) Con: RJ Reynolds old tobacco plant now retail and living spaces. I miss the smell of the plant & they should've turned it into a museum
My wife and I had been seriously exploring relocating to the Triad area for our pending retirement life for many of the "pro" reasons you cite. One big, unfortunate "con" not mentioned that applies to anywhere in the US it seems is the "seller's paradise" of home buying market today (and a horrendous buyer's market). Even in Winston-Salem we ran into bidding wars, clear requirements of offers well over list, waiving many buyer protections etc. I know it's the current market condition and the spring peak (earlier than we expected) but we concluded that, while we'd LIKE to relocate, we don't NEED to relocate so we've dropped out of the insanity. Rentals are similarly competitive.
Thanks for watching. I made this video about my experience living here, not about the market necessarily. While it is a tough market to buy, you can still get a great house, well below the national average with a lower overall cost of living and houses will cost more in the future than they do now. I can see how you might not want to jump in if it is only a want. I'm looking forward to a more balanced market. Best wishes in retirement!
The lack of a proper public transit system is a real downside. I know there's a bus system, but it's probably only for use as a last resort if you can't afford to own a car. Hopefully, that starts to change as the city grows and the city keeps focusing on quality of life like it has been here in Indianapolis forever. It's just starting to improve here, but that's a low bar. Transit-oriented development can benefit cities of all sizes.
I have lived in various parts of the Nation and world. Winston is a really good place to be. In this video, most of the cons mentioned here are a plus to me. My major con in this video is the snow panic. That is sooo annoying. Moving here from Maine, it is still pretty ridiculous to see this. LOL In all Honesty, we do have crime (as someone else asked about). We also had crime in the smallest towns (Washburn Maine). And larger cities (Phoenix Arizona, Frankfurt Germany). No place is crime free.
I can relate to this!! After one of my visits before moving I told my mom I wouldn't move here because it seemed too slow and rural. 😂 Then after sitting in traffic and being around so many crowds again, I said forget this and moved. It's been great for us, but it is different. It's not Mayberry slow...but different than LA for sure! Thank you for watching!
Thanks for watching. I like visiting Raleigh but wouldn't want to live there...It's still smallish for a city and I prefer less congestion and affordability out here. I don't miss NY, and Chicago too much but going back is special, which I do appreciate.
How is the education system? This is my biggest concern. When I look at some of the new construction areas and their zoned high schools are rated a 1 or 2 on great schools, it's worrisome.
Thanks for watching Kyle! You would probably enjoy Winston then...it has an A+ rating on Niche for diversity and is also ranked #42 in the country for that. Here's the link www.niche.com/places-to-live/winston-salem-forsyth-nc/rankings/
Hi Greg! I've talked about this sin other vides, but we wanted to get away from Chicago winter and traffic. Somewhere smaller but still a city. Within driving distance to Chicago. Somewhere with lots of outdoor activities. WSNC is in a sweet spot in the state. We can get to the beach or mountains easily and if we want to visit a bigger city that's easy too. Thanks for watching!
the crime there is pretty bad. The police department is currently looking into setting up cameras on the roads to curve the crime. Downtown is nice though
East Winston and South Side is where the most hoods are you want to move to the west side where Hanes mall is located or North Side is good as well cooks flea market, a lot of shopping centers etc
Upscale Hanes Mall has regular shootings inside and outside during work hours, a lot of gang activity in the schools and at the parks. Even the nice neighborhoods are having night prowlers caught on their ring cameras and car break-ins. Winston-Salem only feels safe if compared to the surrounding towns of High Point, Lexington (gangs) or Mt. Airy (drugs). Why are the hospitals in some crime infested slums?
Crime is getting out of hand. Gets worse and worse every day. Shootings, break in's, etc. Don't move to Winston Salem. I am getting the hell out. Been here for 8 years and regret ever moving here. I "guess" if you are moving from Chicago, you are used to crime.
Do you need to sell your house because I bet I know someone that would buy it! 😂 Crime is in concentrated areas in cities generally...even in Chicago. So, no I wasn't used to experiencing it.
@@JeffValentino ok cool. I saw this video of all of these gangsters in Winston Salem with enormous guns and stuff, I've never seen ANYTHING like that in Phoenix. The video was only like 3 months old too
But not every city has the same crime rates. 2023 wasn't pretty for Winston-Salem. There are safer places in NC. Any surrounding areas that are safer than others? @@dragonguytattoo
Thank you good info! We're moving to Kernersville and it looks great, but yes there will be things to get use to 😊
Glad it was helpful. Enjoy Kernersville!
Soooo glad there is NO big city experience here! ❤
People don’t realize what a blessed that is.
Me and my wife just moved 20min north of Milwaukee and glad we did, we can do without the big city but we do like being close enough for the shopping and cultural mix. We are seriously considering the move to NC mostly for the weather! We are so done with these long brutal winters!
I hear you on the winters!! I spent a couple years in West Bend, WI and it seemed even colder than IL. Thanks for watching!
Laughed like hell at your "winter storm panic". I'm from Massachusetts and now live in Kansas and the same thing here. Back in the northeast you get 10" of snow, you shovel it and get on your way. Here, you get 3 " and the city (Wichita) shuts down. Also, giving SERIOUS consideration to moving to either Winston-Salem or Greensboro.
It’s crazy isn’t it?! I made a video comparing Winston and Greensboro if you want to take a look for it on my channel. Thanks for watching!
@@JeffValentino Already did. If you had to pick, which city is more "blue collar" and I don't mean politics.
@@steveparker2938 I would say Winston Salem.
@@JeffValentino As I suspected. Thanks.
I moved from Boston it's awful here
Thanks for the update to your experience.
We are in the process of moving to the Triad area and we're excited to explore our new area.
I grew up in the Boston area and love going back to visit but am always glad to step away from the fast pace.
I hope you like it here and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the videos! I moved to WS in 2012 to attend WFU for grad school and left for RDU in 2016. Now I am moving back to WS in a week to start off 2024. I am excited to be back and have been back several times over the years to visit. I agree with all your pros. Its a drivable city, we definitely noticed the difference in the housing market prices and cost of living in general, and even when I started visiting a gain alot in 2018 I noticed that in 2 years the city grew alot with additions to downtown like the Ramkat, Wiseman, and incendiary. When I was in grad school a lot of that area was dead and largely super dark at night.
While I can't wait to move there is one GLARING con about Winston that I have optimism improves soon. Winston has diversity but continues to be an incredibly segregated city. All cities in NC have their history with segregation but compared to the Triangle, we were in shock when looking for housing that glaring issues still existed. East of 52 there are several nice houses and even nice neighborhoods, but the infrastructure still reflects the racism that coincided with the construction of that interstate. Things like grocery stores are virtually non existent on that side of town and public transportation continues to completely shut down on that side of town on the weekends. It's really inhibiting the growth and potential of that area at this point. After living in Durham and Raleigh, I experienced no completely neglected areas like that. For us the frustrating part is it took a lot of WS out of the running when it came to housing. I am optimistic this will change one day but that was one thing that was just the same when I lived there way back when.
I have the same optimism. Chicago had the same issue, so it’s not just southern cities. Thanks for watching!
I was born and raised in Winston, I agree with a lot he said. I have been in Atlanta for 4 years and No one likes yes ma’am or sir. I don’t understand it. I tell them that’s how I was raised.
Thanks for watching! My kids picked up the sir and ma'am, which is kind of cool.
People are becoming rude in Winston. It’s like some aren’t being raised with good values anymore
I’m from California and so appreciate good values with a simple word that warms the ❤ ma’m and sir😊
You’ll need a car living in the South, period. Things spread out means more trees, which means fresh air and no crowding!
Good point, and a worthwhile trade off for me. Thanks for watching Kimberly!
I'm originally from Winston-Salem & lived there for 22 years and I would love to move back. I ❤ Winston-Salem, NC
The snow stuff is so so true lmao it drives me nuts after all these years lmao
Pro: Minor league baseball WS Dash (Go Warthogs!)
Con: RJ Reynolds old tobacco plant now retail and living spaces. I miss the smell of the plant & they should've turned it into a museum
Thanks for watching Matt! I've heard of other missing the smell from the tobacco factory.
My wife and I had been seriously exploring relocating to the Triad area for our pending retirement life for many of the "pro" reasons you cite. One big, unfortunate "con" not mentioned that applies to anywhere in the US it seems is the "seller's paradise" of home buying market today (and a horrendous buyer's market). Even in Winston-Salem we ran into bidding wars, clear requirements of offers well over list, waiving many buyer protections etc. I know it's the current market condition and the spring peak (earlier than we expected) but we concluded that, while we'd LIKE to relocate, we don't NEED to relocate so we've dropped out of the insanity. Rentals are similarly competitive.
Thanks for watching. I made this video about my experience living here, not about the market necessarily. While it is a tough market to buy, you can still get a great house, well below the national average with a lower overall cost of living and houses will cost more in the future than they do now. I can see how you might not want to jump in if it is only a want. I'm looking forward to a more balanced market. Best wishes in retirement!
The lack of a proper public transit system is a real downside. I know there's a bus system, but it's probably only for use as a last resort if you can't afford to own a car. Hopefully, that starts to change as the city grows and the city keeps focusing on quality of life like it has been here in Indianapolis forever. It's just starting to improve here, but that's a low bar. Transit-oriented development can benefit cities of all sizes.
I agree and have mentioned this before. They are working on walkability and bikability which is a step in the right direction. Thanks for watching!
I have lived in various parts of the Nation and world. Winston is a really good place to be. In this video, most of the cons mentioned here are a plus to me. My major con in this video is the snow panic. That is sooo annoying. Moving here from Maine, it is still pretty ridiculous to see this. LOL
In all Honesty, we do have crime (as someone else asked about). We also had crime in the smallest towns (Washburn Maine). And larger cities (Phoenix Arizona, Frankfurt Germany). No place is crime free.
The snow panic is hilarious, yet frustrating too. Thanks for watching!
Winston snow just allows everyone to just chill out for a bit. Let’s you appreciate nature for a day because tomorrow it will be 40 degrees. Carry on
I’m so nervous to move somewhere so slow (coming from Los Angeles) but that’s what I’m also looking for 😩😂
I can relate to this!! After one of my visits before moving I told my mom I wouldn't move here because it seemed too slow and rural. 😂 Then after sitting in traffic and being around so many crowds again, I said forget this and moved. It's been great for us, but it is different. It's not Mayberry slow...but different than LA for sure! Thank you for watching!
very helpful video. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Try Raleigh / Chapel Hill living it's just better if you come from a big city. I'm from NY and I miss the big city
Thanks for watching. I like visiting Raleigh but wouldn't want to live there...It's still smallish for a city and I prefer less congestion and affordability out here. I don't miss NY, and Chicago too much but going back is special, which I do appreciate.
How is the education system? This is my biggest concern. When I look at some of the new construction areas and their zoned high schools are rated a 1 or 2 on great schools, it's worrisome.
I’m overall happy with it. There are quite a few highly rated districts here. Thanks for watching!
The things that you think are cons, I consider to be pros
Thanks for watching Calvin!
You can't go in downtown Chicago these days anyway - Chicago native
Just curious, how diverse is the population? Just asking because i know its a college town and I enjoy a diverse population.
Thanks for watching Kyle! You would probably enjoy Winston then...it has an A+ rating on Niche for diversity and is also ranked #42 in the country for that. Here's the link www.niche.com/places-to-live/winston-salem-forsyth-nc/rankings/
The population is very diverse. Not only in color but in individual origins and thought.
The population is supposed to be really diverse, you can look up the specifics on Wikipedia
@dragonguytattoo what's the quietest town and near schools?
Mr. Valentino why did you move to W-S?
Hi Greg! I've talked about this sin other vides, but we wanted to get away from Chicago winter and traffic. Somewhere smaller but still a city. Within driving distance to Chicago. Somewhere with lots of outdoor activities. WSNC is in a sweet spot in the state. We can get to the beach or mountains easily and if we want to visit a bigger city that's easy too. Thanks for watching!
Is it safe there though? I’ve heard things about crime there. Debating moving to the area.
Hi again. Like other cities, there are areas that have more crime than others. I walk around with my kids here all the time...many families do.
He is right… like every city, you have places you don’t go. I have found it to be a great place to move to.
the crime there is pretty bad. The police department is currently looking into setting up cameras on the roads to curve the crime. Downtown is nice though
East Winston and South Side is where the most hoods are you want to move to the west side where Hanes mall is located or North Side is good as well cooks flea market, a lot of shopping centers etc
Upscale Hanes Mall has regular shootings inside and outside during work hours, a lot of gang activity in the schools and at the parks. Even the nice neighborhoods are having night prowlers caught on their ring cameras and car break-ins. Winston-Salem only feels safe if compared to the surrounding towns of High Point, Lexington (gangs) or Mt. Airy (drugs). Why are the hospitals in some crime infested slums?
Lol snow panic with an 1 inch of snow. Well I guess if you don't have the equipment to deal with it could be an issue.
Could be, but still...🤣
Crime is getting out of hand. Gets worse and worse every day. Shootings, break in's, etc. Don't move to Winston Salem. I am getting the hell out. Been here for 8 years and regret ever moving here. I "guess" if you are moving from Chicago, you are used to crime.
Do you need to sell your house because I bet I know someone that would buy it! 😂 Crime is in concentrated areas in cities generally...even in Chicago. So, no I wasn't used to experiencing it.
Crime is everywhere. That's like saying you won't find heavy trauma family home and you'll only located to fully healed family.
How are the kids adjusting to the slow life.
Thanks for asking...My kids are doing really good. I was nervous about moving them, but they are both really thriving after a little adjustment time.
How is the crime? I guess I'm moving here in a couple months. Coming from the eastern Phoenix valley so that's All I would be able to compare it to.
Like any city there are areas with higher crime than others. My kids and I always feel safe when we are out in downtown, parks, shopping etc.
@@JeffValentino ok cool. I saw this video of all of these gangsters in Winston Salem with enormous guns and stuff, I've never seen ANYTHING like that in Phoenix. The video was only like 3 months old too
nice living here
Thanks for watching!
What about internet access?
Spectrum is the most popular...it works fine even if they can be difficult to get in touch with.
I like Winston Salem isn't a smaller city
No big city experience? Why move here? Move back.
You should watch the whole video...or the other 40 something I've made to see why I moved here. Cheers!
Notice hipsters make cities super expensive due to them striving to be healed on all levels.
Healed from what? Or was that a typo?
@JeffValentino healed like emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Nothing about crime…..hmmmmm
Hey Granger! I'm talking about my experience in 3 years of living here. I've talked about crime on other videos, but thanks for watching!
Every town and city has crime.
But not every city has the same crime rates. 2023 wasn't pretty for Winston-Salem. There are safer places in NC. Any surrounding areas that are safer than others? @@dragonguytattoo
Liar liar pants on fire
Can you elaborate?
i love you
Awww shucks. 😊😊