Winston-Salem, North Carolina is the County Seat of Forsyth County and a vibrant city of the Piedmont region. This is also one of the most artistically-driven medium sized cities in America. With many young families moving into this area in recent years, Winston-Salem boasts a superior public school system, and an incredibly family-friendly environment.

Winston-Salem currently supports a population of approximately 200,000 residents, which is a population increase of about five percent since the year 2000. The average age of a resident here is 35 years old, with an annual household income of approximately $40,000 per year. Winston-Salem residents benefit from a strong and stable local economy, boosted by a variety of economic streams that seem to insulate folks here from a potential blip in any one sector. Manufacturing is the largest employment sector here, with over fifteen percent of Winston-Salem residents working in this sector. The retail trade is the second largest, employing nearly eleven percent of locals. Finance and insurance takes third place, employing around seven percent of the population.

For those beginning or continuing their higher educations, Winston-Salem is home to the prestigious Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Salem College, Forsyth Technical Community College and the North Carolina School of the Arts.

These universities certainly contribute to the arts and culture scene in this city. But the arts are a much-beloved tradition in Winston-Salem. In fact, this city provided America with the nation's first Arts Council, and ranks first in the nation in per capita donations to the arts. In this city you will find a local symphony orchestra, the Little Theater Guild, Piedmont Opera Theater, Stevens Center for Performing Arts, Sawtooth Center for the Visual Arts, and the National Black Theater Festival.

Winston-Salem also offers the unique Downtown Arts District located at Sixth Street and Trade Street. With a variety of eclectic art galleries and unique boutiques, this area of the city is continuing to expand and transform itself. Throughout the year, the Arts District sponsors Gallery Hops, where shops stay open late and offer a variety of entertainment. The Summer On Trade music series is offered every Saturday evening from May through September.

The city also sponsors or hosts a number of fun festivals and events throughout the year. Some favorites of long-time residents include the POPFestival, BellSouth Jazz and Blues, and Alive After Five. You can always find interesting live music and performances at venues such as Ziggy's, Fabian's, Unique Upstairs and the Fiddle and Bow Society.

Perhaps combining the best elements of arts and entertainment is the Germantown Art Gallery and Winery, just north of Winston-Salem proper and resting at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Besides offering some spectacular locally-produced wines, the Germantown Gallery presents both fine art and prints by over eighty artists from around the globe. The nearby Westbend Vineyard is also a gem of the region. This winery has also won awards for their locally-produced Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chambourcin, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Each of these wineries offers a chance for locals to leave the city-center and spend an afternoon or a day relaxing with a view of rolling hills while sampling some of the region's finest wines.

Winston-Salem is a town full of down-to-earth, relaxed residents who value quality free time spent with friends and family. With natural beauty and a plethora of activities throughout the year, the city continues to garner recognition for its quality of life. If you are thinking about moving, consider a move to Winston-Salem, North Carolina! To learn more, request our free relocation packet today.