Everything You Need to Know When Moving to or Around Greensboro, Winston-Salem or Thomasville
Fondly known as "The Gate City," Greensboro has long served as an entry point to all the wonders of North Carolina, historically functioning as a railway hub for the South. These days, Greensboro is an up-and-coming city with a growing job market and countless things to do. The city of Greensboro is part of the Piedmont Triad, along with Winston-Salem and High Point, and there's no shortage of wonderful communities in the area, including Thomasville. Here's a guide to moving to the Greensboro area to help you decide if it's the right place for you.
Who Lives in the Greensboro Area?
Greensboro is a mid-sized city with a population of 299,035 and a population density of 2,131.5 people per square mile. Neighboring Winston-Salem is comparable, with a population of 249,545 and a population density of 1,733.6 people per square mile. Comparatively, nearby suburbs like Thomasville offer a more intimate experience: Thomasville's population is 27,183 with a population density of 1,595.8 people per square mile.
The racial demographics of Greensboro are:
- 45.7% White
- 41.4% Black
- 7.9% Hispanic/Latino
- 5% Asian
- 2.8% two or more races
- 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native
- 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian
What Is It Like to Live in Greensboro?
Income and Cost of Living in Greensboro
Greensboro is well-known for being an affordable place to live. The median income in Greensboro is $48,964, which is significantly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living in Greensboro is 8% lower than the national average, and in Winston-Salem, the cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. In Thomasville, the numbers are even better: the cost of living is 12% below the national average.
Housing is also similarly well-priced. In Greensboro, housing is 19% lower than the national average; in Winston-Salem, housing is 32% below the national average; and in Thomasville, housing is 23% below the national average. As of October 2021, the average rent is $1,116 in Greensboro, $1,083 in Winston-Salem, and $785 in Thomasville. When you're buying a home in the area, the median home price is $157,253 in Greensboro, $230,000 in Winston-Salem, and $199,000 in Thomasville.
Finding a Job in Greensboro
The Triad is gaining a reputation for having a rising job market, with opportunities expanding throughout Greensboro and its neighboring cities. The unemployment rate in Greensboro is 4.2%, which was on par with the national average in November 2021. Education, healthcare, and transportation all have a strong presence in Greensboro. Some top employers in Greensboro include Guilford County Schools, Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Ralph Lauren, American Express, and Bank of America.
The area's universities are also large employers, including the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro College, Guilford College, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. 89.8% of Greensboro residents over 25 have a high school education or higher, while 38.2% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Getting Around Greensboro
If you're moving to the Greensboro area, you will likely need a car. The average Walk Score in Greensboro is 29, though neighborhoods like Downtown and College Hill are much more suitable for walking. Likewise, the Walk Scores in Thomasville and Winston-Salem are 24 and 23, respectively. The Greensboro Transit Authority operates buses within city limits, but the farther out you go, the less useful the system is.
The average commute time in Greensboro clocks in at 19.8 minutes, much lower than the national average of 25.7 minutes.
Culture and Nightlife in Greensboro
While the Greensboro area has roots as a center for industrial factories, it has blossomed into an exciting cultural area, with plenty to do and see.
The city has a great arts scene, with many opportunities for entertainment, including the renowned Triad Stage. History has also made its mark on Greensboro, and the area is filled with historical landmarks and points of interest. The city additionally has an exciting collection of museums including the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro History Museum, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum.
Meanwhile, nicknamed "Chair City" for its past as a furniture manufacturer, Thomasville has made a name for itself nationwide as a hub for antique and vintage shopping. Visitors and locals alike enjoy perusing the beautiful hand-made goods and rare finds, giving the city a truly unique sense of character.
Finally, while Greensboro is not necessarily known for its nightlife scene, you'll still find a wide selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy particularly downtown. Favorites include Green Valley Grill, Hops Burger Bar, and Blue Denim. The area also makes its home to some top-notch breweries and wineries adored by locals, like Oden Brewing Company.
Outdoor Recreation in Greensboro
Given the nickname "Tournament Town" for the sheer number of sports tournaments it hosts, Greensboro is a big city for sports and outdoor activities. Golf, soccer, basketball, and tennis are highly popular among residents, with great resources and facilities available throughout the area.
The city has 8,677 acres of parks and open spaces. You'll also find a collection of exemplary gardens and arboretums in Greensboro to explore, including the Bog Garden, the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden, and the Greensboro Arboretum. Plus, there are extensive networks of trails perfect for hiking, walking, and cycling.
Climate in Greensboro
North Carolina typically experiences all four seasons. In the summer months, Greensboro's climate is warm and muggy, while the winters are short, cold, and wet.
Where to Live in the Greensboro/Thomasville Area
One of the best parts of the Triad is how many beautiful neighborhoods there are to enjoy, with historical charm at nearly every turn. Take a look at the communities you'll find in Greensboro and its surrounding area:
Greensboro
- Downtown - If you're looking for more of a city vibe, Downtown Greensboro offers great accessibility to the city's attractions and business center, while still boasting plenty of charm.
- Fisher Park - This popular neighborhood is found in the north-central area of Greensboro, with easy access to downtown. It's very family and dog friendly, with a park right in the center. Fisher Park is a historic district, with many gorgeous historical homes.
- Old Irving Park - With the Greensboro Country Club at its center, this established neighborhood is just north of downtown, with great amenities, recreational activities, and access to the city.
Thomasville
Technically a suburb of Winston-Salem, Thomasville brings you all the benefits of suburban living, along with a unique character and historical culture. It makes for a great place within the Greensboro area if you're looking for a more intimate feel with access to all the amenities of the Triad.
Winston-Salem
- Ardmore - One of the largest neighborhoods in Winston-Salem, Ardmore is a great choice for families and young professionals alike. It's home to Miller Park, as well as many options for dining and entertainment.
- Washington Park - You'll find a quiet residential feel and beautiful historical homes in Washington Park, with great access to the excitement of downtown Winston-Salem. Its proximity to local universities also makes this a top choice among students,
How to Move to Greensboro
We understand better than anyone how much goes into moving to a new place. Whether you're moving to Greensboro or you're making a crosstown move, don't forget to mark these items off of your to-do list:
- Get a new license/ID and vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency. (Yes, even if you already live in North Carolina.)
- Change your address with the USPS.
- Sign up for utilities and electricity.
- Register to vote in Guilford County (if you're moving to Greensboro) or Davidson County (if you're moving to Thomasville).
Should I Move to Greensboro/Thomasville?
Making the decision to move can be a tough one, and it's very personal. If you're trying to decide whether to move to the Greensboro/Thomasville area, let's take a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living and housing
- Growing job market
- Access to a large metro area
- Great arts scene and many outdoor activities
Cons:
- Car dependent
- Low median income
To sum up, Greensboro, NC is an affordable, mid-sized city in a bustling metro area that offers new opportunities every day. Neighboring communities like Thomasville make it possible to experience the best that the Greensboro area has to offer in a more suburban environment. The Greensboro area is generally car-dependent, and you should factor the low median income into the correspondingly low cost of living. However, with all that Greensboro has to offer for the price tag, it might just be the right city for you.
When you're ready to move to the Greensboro/Thomasville area, College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving can help you every step of the way. We offer stress-free moving, junk removal, donation pickup, labor, and packing services to make your North Carolina move a breeze.