Hi there, my husband was offered a job in Winston Salem, NC and we're considering relocating there. We've lived for the past 13 years in the Bay Area (split between SF and Oakland), so the cost of living looks AMAZING. Can anyone else offer advice on this specific area of NC? He'd be working in the city of Winston Salem itself - is there is even traffic or commuting issues? Also, we have four small children, two elementary-school aged, two that are toddlers, so schools are very important to us.

Any advice would be very appreciated! If we accept the employment offer, we could be buying a home very soon and neighborhood or city advice would be most helpful in narrowing down our search.

thanks everyone!
lenorelew

I think you will be amazingly pleased and not just with the cost of living. It is a small city with wonderful amenities thanks to the presence of Wake Forest University and BB&T bank. The schools are quite good. I always recommend renting for a time to see where you'd like to live for sure.
You can be at the beach in 2 hours--or the mountains in the same.

Thanks Gretchen! I tried looking at rentals on Craigslist - is that the typical website for rental listings? Or should I use an agent?

I would look at a rental site. I'm sure there is one. Our kids moved back here to charlotte and found a month to month condo rental. You might need a house, and the added expense, but I will bet it will pay off for the long term. I'd maybe google for "house rentals Winston-Salem"--OR you might find it on Craigslist. You might even look on VRBO. Are you going to visit before you actually move? You might interview some real estate agents for your house purchase and he/she might help with a rental.

Not craigslist, please.

Search for apartments in the Winston-Salem area. Even if you want to buy a house and can afford one, rent for a year.

If you have any feeling for it at all, joining a church is a great way to meet other people in your situation and learn about neighborhoods and schools.

Once-upon-a-time, a Unitarian Church was a very important part of my life. I shared their political and social values and admired their minds and their commitment to living ethical lives. You don't have to be traditionally Christian/Conservative Jewish to contribute to and benefit from a religious organization. Ultimately, I missed a spiritual dimension (I.e., God) and I wound up an Episcopalian, but that's another journey.

This relocation site should be helpful as well:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/green...em-high-point/

A former co-worker moved to the area about two years ago with his family and they absolutely love it.

Thanks for the feedback!

@Gretchen - thanks again! Such helpful info.

@Ackislander - good to know about Craigslist. We're a religious family and we're planning on attending a local congregation - great idea about reaching out for advice from them. Thank you!

@AustinTraveler - that site is a gold mine, thank you! Glad to hear your co-worker love living there. That seems to be the consensus from what I'm reading too. I'm getting excited for such a big change.

Your outlook will be a plus, but I truly think you will find this city to be welcoming. It doesn't have those bay views (maybe you didn't either!) but for quality of life, I think/hope you will find what you want.