King offers small-town charm north of Winston-Salem
King is a small but growing city roughly 15 miles north of Downtown Winston-Salem. Originally a more rural community, the city today is booming with construction as new subdivisions rise on undeveloped land. “It’s a quaint little town. It’s quiet, and people are friendly,” says Dana Hubbard, a Realtor with Carolina Triad Choice Realty, who’s lived in the Winston-Salem area for nearly a decade. She says King’s main draws are its location and tight-knit community. “It’s close enough to drive to work in Winston and not be in traffic for terribly long, and far enough that you still have the smaller town feel with a more of a country vibe.” The city’s economy is diverse, with a small downtown boasting local shops, a thriving commercial corridor and several manufacturers.
A variety of home styles, from century-old cottages to new constructio
The median price for a single-family home in King is around $340,000, well below the national median. Prices range from about $120,000 to $675,000. Architecture is diverse. Bungalows and cottages from the early 1900s and midcentury ranch-style homes sit close to downtown. Greek Revivals, farmhouse-inspired Cape Cods and various neotraditional designs fill subdivisions farther out. Craftsman styles are rising in new developments that hug the city limits, and the surrounding countryside offers similar styles as well as custom properties. Townhouses are also available and cost between $150,000 and $360,000.
Public and private school options in King
Stokes County Schools earns a B-plus overall rating from Niche. The district offers limited school choice through open enrollment within the district and out-of-district transfers. Of the system’s 17 schools, six serve King, including the B-minus-rated King Elementary, the B-plus-rated Chestnut Grove Middle and the B-rated West Stoke High. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through a partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College. The C-plus-rated Calvary Christian School is a popular private option.
Local flavor in downtown King and national retailers nearby
Locally owned shops and restaurants sit behind historic storefronts in King’s up-and-coming downtown. Hubbard notes that this city center is a short stretch. “It does have a Main Street, but it’s not your typical downtown vibe. It’s more of a one-stop light, and you’re done,” Hubbard says. Restaurants include The Dalton Bar and Grill, offering a relaxed atmosphere for New American fare, and The Mercantile Chophouse, a date night spot with small plates and hearty entrees. Residents can pick up locally grown produce and handmade crafts at the King Farmers’ Market, which is open two days a week at two different locations between May and October. Food Lion, Lowes Foods and Walmart Supercenter are in town for groceries. Hubbard says most residents head to the northern outskirts of Winston-Salem to shop at national retailers off U.S. Route 52. The city also offers the closest full-service hospitals: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.
City parks offer ways to exercise and enjoy quiet escapes in nature
King’s two parks offer different vibes. Recreation Acres is all about movement. Youth sports leagues utilize the park’s baseball and soccer fields, while walkers and runners can get their steps in on the walking track. Disc throwers can take on a 9-hole disc golf course, and the family dogs can socialize in the dog park. There’s also Everyone’s Playground, an inclusive playground with wheelchair accessible equipment. Nature is the focus of the 30-acre Central Park, which offers a catch-and-release fishing pond, walking trails and picnic areas. The park also has an amphitheater and a veteran’s memorial. The surrounding region offers more outdoor adventures, from hiking to waterfalls at Hanging Rock State Park to fishing along the Yadkin River.
KingFest celebrates community and the fall season
From an annual Oktoberfest celebration to a Christmas parade, seasonal events are beloved traditions in King. One of the biggest events of the year is KingFest. Held in early October, the one-day festival draws thousands to King Central Park for live music, shopping at local vendors and enjoying family-friendly games and contests.
Most people drive to get around King
King is car-dependent without access to public transportation. The downtown area offers some walkability, and roads such as Main Street and Old Highway 52 are bike-friendly. U.S. Route 52 is the main highway through town, connecting commuters to Winston-Salem and Mount Airy, which is less than 25 miles away. Piedmont Triad International Airport is around 35 miles away.
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Marc Smith
