A peaceful Piedmont town with access to larger cities nearby
Wentworth is the seat of rural Rockingham County. The small town is home to around 2,800 in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, known for a verdant landscape of gently rolling hills. It’s less than 15 miles from the state line, where winding country roads run north into Virginia. “Wentworth is ideal if you’re seeking a peaceful, small-town setting with strong public services, historic character, and a rural community vibe,” says lifetime local Tara Martin, marketing manager of the Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business and Tourism. “It’s not bustling, but it offers stability, affordable living, and easy access to larger towns nearby.” Wentworth is part of the Piedmont Triad, anchored by the college towns of Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Martin says the community’s primary industries are government services and education, “which makes sense given that it’s the county seat of Rockingham County. The town is home to many key county government agencies and offices, including the courthouse, sheriff’s department, tax office, DMV, and county administration, so public sector employment plays a central role in the local economy.”
Vintage and new-build homes range from $130K to $570K
People move to Wentworth for land, so while there’s a smattering of half-acre lots, they’re few and far between. Most houses are on an acre or more. The community has various historic homes, built in the early 20th century, including cottages and ranch-style homes. These historic homes range from around $130,000 to just under $360,000. Contemporary homes, built in the 1970s or later, range from split-level houses to new construction bungalows. These newer residences roughly cost between $270,000 and $570,000. Properties touching special flood zones, such as those with creeks running through them, may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Dual enrollment options available at Rockingham County High
Rockingham County Schools has an overall B on Niche. Westworth Elementary School gets a B-minus. Rockingham County Middle has a B-plus. Rockingham County High is graded B. It offers two dual enrollment pathways with Rockingham Community College, one for career and technical education and another for students ready to start earning credit toward a bachelor’s degree.
Walking trails and wooded paths offer scenic outdoor escapes
Wentworth Park is the recreational heart of town, featuring a playground, amphitheater, walking loop and space for grilling out. Just outside of town, the Chinqua-Penn Walking Trail stretches across historic farm roads and carriage trails, providing a scenic route through green pastures and old-growth forests.
Highway 65 has a few local spots but most shopping is in Reidsville
North Carolina Highway 65 is the main drag for shopping and dining, lined with some local eateries, including Elizabeth’s Pizza and Mom’s Kitchen. Dollar General and a gas station are also along the road, but for much else, folks tend to drive about 7 miles down the road to Reidsville, where they’ll find familiar stores, such as Lowes Foods, Walgreens, Food Lion and Belk. Reidsville also has the emergency room at Cone Health Annie Penn Hospital.
Driving is essential in this quiet, well-connected community
Car-dependent Wentworth’s major thoroughfares are North Carolina Highway 65 and North Carolina Highway 87. The community is about 30 miles from Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Winston-Salem and High Point are closer to 40 miles away.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
