Why Live in West Salem
West Salem, a historic district in Winston-Salem, offers a blend of industrial heritage and modern living. Originally developed to house factory workers in the early 20th century, the neighborhood features charming, affordable homes that attract a diverse community. The area is known for its craftsman-influenced bungalows and cottages, shaded by mature oak trees, with some homes dating back to the 1900s. Residents enjoy local attractions such as the Cobblestone Farmers Market, just two blocks away, and dining options like East of Texas barbecue and Lesser-Known Beer Company on South Broad Street. The West Salem Shopping Center provides convenient retail options, while the Thruway Shopping Center, a mile west, offers Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter. Community events like the annual Garden Walk and the Ghoul Moon Festival foster a strong neighborhood spirit. Granville Park, located centrally, features tennis courts and a castle-themed playground, while the larger Washington Park offers a dog park, sports fields, and a dinosaur playground, connecting to the 5.2-mile Salem Creek Greenway. West Salem's proximity to the historic Old Salem Museum & Gardens and downtown Winston-Salem, just 1.5 miles away, adds to its appeal. While public transportation is available, most residents rely on cars, with Salem Parkway providing easy access across the Piedmont Triad. The neighborhood falls within the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district, with students typically attending Diggs-Latham Elementary, Flat Rock Middle, and Parkland High School, which offers career and technical education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Salem a good place to live?
West Salem is a good place to live. West Salem is considered car-dependent and bikeable. West Salem is a suburban neighborhood. West Salem has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.9 people per acre and a median age of 39. The average household income is $44,668 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 33.7% of residents. A majority of residents in West Salem are renters, with 60.6% of residents renting and 39.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Salem can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Salem neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Salem?
The median home price in West Salem is $299,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $59,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,510 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $65K a year to afford the median home price in West Salem. The average household income in West Salem is $45K.
What are the best public schools in West Salem?
The best public schools that serve West Salem are:
What are the best private schools in West Salem?
The best private schools that serve West Salem are:
- Salem Academy has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 3:1 and an average review score of 4.4.
- St. Leo Catholic School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 11:1 and an average review score of 4.3.
- Salem Baptist Christian School has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
What are the most popular zip codes in West Salem, Winston-Salem, NC?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Salem, Winston-Salem, NC?
Are home prices dropping in West Salem?
Yes, home prices in West Salem are down 3% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in West Salem, NC
On average, homes in West Salem, Winston-Salem sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in West Salem, Winston-Salem over the last 12 months is $290,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$290,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$299,250
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$300,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$199
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median List Price
$299,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
