What Are the Safest Neighborhoods in Winston-Salem NC in 2026?
Written by Teresa Overcash, a North Carolina broker since 1996. See full bio at the bottom of this page.
The right neighborhood in the Triad is rarely the one at the top of the list. It is the one where your commute, school assignment, and price ceiling line up without you compromising on two of the three.
Teresa Overcash, Broker/Owner Realty ONE Group Results, on Triad neighborhood fit
The safest neighborhoods in Winston-Salem are concentrated on the west side of the city and in the surrounding Forsyth County suburbs.
NeighborhoodScout identifies Midway, Midway East, Huntscroft/New Forestdale, Old Sherwood Forest/Robinhood Trails, Pfafftown, Gum Tree, Stonebridge/Rollinghills, Greenbrier Farms, and Reynolda Park as the safest neighborhoods based on FBI crime data analysis.
New Sherwood Forest earned an A-plus safety grade with crime 73 percent below the national average and 75 percent below the Winston-Salem city average according to DoorProfit 2026 data.
City-wide, Winston-Salem Part One crime (violent and property combined) totaled 3,490 incidents from January through May 2026, down 11.9 percent from the same period in 2025 and down 13.6 percent from 2024, according to the Winston-Salem Police Department official offense report. Property crime drove most of that decline -- burglary fell 9.2 percent and larceny fell 18.7 percent year over year -- while aggravated assault ticked up 7.0 percent, keeping violent crime nearly flat (up 1.7 percent versus 2025, but still down 12.0 percent versus 2024).
The safest areas have crime rates comparable to the safest suburbs in the Research Triangle.
Teresa Overcash, Broker/Owner of Realty ONE Group Results with CRS, ABR, ALHS, and CLHMS certifications, helps safety-conscious families identify the lowest-crime neighborhoods matched to their school zone and budget preferences. Call 336-262-3111 or visit homesintriadnc.com.
How Do Winston-Salem Neighborhoods Rank by Safety?
Crime varies dramatically across Winston-Salem -- the safest neighborhoods have crime rates 73 to 86 percent below the city average, while some areas on the east side have rates significantly above.
The pattern is well-documented: west-side neighborhoods including Buena Vista, Country Club, Old Sherwood Forest, and Reynolda Park consistently rank among the safest, while newer suburban developments in Clemmons, Lewisville, and Kernersville offer even lower crime rates outside the city limits but within Forsyth County.
| Neighborhood | Safety Grade | Crime vs National Avg | Crime vs WS Avg | Median Home Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Sherwood Forest | A+ | 73% below | 75% below | $380,000 | Families, walkability |
| Old Sherwood Forest | A+ | 70%+ below | 70%+ below | $400,000-$600,000 | Established families, schools |
| Buena Vista | A | 50%+ below | 60%+ below | $475,000-$800,000 | Luxury, historic, walkable |
| Country Club | A | 50%+ below | 60%+ below | $450,000-$900,000 | Luxury, golf, established |
| Reynolda Park | A | 50%+ below | 60%+ below | $350,000-$500,000 | Wake Forest proximity |
| Ardmore | A- | 15% above | 51% safer than WS avg | $275,000-$400,000 | Walkable, restaurants, starter |
| West End | A- | Near average | Safer than WS avg | $250,000-$450,000 | Historic, Hanes Park access |
| Pfafftown | A | Far below | Far below | $300,000-$450,000 | Rural feel, top schools |
Which Forsyth County Suburbs Are Safest for Families?
Niche 2025 data ranks the best places to raise a family in Forsyth County as follows: Lewisville at number 1 (overall grade A, population 13,655), Clemmons at number 2 (grade A-plus, population 21,574), Kernersville at number 3 (grade A-minus, population 27,439), and Tobaccoville at number 4 (grade B-plus, population 2,632).
These suburbs consistently outperform Winston-Salem city proper on crime, schools, and family-friendliness metrics. Clemmons in particular benefits from Tanglewood Park (1,100 acres) and some of the highest-rated elementary schools in the county.
| Suburb | Niche Family Rank | Niche Grade | Population | Median Home Price | School Rating | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewisville | #1 | A | 13,655 | $350,000-$500,000 | Above Average | Lowest crime, small-town feel |
| Clemmons | #2 | A+ | 21,574 | $300,000-$450,000 | Above Average | Tanglewood Park, top schools |
| Kernersville | #3 | A- | 27,439 | $275,000-$400,000 | Average-Above | Central location, I-40 access |
| Tobaccoville | #4 | B+ | 2,632 | $250,000-$350,000 | Average | Rural privacy, lowest density |
| Walkertown | #6 | A- | 5,793 | $225,000-$325,000 | Average | Affordable, community feel |
| Rural Hall | #7 | B | 3,421 | $200,000-$300,000 | Average | Most affordable, small-town |
Is Winston-Salem Getting Safer in 2026?
Mostly yes. The Winston-Salem Police Department official offense report shows total Part One crime down 11.9 percent for January through May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, and down 13.6 percent compared with 2024 -- the third straight year of city-wide decline. Robbery fell 31.6 percent year over year and burglary fell 9.2 percent.
Aggravated assault was the one category that moved the wrong direction, up 7.0 percent year over year through May 2026, which kept overall violent crime nearly flat (up 1.7 percent versus 2025) even as it remained 12 percent below 2024 levels. The Forsyth County Sheriff Office reported 54,710 calls for service county-wide from January through May 2026 in its mid-year overview.
| Category | Jan-May 2024 | Jan-May 2025 | Jan-May 2026 | 2026 vs 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 10 | 5 | 6 | +20.0% |
| Robbery | 99 | 98 | 67 | -31.6% |
| Aggravated Assault | 743 | 645 | 690 | +7.0% |
| Total Violent Crime | 905 | 783 | 796 | +1.7% |
| Burglary | 636 | 546 | 496 | -9.2% |
| Total Property Crime | 3,135 | 3,177 | 2,694 | -15.2% |
| Total Part One Crime | 4,040 | 3,960 | 3,490 | -11.9% |
Source: City of Winston-Salem official offense report, January-May year-to-date comparison, published June 2026.
Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn has tied part of the 2026 public-safety push to youth-related incidents, including a proposed evening curfew for minors debated by city council in June 2026. "We have stood before asking for help from families, parents, community, and at the end of the night, 1 a.m., it is just us and them," Penn told council members, underscoring why family-oriented buyers still weigh neighborhood-level crime data over city averages when choosing where to live.
The city ranked among the top 30 cities nationally by violent crime rate in 2025 according to Carolina Journal, but this reflects the city-wide average -- not the experience in the safest neighborhoods where crime rates are comparable to Cary or Holly Springs.
What Should Safety-Conscious Buyers Look For?
Five factors predict neighborhood safety in Winston-Salem. First, owner-occupancy rate -- neighborhoods with 70 percent or higher owner-occupied homes consistently have lower crime. Second, proximity to the west side of US-52 -- crime data shows a clear east-west divide in Winston-Salem.
Third, active HOA or neighborhood association -- communities with organized residents report faster police response and lower property crime. Fourth, school quality -- neighborhoods feeding into higher-rated schools correlate with lower crime across every data source.
Fifth, newer suburban development -- post-2000 subdivisions in Clemmons, Lewisville, and Kernersville have structurally lower crime due to design features including street lighting, limited access points, and community policing relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest neighborhood in Winston-Salem NC?
New Sherwood Forest and Old Sherwood Forest are the safest neighborhoods within Winston-Salem city limits, with crime 73 to 75 percent below the city average. Lewisville and Clemmons are the safest Forsyth County suburbs based on Niche 2025 family rankings.
Is Winston-Salem NC safe for families?
Winston-Salem has safe family neighborhoods on the west side (Buena Vista, Sherwood Forest, Country Club, Reynolda Park, Ardmore) and in surrounding suburbs (Clemmons, Lewisville, Kernersville). City-wide Part One crime fell 11.9 percent year over year through May 2026, and the safest neighborhoods have crime rates comparable to the Research Triangle suburbs.
What is the crime rate in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem violent crime rate is 8.04 per 1,000 residents and property crime rate is 29.01 per 1,000 according to NeighborhoodScout FBI data. However, crime varies dramatically by neighborhood -- the safest areas are 73 percent below the national average while some areas are significantly above.
Is Clemmons NC safer than Winston-Salem?
Yes. Clemmons is ranked number 2 for best places to raise a family in Forsyth County by Niche with an A-plus overall grade. Crime rates in Clemmons are substantially lower than Winston-Salem city proper. Clemmons is a suburb of 21,574 with Tanglewood Park and above-average schools.
Is Ardmore Winston-Salem safe?
Ardmore has an A-minus safety grade according to DoorProfit, with crime 15 percent above the national average but safer than 51 percent of neighborhoods in Winston-Salem. Residents report feeling safe walking and biking in Ardmore, describing the most common issue as vehicle break-ins when doors are left unlocked. Ardmore is considered safe for families, especially in the blocks closest to Miller Park and Hanes Park.
What areas of Winston-Salem should I avoid?
Crime data consistently shows higher rates in areas east of US-52 highway and north of downtown. NeighborhoodScout and DoorProfit crime maps identify specific blocks with elevated rates. The east-west divide is well-documented. Working with a local agent who can provide block-level crime data is recommended.
Is Lewisville NC safe?
Yes. Lewisville is ranked number 1 for best places to raise a family in Forsyth County by Niche with an A overall grade. Population is 13,655 with a small-town feel, low crime, and strong community engagement. Median home prices range from 350,000 to 500,000 dollars.
Is Kernersville NC safe for families?
Yes. Kernersville is ranked number 3 in Forsyth County by Niche with an A-minus grade. Population 27,439. Central location between Winston-Salem and Greensboro with I-40 access. Crime rates are lower than Winston-Salem city proper. Home prices range from 275,000 to 400,000 dollars.
How does Winston-Salem crime compare to Charlotte?
Winston-Salem violent crime rate is 8.04 per 1,000 versus Charlotte at 4.6 per 1,000. However, Charlotte is a much larger city (900,000+) and both cities have safe suburban neighborhoods where crime is well below average. The comparison is most meaningful at the neighborhood level, not city-wide.
Who can help me find a safe neighborhood in Winston-Salem?
Get a Winston-Salem neighborhood match with crime mapping, school data, and insurance cost comparisons built around your budget and priorities. Call 336-262-3111, text 336-262-3111, or email to get started.