City View - Winston-Salem, NC

The cities of Winston and Salem merged in 1913. Winston-Salem became known as the industrial headquarters of the tobacco industry as well as a hub for the textile industry. R.J. Reynolds and Hanes employed most of the workforce in Winston-Salem during the early to mid-20th century. Most houses throughout the city, including those in City View, were built before the 1970s, with a majority constructed before the 1940s.

The Delta Arts Center sits along the western border of City View. This popular museum features exhibits, workshops, classes, and tours designed to educate and inspire residents about African-American culture and heritage.

Downtown Winston-Salem houses a thriving art scene and has been referred to as the City of Arts and Innovation. The Dixie Classic Fair in October features rides, food vendors, live entertainment, and agricultural exhibits.

Two restaurants lie within the neighborhood boundaries of City View, and both can be found along New Walkertown Road. Just north lies Ackingna's Place. This popular establishment prepares hearty homemade soul food for the masses and is one of the neighborhood's most beloved restaurants. Locals love indulging in the fried chicken and tender ribs, and the reasonable prices and friendly service keep customers coming back for more.

Additional fast food options can be found as you travel toward the city center. On the way, be sure to stop at Forsyth Seafood Market & Cafe. Fresh fish can be purchased for at-home preparation, but many diners love to head into the cafe to dine in. The fish, always freshly cut in-house, comes prepared on sandwiches, fried, or in family packs. Everyone stopping in must try a crabcake. Forsyth Seafood also sells chicken wings and chicken dinner platters.

Downtown Winston-Salem hosts a number of great, locally-owned restaurant gems. The only bar within City View, Tony's Lounge, is on Walkertown Road. Tony's attracts many of Winston-Salem's college-age residents to its outdoor patio. Many locals wanting to experience more high-end bars and nightclubs head to downtown Winston-Salem. Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub and Kitchen provides the atmosphere of a traditional Irish taproom with friendly service and great food, a patio that never closes, and free wireless Internet service, as well as live music on weekends. The pub has 40 beers on tap; while drafts change seasonally, you can always count on a great beer here. There is also a wide selection of whiskeys, with 32 choices of single malt scotches from all four regions of Scotland.

Though nearly 85 percent of residents take a car or carpool to work, this percentage remains low compared to most neighborhoods throughout Forsyth County. Close to eight percent of residents rely on Winston-Salem's public transportation services. The Winston-Salem Transit Authority operates the City View route hourly between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Buses leave from Old Greensboro Road.

Taxi companies and Uber both operate within the City View neighborhood. Commuters heading to downtown Winston-Salem take Old Greensboro Road west to East 5th Street. Interstate 40 can be reached in about 10 minutes from City View. Drivers must head south on U.S. Route 311 for a little over five miles to get to an on-ramp.

Residents and visitors may park along residential streets throughout the neighborhood. Bike lanes are available along Old Greensboro Road and New Walkertown Road.

Winston-Salem's Park and Recreation department operates 74 parks. Skyland Park lies in the heart of City View and follows the Brushy Fork creek as it meanders through the neighborhood. This green space appeals to many families looking to get outdoors, enjoy the playground, and run around on the open fields. Nearby, the Brushy Creek Greenway provides residents with paved walking trails along the scenic creek. Neither facility charges an entrance fee, and both welcome dogs, bikes, and skates.

Winston-Salem hosts a number of wonderful seasonal festivals throughout the year. Apple Fest at Bethabara Park remains one of the most popular family-friendly events of the year. Games, rides, live entertainment, tasty fair food, and even colonial reenactments keep the whole family busy during this eventful Saturday in September. The Tanglewood Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park celebrates the holiday season with thousands of lights, decorations, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

City View residents pay the same in cost of living expenses as most others throughout the city of Winston-Salem. Most costs, including transportation, utilities, and housing, remain steady within the Piedmont Triad. Housing costs in Winston-Salem average 22 percent below the national average, and renters in City View pay around $540 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

Transportation expenses in City View remain lower than the national average. Bus transportation through the Winston-Salem Transit Authority costs riders $1 each way, while gas prices run two percent below the national average. Bar patrons enjoying a pint of local beer from Foothills or Natty Green's pay between $4 and $5.

Residents of City View head southwest toward downtown Winston-Salem to Eastway Plaza for shopping. Nearby Hanes Mall provides a terrific selection of name-brand stores. The anchor stores are Macy's, Dillard's, Belk, and Sears.

If your pet needs some new toys, food, or accessories, just west of City View is Wag Boutique. Located less than 10 minutes away, this pet store sells the products to keep your pet happy, and it can tempt you into adopting a new pet when the boutique hosts local pooches from the nearby dog rescue.

Locals head south along New Walkertown Road to purchase groceries at Food Lion. The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, one of only four state-operated markets, lies on Sandy Ridge Road 14 miles east of City View. This market, one of the largest in state, remains open seven days a week all year long.