Is Arcadia safe?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Arcadia as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Arcadia
“Go. Arcadia is a tranquil, semi-rural suburban community situated just south of Winston-Salem with very low crime rates. Visitors will find a safe, spread-out residential environment where standard everyday awareness is all that is required.”
About the area
Arcadia is an unincorporated, peaceful community spanning the border of southern Forsyth County and northern Davidson County along NC Highway 150. It features rolling hills, quiet subdivisions, family-owned farms, and local community-oriented retail. The area is heavily car-dependent but offers a safe, slow-paced atmosphere.
- Quiet Suburb
- Semi-Rural
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Arcadia
Walk score: 14/100 · Bike score: 22/100
There is no bike-share infrastructure and roads lack dedicated bike lanes, making cycling suitable mainly for experienced road cyclists on rural routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to urban Winston-Salem
- High rates of homeownership and well-maintained single-family properties
- Peaceful, low-density rural and suburban atmosphere
Cons
- Very car-dependent with almost no pedestrian infrastructure or sidewalks
- Narrow two-lane roads with minimal lighting at night
- Limited public amenities, entertainment, or dining within walking distance
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Arcadia, with no established encampments or visible panhandling.
What Arcadia is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and calm with light commuter traffic along Arcadia Road and NC-150.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and safe throughout the residential lanes and strip-center parking lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Very calm with little activity outside of local dinner spots; crime remains minimal.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with very little vehicular or foot traffic; driving requires vigilance for wildlife like deer.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent in Arcadia, as Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) routes do not extend into this southern fringe; personal vehicles are essential.
Parking is abundant, free, and uncomplicated across all commercial plazas, churches, and residential driveways.
Things to do in Arcadia
- Visit local roadside farm stands and greenhouses during peak growing seasons
- Take a scenic drive through the rolling countryside along NC-150 towards Lexington
- Explore nearby golf courses and open community parks in the southern Forsyth/Davidson area
Local favorites
- Midway BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Renowned regional staple serving traditional Lexington-style wood-smoked pork BBQ and savory stew.
- Arcadia Family Restaurant · Diner · 4.4★ (420)Classic community diner offering hearty Southern breakfasts, homestyle lunches, and warm hospitality.
- Richard's Bar-B-Q · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (380)Casual roadside smokehouse known for authentic pulled pork, hushpuppies, and classic sides.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.