Is Ardmore 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 Ardmore as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Ardmore
“Go. Ardmore is one of Winston-Salem's safest and most charming historic residential neighborhoods. Visitors can comfortably stroll tree-lined avenues and local parks with standard, minimal urban awareness.”
About the area
Ardmore is a classic early-20th-century bungalow neighborhood situated between two of the city's largest medical complexes. Characterized by leafy streets, active neighborhood pride, and craftsman architecture, it offers a tranquil residential atmosphere close to downtown Winston-Salem.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Quiet Residential
- Medical Hub Adjacent
Walking and biking in Ardmore
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Ardmore lacks dedicated bike lanes and has hilly terrain, but quiet side streets provide manageable cycling access toward the nearby Salem Creek Greenway to the east.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are notably lower than the Winston-Salem citywide average.
- Strong homeownership, stable property values, and high civic engagement from residents.
- Direct access to Miller Park and premier healthcare facilities like Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, primarily unlocked vehicle larcenies.
- Heavier cut-through commuter traffic during medical center shift changes along Hawthorne Road.
- Inconsistent sidewalk continuity and variable lighting on some interior side streets.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within the residential core of Ardmore, with only occasional transient individuals noted near hospital perimeter corridors or main bus stops.
What Ardmore is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and safe with residents walking dogs, jogging, and commuting toward nearby medical campuses.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and relaxed, with steady, peaceful foot traffic around Miller Park and side avenues.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential ambiance where walking remains safe and comfortable.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very calm and quiet; safe overall, though side streets are dimly lit so staying aware is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) provides local bus service through routes like Route 83 and Route 103 along Hawthorne Road; there is no passenger rail or BRT system in the area.
Street parking is free and widely available on residential streets, though some blocks immediately adjacent to the hospital have posted daytime parking limitations.
Things to do in Ardmore
- Walk or picnic beneath the mature canopy and paved trails in Miller Park.
- Take an architectural walking tour of well-preserved 1920s Craftsman bungalows along Queen and Miller streets.
- Play tennis, pickleball, or use the playground facilities at the Miller Park Recreation Center.
Local favorites
- Ardmore Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.6★ (380)Cozy neighborhood gathering spot serving espresso drinks, cold brew, and local pastries.
- Stella Brew · Beer & Wine Store · 4.8★ (320)Specialty shop offering an extensive curated selection of craft beers, ciders, and natural wines.
- Bagel Station · Bagel Shop · 4.7★ (1250)Longtime local staple serving New York-style boiled and baked bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
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.