Is Forest Oaks safe?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Forest Oaks as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Forest Oaks
“Go. Forest Oaks is a quiet, low-density residential community in southern Winston-Salem with relatively low rates of violent crime. While normal precautions against opportunistic property theft are advised, visitors have little reason for concern during day-to-day visits.”
About the area
Forest Oaks is an established suburban neighborhood characterized by mid-century and late-20th-century single-family homes on spacious, wooded lots. Located south of downtown Winston-Salem, it offers a peaceful, commuter-friendly setting with convenient access to major thoroughfares like Silas Creek Parkway and Peters Creek Parkway.
- Suburban
- Quiet / Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Wooded
Walking and biking in Forest Oaks
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 26/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes within the neighborhood or direct bike-share stations, but the nearby Salem Creek Greenway offers dedicated off-street multi-use trail access a short drive away.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are notably lower than the Winston-Salem citywide average.
- High homeownership rate fostering neighborhood stability and well-maintained properties.
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets suitable for daytime walking and family activities.
- Convenient driving access to shopping, medical centers, and downtown amenities.
Cons
- Isolated incidents of property crime such as unlocked vehicle break-ins occur periodically.
- Car dependency is high, with virtually no retail or dining within walking distance.
- Lack of continuous sidewalks and dedicated street lighting on several interior streets.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually non-existent within the interior residential streets of Forest Oaks, though occasional panhandling may occur at larger commercial intersections along surrounding parkways.
What Forest Oaks is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with light neighborhood traffic as residents commute to work and school.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet, ideal for yard work or walking pets along low-traffic residential roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Settled and secure, though the absence of sidewalks on some streets warrants reflective gear if walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low activity; violent crime is rare, but standard vehicle-locking precautions apply.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by the Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA), though bus routes run primarily along outer arterial corridors like Peters Creek Parkway with limited interior neighborhood frequency; there is no light rail or BRT system.
Ample and free driveway and residential street parking is standard throughout the subdivision without parking decks, meters, or residential permit restrictions.
Things to do in Forest Oaks
- Take a short drive to explore Washington Park and its expansive green spaces and playgrounds.
- Visit the nearby historic Old Salem Museums & Gardens just minutes north.
- Enjoy outdoor walking and cycling along the Salem Creek Greenway accessible nearby.
Local favorites
- Little Richard's Barbeque · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.5★ (2350)A regional favorite serving traditional Lexington-style hickory-smoked barbecue and southern sides.
- Cagney's Kitchen · Diner / American Restaurant · 4.3★ (1420)Long-running local diner offering hearty breakfast plates, burgers, and classic comfort food.
- Mario's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.4★ (680)Casual neighborhood pizzeria dishing out New York-style pies, calzones, and subs.
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.