Is Hunters Trace safe?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Hunters Trace as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Hunters Trace
“Go with care. Hunters Trace is a quiet, primarily residential neighborhood in northern Winston-Salem that is generally safe for daytime visits and quiet stays. Visitors should take standard suburban precautions regarding vehicle security and remain alert after dark near nearby commercial arterials.”
About the area
Hunters Trace is a low-density suburban enclave in northern Winston-Salem composed of single-family subdivisions, townhomes, and quiet cul-de-sacs. Situated just off major transit corridors near University Parkway, it offers peaceful living with fast access to North Point retail amenities.
- Suburban
- Quiet
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Friendly
Walking and biking in Hunters Trace
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes in the neighborhood, and it does not connect directly to the city greenway network, limiting biking to neighborhood streets.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates than central and eastern Winston-Salem districts
- Peaceful suburban atmosphere with minimal through-traffic inside the subdivisions
- Convenient access to essential retail, grocery stores, and dining along University Parkway
Cons
- Heavily car-dependent layout with sparse pedestrian sidewalk connections
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins in residential parking
- Limited street lighting on secondary residential roads after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Hunters Trace itself, though occasional panhandling is seen at high-traffic commercial intersections along University Parkway.
What Hunters Trace is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with residents walking dogs and starting their daily commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and low-activity, feeling safe for walking and routine outdoor activities.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Settled and calm, though reduced lighting means carrying a light is advisable for walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet with minimal foot traffic; visitors should ensure vehicles and doors are locked.
Transit, parking and getting around
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) operates bus routes along nearby University Parkway, though service directly penetrating the neighborhood streets is minimal.
Parking is completely free and widely available via private driveways and unmetered residential street parking.
Things to do in Hunters Trace
- Explore the walking trails, historic buildings, and wildlife at nearby Historic Bethabara Park
- Browse local shopping centers and dining options along the University Parkway corridor
- Catch youth sports games or open field recreation at the nearby Sara Lee Soccer Complex
Local favorites
- Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (2250)Popular local family-run eatery serving classic Mexican platters, fajitas, and margaritas.
- Cagney's Kitchen · American Restaurant · 4.4★ (1820)Comfortable diner known for hearty Southern breakfasts, homestyle lunches, and quick service.
- Sabor Latin Street Grill · Latin American Restaurant · 4.5★ (760)Casual counter-service spot offering authentic street tacos, arepas, empanadas, and burritos.
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.