Is Northside safe?

“Go with care. While Northside features established neighborhood hubs, historic community spaces, and longtime local dining institutions, the area records elevated rates of violent and property crime relative to the broader Piedmont Triad region. Daytime visits to specific businesses are generally straightforward, but visitors should exercise heightened awareness and avoid unlit side streets after dark.”

Local community leaders and Winston-Salem police have maintained targeted outreach and patrols along major northern corridors to curb sporadic gun violence and nighttime property offenses.

Northside is an urban residential and mixed-use district positioned just north of Downtown Winston-Salem. It is characterized by modest single-family homes, light industrial parcels, and commercial thoroughfares like Patterson Avenue and North Liberty Street. The area offers an authentic slice of Winston-Salem's working-class heritage alongside active community revitalization efforts.

• Residential
• Car-Dependent
• Working-Class
• Historic

Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 38/100

Protected bike lanes are scarce along high-speed corridors like University Parkway and Patterson Avenue, but the Long Branch Trail and Salem Creek Greenway can be reached a short distance south toward downtown.

Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate, mainly observed intermittently near bus shelters and commercial plazas along main thoroughfares; major shelter facilities are situated further south in the downtown core.

Morning · 5a – 11a

Calm and primarily residential as local workers and school buses move through the neighborhood.

Afternoon · 11a – 5p

Moderate activity around retail plazas and dining establishments with a standard daytime presence.

Evening · 5p – 10p

Commercial traffic slows down quickly after twilight, and quiet residential corridors warrant extra caution.

Late night · 10p – 5a

Walking alone is not recommended late at night due to higher crime risks and low pedestrian visibility.

The Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) serves the neighborhood via local routes including Routes 90, 92, and 95, terminating at the Clark Campbell Transportation Center downtown; there is no regional passenger rail.

Street parking is free and readily available throughout residential roads, and local businesses offer dedicated off-street surface parking lots with zero fees.

• Enjoy outdoor recreation, athletic fields, and community events at Kimberley Park.
• Sample legendary local Carolina barbecue and southern staples along the northern corridors.
• Visit the historic Shell Oil Clamshell Station, a unique preserved 1930s landmark located just north on Sprague/Peacock area.

• Pulliam's Barbecue · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (1250)
  Historic, no-frills institution serving acclaimed wood-smoked pulled pork and signature slaw dogs since 1910.
• Ted's Famous Chicken · Southern / Fast Food · 4.3★ (880)
  Beloved local counter-service stop famous for seasoned fried chicken, tenders, and traditional southern fixings.
• Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill · Mexican Restaurant · 4.4★ (2100)
  Lively regional favorite offering generous plates of classic Mexican fare, fajitas, and margaritas.