Is West Highlands 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 West Highlands as “Go”.
Gogo's take on West Highlands
“Go. West Highlands is one of Winston-Salem's most picturesque and peaceful historic residential neighborhoods, offering a safe environment for daytime strolls, architectural tours, and family visits. Violent crime is extremely low, making it a comfortable destination for any traveler.”
About the area
West Highlands is an affluent, tree-lined enclave known for charming mid-20th century architecture, Craftsman bungalows, and well-manicured yards. Situated just west of downtown and bordering the vibrant West End, it provides quiet residential living with easy access to the city's best dining and arts corridors.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet & Residential
- Family-Friendly
- Affluent
Walking and biking in West Highlands
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 45/100
While dedicated bike lanes within the neighborhood are sparse, residential streets have low speed limits and low traffic; cyclists can easily connect to the nearby Strollway and Salem Creek Greenway via downtown.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are exceptionally low compared to the citywide average
- High median household incomes and strong homeownership rates foster well-maintained properties
- Scenic, shaded residential streets with low traffic volumes ideal for walking
- Close proximity to downtown amenities and Miller Park recreation
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like vehicle break-ins or package theft
- Limited street lighting along some interior residential blocks at night
- Primarily residential with very few commercial or retail establishments within the neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within the residential core of West Highlands, though occasional individuals may pass along major bordering corridors connecting to downtown.
What West Highlands is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant with joggers, dog walkers, and light commuter traffic filtering through the neighborhood.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with ample shade, low vehicle speeds, and a secure environment for walking.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential as neighbors return home; streets remain safe for evening walks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and dark due to minimal commercial activity, remaining generally safe though standard night awareness applies.
Transit, parking and getting around
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) operates local bus routes like Route 85 along nearby major thoroughfares (such as 1st Street and Hawthorne Road), providing straightforward connections to the Clark Campbell Transportation Center downtown.
Street parking is free, readily available, and unmetered throughout almost all residential streets, with no parking garages needed or present in the neighborhood.
Things to do in West Highlands
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour through the shaded historic streets
- Visit neighboring Miller Park for tennis courts, walking trails, and open green space
- Walk to the edge of the West End district to explore local bakeries and bistros
Local favorites
- Camino Bakery · Bakery & Cafe · 4.6★ (1150)Popular local bakery offering artisanal breads, pastries, and specialty espresso drinks just steps away.
- Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro · Southern Restaurant · 4.7★ (1420)Upscale eatery nearby serving elevated Southern comfort food with seasonal local ingredients.
- Joyner's Bar · Cocktail Bar · 4.8★ (380)Cozy, vintage-inspired neighborhood craft cocktail lounge with an extensive whiskey and spirits list.
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.