If you’re thinking about moving to Greensboro, you’re in for a treat. It’s full of picturesque views, mild weather and plenty of charm. And while it’s North Carolina’s third-largest city, residents aren’t surprised when they bump into someone they know. It may be hard to imagine a city of over 300,000 people having a close community feel, but it’s true: community thrives in Greensboro. (Maybe it’s a touch of that Southern charm.)
Don’t think that that small-town feel means you’ll be sacrificing big city amenities, though. No, Greensboro boasts modern urban amenities, a thriving arts scene, plenty of good ol’ sports and a rich history and culture you’ll love. It’s no wonder this once-hidden gem is among the best places to live in North Carolina (and in the U.S.).
Keep reading to learn more about what it’s like living in Greensboro.
Living in Greensboro
Although Greensboro was once known as “Gate City” for its reputation as a robust railway hub and transportation center, today it feels like a gateway to other cultures. Let’s talk food, for example. While you’re going to get a taste of that Southern comfort here, Greensboro also has a wide range of international cuisine. From Kingdom Cafe African Restaurant to Bandito Bodega’s Latin American-Asian fusion, there’s plenty to taste.
Of course, the city also has a rich history. The Civil Rights Center & Museum is in the former Woolworth’s where the pivotal Greensboro sit-ins took place during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, and the Greensboro History Museum is a great spot to learn more about your new home.
Art lovers will want to visit the Greensboro Cultural Center, the Center for Visual Artists, Guilford Native American Art Gallery and more. Or, if you prefer a show, check out the Carolina Theater, Community Theatre of Greensboro, the Greensboro Ballet and Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.
Greensboro Economy
There are a variety of job opportunities for seekers moving to Greensboro. Top industries include education, healthcare, aviation and financial services, though technology-based industries are on the rise, as well as life sciences and advanced materials.
The top employers tend to be in education and government, with Guilford County Schools employing over 10,000 people in the county alone. Other major employers include UPS, HAECO, Ralph Lauren and Honda Aircraft Co.
Although the Greensboro-High Point region saw a slight uptick in its unemployment rate this spring, that rate trended downward again in April 2024, when it was recorded at just 3.7 percent.
Cost of Living in Greensboro
Although Greensboro is becoming one of the hotter cities to move to, its cost of living has remained 7.5 percent lower than North Carolina averages and nearly 16 percent lower than the U.S. average. The city comes in lower in just about every major expense category, with housing taking the cake.
In April 2024, the median home sale price was $284,000. While that is up compared to Greensboro prices a year prior, it’s nearly $150,000 lower than the U.S. median the same month. Although Greensboro’s home market is still considered somewhat competitive, homes are staying on the market lower, with more of them seeing price drops than in 2023.
If you’re looking to rent instead, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment was just $1,014 in June 2024, with a two-bedroom costing just a bit more at $1,130.
This low cost of living is key, as the income expectancy in Greensboro leaves something to be desired. As of the most recent census data, the median household income was about $20,000 less than U.S. numbers at just $55,051.
Best Neighborhoods in Greensboro
Greensboro is made up of a variety of neighborhoods, many that are pedestrian-friendly and almost all of which offer green space in which to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for easy access to the downtown area or you want a quiet lifestyle, there’s a neighborhood for you. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Greensboro:
- Fisher Park: Greensboro’s first suburb is now one of its most popular neighborhoods. Family-friendly parks are full of trails and playgrounds, and for a night out there are great restaurants and breweries.
- College Hill: Located near the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and within walking distance of Downtown, this eclectic neighborhood is great for students, professors and families. It is full of stunning Victorian architecture, single-family homes, coffee shops and more.
- Lindley Park: Considered one of the city’s best neighborhoods for families, Lindley Park is home to the Greensboro Arboretum, plenty of fun parks, popular restaurants and a weekly farmers’ market. The community also throws several events, such as the annual Spring Fling.
- Adams Farm: This growing neighborhood is known for its safety, tranquility and recreation. Residents here enjoy fishing on Adams Lake, walking trails and proximity to Downtown.
- Summerfield: Technically a suburb, Summerfield is a former farm town turned flourishing community. It still provides that small-town feel of a farm town and is now known for its good schools, single-family homes and family-friendly dining.
Transportation in Greensboro
Greensboro residents have been vocal about wanting the city to invest more in its public transportation, and officials hope the future is more “car-optional” for residents and commuters with its GoBORO plan. Currently, although there is no subway system within Greensboro, the Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA) operates 19 bus routes that run daily. You can also hitch a ride to nearby cities on buses run by the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation.
While there are areas of the city that are walkable and bikeable, most errands will require having access to a car. Surprisingly, drivers in Greensboro don’t deal with terrible traffic compared to other major metros in the U.S.—TomTom clocks that drivers here spend two-thirds less time in traffic than New Yorkers do.
Education in Greensboro
Greensboro is a college town, home to over 55,000 students. It’s no surprise with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Guilford College, Bennett College and Greensboro College all based in the city. Duke is also less than an hour away by car.
For those moving to Greensboro with kids, Guilford County Schools serve nearly 70,000 PK-12 students. Two of its high schools, The Early College at Guilford and STEM Early College at N.C. A&T, ranked in the top 100 in a list of the best high schools in the U.S.
If you prefer to look into private schools, the state senate recently put through legislation to fund more K-12 students to attend private schools.
Greensboro Weather
Although you’ll still experience the four seasons living in Greensboro, the weather tends not to get too extreme. You’ll want an umbrella nearby in case of a rain shower, but there are over 200 days full of sunshine (perfect to enjoy the many outdoor excursions in and around the city).
July is the hottest month with an average high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with January colds reaching an average low of 32 degrees.
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Greensboro
Greensboro is a city of art, culture, history and good barbecue. You’ll also find great breweries, unique shopping and plenty to do with the kids. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in Gate City:
- Get to know the history of your new city at the Greensboro History Museum, housed within a historic former church.
- See the sights with a ride on the Gate City trolley tour.
- Furnish your new home with stuff from the Antique Market Place, a 45,000-square-foot mall with over 170 stalls full of unique items.
- Take the kids (or yourself) for a day of fun at Celebration Station, an entertainment complex offering go-karting, laser tag, arcade games and more.
- Connect with nature at Bog Garden at Benjamin Park, full of sculptures, an elevated boardwalk and the beautiful Serenity Falls.
- Take a stroll through Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, a tribute to the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
- Grab a pint of Boar Brown Ale at the swine-themed microbrewery, Pig Pounder.
- Visit the International Civil Rights Center and Museum for an understanding of the city’s Civil Rights history.
- Visit the GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art, a cultural hub dedicated to established and emerging artists from the state.
- Chow down on some smokey barbecue—a must-eat in North Carolina.
