Overview of Findings
Apartment List has released Winston Salem’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.
"Winston Salem renters expressed general satisfaction with the city overall," according to Apartment List. "They gave most categories above average scores."
Key findings in Winston Salem include the following:
- Winston Salem renters gave their city a B overall.
- The highest-rated categories for Winston Salem were affordability (A+), weather (A), social life (A) and pet-friendliness (A).
- The areas of concern to Winston Salem renters are recreational activities (B-), jobs and career opportunities (B), safety and low crime rate (B) and state and local taxes (B).
- Winston Salem did relatively poorly compared to other cities in North Carolina, including Charlotte (A-), Raleigh (A) and Asheville (A).
- Winston Salem earned similar scores to other cities nationwide, including Atlanta, GA (B), Portland, OR (B) and Dallas, TX (B).
- The top rated cities nationwide for renter satisfaction include Scottsdale, AZ, Irvine, CA, Boulder, CO and Ann Arbor, MI. The lowest rated cities include Tallahassee, FL, Stockton, CA, Dayton, OH, Detroit, MI and Newark, NJ.
Renters say:
- "It’s a small town but the downtown is cool and there are a lot of parks." – Regan C.
- "Great people, culture and faith community. There is a lot to do. The area is well kept. Healthy living is common practice." – Jesse H.
- "I wish it was safer to walk or jog." – Anon.
- "New bars and restaurants seem to be opening every day. Winston Salem is growing and evolving. I love the diversity here and the thriving arts scene. Many of the old mills and factories are being renovated and turned into lofts and apartments." – Jessica S.
For more information on the survey methodology and findings or to speak to one of our researchers, please contact our team at rentonomics@apartmentlist.com.
