Don't call it a town, city or even a census-designated place! Clemmons is a village and proud of the title. Even the town's logo sports a charming horse and buggy!
Just west of the bustling city of Winston-Salem, the village of Clemmons is a lovely respite from the ever-growing urban sprawl that seems to extend further each year
Don't call it a town, city or even a census-designated place! Clemmons is a village and proud of the title. Even the town's logo sports a charming horse and buggy!
Just west of the bustling city of Winston-Salem, the village of Clemmons is a lovely respite from the ever-growing urban sprawl that seems to extend further each year. With a population of 18,627 as of the 2010 census, Clemmons has grown quite a bit since its founding in 1802. Back then, it was called Clemmonsville. While much of that recent growth is because of its proximity to Winston-Salem's quarter of a million residents, Clemmons has also worked hard to preserve its small size and strong community within just 12 square miles.
Most people who live in Clemmons work in Winston-Salem. The commute isn't bad at all - just about 15 minutes during the morning rush, and the benefits of living here more than make up for this short drive. Brand spankin' new apartment complexes aren't common here, but they are more prevalent along Stratford Road on the eastern side of the village.
When you plan on moving to Clemmons, it's a smart idea to gather your important documents so nothing slips through the cracks. Because it's a small community, chances are you'll be competing against people the landlord -- or the landlord's family -- has known for years. Make sure there's no reason for your application to be turned down. Make sure your credit report is in the best shape it can be, and that you have a complete employment history. Show proof of employment, or at least a letter from your new employer if you're moving for work. It might take you a few weeks to find a place to live, but you'll soon find a great place in a great town, er, village.
Below are some of Clemmons' notable neighborhoods. Be sure to research them before moving to see which one tickles your fancy.
West Bend: Between Hwy 421 and I-40 in the northern tip of the village, West Bend is a great spot to score a newer, larger home if you're looking for places to rent in Clemmons.
Fair Oaks: Originally a plantation on the banks of the Yadkin River, the space has been rebuilt as subdivisions of different sized homes, some even earning the name "estate." There are one or two premier apartments here, if that's what you're looking for.
Tanglewood Park: Although the park takes up much of the space in this part of town, there are well-established communities in this area, including some with rental apts. I-40 forms the northern border, so it's super-easy to get around from this spot.
Clemmons Station: While this older area has a mixture of homes and apartments, it's still predominantly an owner-occupied area. You can find some rental homes in this area, but it'll take some searching.
Winston-Salem is just 10 miles east of Clemmons and easily reached via either I-40 or Stratford Road. Once in Winston, you can spend time shopping at Hanes Mall (one of the largest shopping malls in the Carolinas), tour the historic Salem Village or explore Bethabara Park. Both are recreations of long-ago life. Be sure to visit downtown Winston, which is rife with the arts -- the city is known as "The City of the Arts," in fact. Another option is stay in town and head to the west side of Clemmons to Tanglewood Park. Donated to Forsyth County by the Reynolds family, the park has horseback riding, championship golf, trails and even a reputedly haunted inn. Ghost hunters and nature lovers rejoice! It's also the site of the annual Festival of Lights, the largest holiday light display in the Southeast.
While Clemmons is a great place to live, if you want to shop at large chain stores, you'll need to make that short drive into Winston-Salem. Chain restaurants are in Winston as well, but a few are starting to pop up in the village. Local shopping and restaurants can be found right at home, with plenty of boutique stores and great cafes.
