Country-like living along Winston-Salem’s northern city limits
Rolling hills framed by fences, horse stables and quiet two-lane roads passing by swaths of forest and farmland. These are the familiar sights in North Haven/Swink Acres, resting on Winston-Salem’s woodsy north side. As the name indicates, this neighborhood began as two separate communities that slowly merged. Today, North Haven/Swink Acres balances its bucolic charm with suburban convenience. A big retail center is close by, and downtown is about 10 miles away. “If you’re retiring, it’s a great place,” says Tina Whiteheart, a longtime Winston-Salem resident and Realtor with Park Place Real Estate. “You get a lot more land for your money.” She adds that buyers often say the neighborhood is too far out, but a newly added piece of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway creates more connectivity for commuters.
The NC Mountains are just a 30-minute drive from North Haven/Swink Acres.
In North Haven/Swink Acres, horses relish frolicking in the warm morning sun.
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Midcentury homes on half-acre lots
In North Haven/Swink Acres, midcentury ranch-style homes, split-levels and bi-levels are most common, with Colonial Revivals from the 1990s and early 2000s joining a growing number of newly built homes. Properties sit along narrow, unmarked roads sparsely lit by streetlights. Space and seclusion are the selling points, as the wide-open 1/2-acre lots here are hugged by forest. Homes sit back from the road, with mature shade trees dotting front yards adorned with birdbaths and flowering shrubs. Long driveways lead into attached garages, and homes often have covered front porches decorated with rocking chairs and swinging benches. Most properties cost between $200,000 and $375,000, but homes needing complete renovation can list in the $100,000s.
Potential buyers should note that a large landfill and recycling center sits along the neighborhood's east side, separated from homes by dense forest. Samantha Mosley, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Elite who lives near the neighborhood, says the impact is minimal, with many people driving right by it without knowing it’s there.
Homes in North Haven/Swink Acres are situated on large, wooded lots.
A lawn in North Haven/Swink Acres is adorned with holiday decorations.
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North Forsyth High offers a unique magnet program
Julian Gibson Elementary is within a 2 ½-mile drive of most homes. Earning a C-plus rating from Niche, the school encourages family involvement through regular teacher meet-and-greets, an annual Grandparents Day lunch, a fall carnival and a spring Sneaker Ball. The C-plus-rated Northwest Middle sits inside the neighborhood and features a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab fitted with 3D printers, robotics tools and computers for coding. North Forsyth High, the district’s one-of-a-kind health science magnet school, is less than 5 miles away. Earning a C-plus, the school features a new wing for the health science program that opened in April 2023. Students can choose from three pathways: health science, animal science and health care. The A-minus-rated Winston Salem Christian School is the closest private option, about 7 miles away.
North Forsythe High prepares North Haven/Swink Acres students for college.
Students from North Haven/Swink Acres continue education at North West Middle School.
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Long Creek Park was once a golf course
Nelson Malloy Park is just over a mile from the community’s south side. Popular in the summer for its splash pad and grill, this small green space also features a playground with interactive elements like chimes and gears. Soccer is a big to-do in this part of town, with the Sara Lee Soccer Complex and Hines Soccer Park only a short drive from the neighborhood. Though a farther drive, Historic Bethabara Park blends Winston-Salem history with nature. Built around a Moravian village dating to 1753, the park offers reenactments, self-guided tours and hiking trails. Another unique spot for hikes sits west of North Haven/Swink Acres. The expansive Long Creek Park was originally a golf course. Today, visitors can hike along the aging golf course trail that crosses over Muddy Creek and passes through patches of forest. The park also has a public pool. The closest active golf course is at Maple Chase Golf and Country Club, featuring 18 holes designed by well-known course architect Ellis Maples. The nearby Fulton Family YMCA is considered a vital resource for the community, hosting the TYDE swim team, after-school programs and summer camps.
North Haven/Swink Acres residents enjoy the hiking trails in Bethabara Park.
You can get a great history lesson while exploring the Historic Bethabara Park.
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A short drive to Oak Summit Shopping Center
While the neighborhood feels tucked away, it’s only a 3-mile drive to the shopping centers and retailers clustered around University Parkway and East Hanes Mill Road. Walmart Supercenter anchors Oak Summit, which features Marshalls, Dollar Tree and PetSmart, while Sam’s Club and Lowe’s Home Improvement are the big names at North Summit Square. The shopping center is also home to Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park, offering adrenaline-pumping activities, from jumping on trampolines to obstacle courses. A more relaxed atmosphere is found nearby at The Grand Winston-Salem movie theater, which shows blockbusters on Imax. Restaurants in this area are largely recognizable chains like Chili’s Grill & Bar, Dairi-O and Panda Express, but a few local eateries and Carolina-based franchises are available. Clutch Coffee Bar is the morning drive-through spot for an iced latte or smoothie. El Torero Mexicano pairs authentic Mexican cuisine with frozen margaritas, while Silvia's Honey Tree creates a cozy atmosphere for Italian fare.
Old Richmond Grill's daily specials attract lunch crowds near North Haven/Swink Acres.
Residents of North Haven/Swink Acres enjoy lunch and dinner options at Old Richmond Grill.
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A section of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway is now open
Commuters can take advantage of a newly completed section of the Winston-Salem Northern Beltway, which connects U.S. Route 52 to Interstate 74. Route 52 provides a direct route into Downtown Winston-Salem, about 10 miles south of the neighborhood. Due to the highway's popularity, Whiteheart says residents will have to contend with traffic congestion during peak commute times. “That drive on 52 could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic or accidents.” I-74 can be used to reach Piedmont Triad International Airport, about 30 miles east. While North Haven/Swink Acres is largely car-dependent, Winston-Salem Transit Authority bus stops are available along Shattalon Drive and Bethania Station Road.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Sapp,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Nelson L. Malloy Jr Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Oak Summit Park
Horizons Park
Hine Soccer Park
Soccer
Parking Lot
Historic Bethabara Park
Trails
Parking Lot
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
North Haven/Swink Acres
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Haven/Swink Acres, Winston-Salem sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in North Haven/Swink Acres, Winston-Salem over the last 12 months is $292,550, up 16% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$289,000
Median Single Family Price
$289,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$162
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median List Price
$322,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-1%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
250
Median Year Built
1971
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,725
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,780
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Sapp,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
879
Median Age
48
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$74,673
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,895
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.7%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.1%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14%
% Population in Labor Force
62.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
31°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
2/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
