16 Pros and Cons of Living in Greensboro, NC

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Located right in the heart of North Carolina is Greensboro.

Greensboro is a great city to move to if you’re looking for an equal mixture of affordability, southern hospitality, and residents who simply take care of their communities.

Greensboro also has a bustling economy and a lot of history.

However, Greensboro also has several drawbacks.

So, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons if you’re considering making a move to Greensboro.

Pros of Living in Greensboro, NC

There are so many things to simply adore about living in Greensboro.

Here is a list of some of the many reasons to consider taking the leap.

1. Affordable Living

Affordability is one of the biggest factors many people take into consideration before moving to a new town.

Greensboro has a substantially lower cost of living compared to other areas in the country.

For instance, the average cost of a home in Greensboro is $285,150.

This is nearly $140,000 less than the national average.

Furthermore, if you’re looking to rent, the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom in the city is $1,082.

This is also much lower than the national average.

2. Plenty of Things to do Outdoors

Greensboro is located in a lovely area.

This makes it ideal for taking part in outdoor activities.

Greensboro has plenty of trails, parks, and other locations, such as Bur-Milk Park and Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy biking, walking, running, hiking, and more.

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, you can check out Morrow Mountain State Park or Uwharrie National Forest.

3. Variety of Events

The people who live in Greensboro really love and care for their communities.

Greensboro also hosts various events for those who live here, including concerts, markets, parades, and much more.

These events take place throughout the year.

Some of the most notable events are the Festival of Lights, Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, Greensboro Food Truck Festival, and the Summer Solstice Festival.

Furthermore, there are many studios and art galleries to check out every first Friday of the month in downtown Greensboro.

4. Prime Location

Greensboro is located in an excellent location, making it convenient for those looking to check out other areas within the state.

For example, it’s within close driving distance to the Outer Banks, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the towns of Charlotte and Raleigh.

If you’re looking for the perfect opportunity for a nice weekend getaway or to check out an event, you’ll be satisfied with your location.

5. Known for Lively Arts & Culture Scene

If you consider yourself an artsy person, you’re going to love the vibrant arts and culture scene in Greensboro.

There are many theaters, museums, art galleries, and more located right in the city.

Some of the most popular arts and culture destinations include the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the Greensboro Science Center, and the Carolina Theater.

There are many things for both children and adults to explore.

6. Bike-Friendly Town

Are you looking to move to a city that is bike-friendly?

Well, you’re in luck!

One of the biggest benefits of living in Greensboro is that it’s perfect for bicyclists.

The town is extremely easy to navigate if you own a bike and use it as your main mode of transportation.

There are plenty of bike lanes in the city as well.

If you plan on relying heavily on your bike, make sure that you are within close distance of the center of the city.

7. Thriving Job Market

Greensboro is a perfect city to find a job.

In fact, it’s been ranked by Forbes as one of the best cities for job opportunities.

Additionally, Greensboro has one of the fastest-growing employment rates in the state and country.

If you’re looking for manufacturing jobs, Greensboro is a great place to live.

Furthermore, if your job market is within the logistics or technology industries, you’ll find plenty of job openings in Greensboro.

8. Excellent for High Education

Greensboro has more to offer than just parks and museums.

There’s an excellent education system here as well.

In total, there are about five local colleges and universities.

That alone brings a different feel to the city.

UNC Greensboro is located in the city.

There are various undergraduate and graduate programs available here.

Also, North Carolina A & T University is located in Greensboro as well.

It’s perfect for those with agriculture and engineering majors.

Cons of Living in Greensboro, NC

Just like any other city, there are also some disadvantages to living in Greensboro.

Here are several to take into consideration.

1. Lacks Public Transportation

The only public transportation system in Greensboro is known as the GTA.

However, it’s not as considerable as other transit systems in bigger cities.

Also, there is no railway or subway system in Greensboro.

So, what does this mean for you?

Chances are high that you’ll have to largely rely on your own vehicle to get around the city.

As mentioned earlier, biking is also an option if you aren’t big on driving.

2. Low Walk Score

Greensboro is not a pedestrian-friendly town.

So, while you can walk just for exercise, don’t plan on walking to run errands.

The Walkscore in Greensboro is only 29, which means you’re going to need a vehicle to take care of your shopping and other errands.

Additionally, many residents are not too fond of walking long distances in the summer due to the humid weather.

3. Harsh Summer Weather

If hot and humid weather isn’t your thing, you may want to reconsider moving to Greensboro.

While other seasons can be quite pleasant here, the summers can be dreadful.

Summers in the city can surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furthermore, Greensboro is at a high risk of seeing severe weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and thunderstorms due to its central location.

While hurricanes are rare in Greensboro, the area is still prone to seeing threatening rain and storms.

4. Limited Nightlife Scene

Greensboro has a wide variety of restaurants, entertainment locations, bars, and more.

However, if you’re looking for a vigorous nightlife scene, you may be highly disappointed to know there aren’t as many options.

So, if you’re looking for a night out on the town, you can check out some of these limited options, such as Elm Street Lounge, The Bearded Goat, and Boxcar Bar and Arcade.

5. Lacks Job Diversity

While there are plenty of job opportunities in Greensboro, this statement pertains to only certain industries.

For example, if your job industry is healthcare, manufacturing, or education, you can find plenty of job openings.

However, other fields of work may be extremely limited.

If you don’t mind traveling to nearby towns such as Charlotte or Raleigh, you may find a more robust job market.

6. High Crime Rate

Greensboro has a lot to offer residents who live here.

However, the city has a higher-than-average crime rate.

The crime rate in Greensboro is 47.2, compared to the national average of 22.7.

Some of the rougher areas in Greensboro are on the south and east sides.

But crime can still occur anywhere else around the city.

Also, Greensboro isn’t considered as safe as neighboring towns such as Raleigh.

The safest areas in Greensboro are the northwest and west sides of town.

7. Property Taxes Are High

Another downside of living in Greensboro is dealing with high property taxes.

You can expect a 4-cent increase in property taxes.

This means that by 2024, you will be paying 67.25 cents for every $100 of the value of your home.

This is something to consider if you’re considering purchasing a home in Greensboro.

On the bright side, higher taxes sometimes mean great services within the city.

But you will still have to save up a nice amount of money just to pay your taxes.

8. Low Median Income

If you’re planning on starting over with a new job, Greensboro may not be the best city for you.

This is mainly due to the low median income here.

While the jobs here will definitely get you by on paying your monthly expenses, you won’t have very much left over.

The only way to live comfortably in Greensboro is by securing a job prior to moving here.

Pros and Cons of Living in Greensboro, NC – Summary Table

Greensboro Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Greensboro Safety Review

Safety Index:

77

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW