Due to the many parks, restaurants, and family-friendly homes, a lot of people say that living here feels like living in a suburb. While this is certainly true and is something that people here are incredibly proud of, many people also say that they have the opportunity to make it feel like the country. With the Appalachian Mountains, Hanging Rock, and Pilot Mountain State Parks all within reach, the benefits of living in Greensboro don’t just end at the city's borders. The city is dedicated to the environment more than you might expect for a southern city, implementing eco-friendly initiatives to protect this great outdoors.

This city is geared towards families and college students, there are several solid colleges here, which is a plus, but if you’re single and in your mid-late 20s/early 30s, you might find Greensboro alienating.



Getting out there!

LookyLOO Review of Greensboro

Greensboro is more small town than a big city. The downtown is growing but it remains more suburban than urban. The lifestyle here is quiet and kind, particularly for families. To some degree, some of what makes Greensboro special is the beauty of the area. There are huge parks and greenery, lakes in the city and so there is plenty of options for hiking, biking, and boating. If you enjoy the outdoors within the city then you’re going to love how the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coast are just a few hours away. 

If you're curious what locals do for culture and play check out the Greensboro [**calendar of events**](https://www.downtowngreensboro.org/events/).


Lifestyle

Greensboro's economy historically revolved around manufacturing, textiles, and tobacco. However, over the past few decades, the city has transitioned into a more diversified economic base, incorporating sectors such as higher education, healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

Key Employment Sectors:
-Manufacturing: Greensboro remains a hub for manufacturing, though the focus has shifted from textiles to advanced manufacturing and other high-tech industries. Aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing are particularly important.

-Healthcare: Healthcare is one of the largest sectors, with numerous hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations serving the area. The healthcare industry in Greensboro has grown significantly, both in terms of employment and economic impact.

-Education: Greensboro is home to several major educational institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), North Carolina A&T State University, and Guilford College. These institutions not only provide employment but also contribute to the local economy through research, innovation, and workforce development.

-Logistics and Transportation: The city's location near major highways and railways makes it a logistics hub. Greensboro is a significant part of the Piedmont Triad region, which has strong connections to transportation and logistics companies. FedEx operates a large hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport, further supporting this sector.

-Finance and Business Services: Business and financial services, including banking, insurance, and legal services, are growing sectors. Greensboro is part of the larger Piedmont Triad metropolitan area, where corporate and administrative services are key employers.

-Hospitality and Tourism: Greensboro has a growing tourism and hospitality industry, driven by its history, cultural events, and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, which attracts concerts, sports events, and conventions.

Worklife

Greensboro is part of the [**Guilford County School District**](gcsnc.com/guilford). It rates a [**"B+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/d/guilford-county-schools-nc/) with particularly high grades for College Prep and Diversity. 

Placement in Guilford District is based on geography, although student circumstances and needs can lead to alternative assignments and high school-level magnets admittance is based on applications. 

There are highly-rated schools in the district spread throughout the city. A few of the highest-rated include:

-[**The Early College at Guilford**](gcsnc.com/early_college_at_guilford) is the highest-rated magnet in North Carolina. It rates an [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/the-early-college-at-guilford-greensboro-nc/). It receives high grades for Academics, Teachers, College Prep, and Administration. 
-[**Greensboro Day School**](greensboroday.org) is the highest-rated private school in the Greensboro Area. It rates and [**"A+" on niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/k12/greensboro-day-school-greensboro-nc/). It serves k-12 and celebrates its position as a private school, "with a public purpose". 

Schools

Greensboro is growing both in terms of physical size/population and number of jobs available. There are a lot of companies moving and expanding here, and with a number of great schools, well-priced houses, easy access to the outdoors and more, the time has never been better to join us here in Greensboro.


We’re still Growing

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Cross_Stitch_Witch**
Living in Greensboro
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Pros

•The fascinating Revolutionary War and Civil Rights history

•Cultural diversity and lots of international food options

•Relatively affordable cost of living

•Multiple Aldi and Lidl supermarkets (German supermarkets ftw. My friends back in the PNW are insanely jealous).

•Beautiful parks, greenways, and walking trails

•Manageable traffic and ample free parking. It's just an easy city to get around by car.

•Cool annual events like the Summer Solstice and Folk festivals

•We're definitely in the Bible Belt here but the city still feels generally progressive and tolerant. I'm atheist and haven't had any issues finding similarly minded people. We're solidly "blue" in elections.

•Performing Arts options like community theater, symphony orchestras, choir performances, and Broadway touring shows. The city does an "Opus Concert Series" every year where the performances are free.

•People here are legit friendly and laid back. My SO is from the midwest and has commented many times just how nice people are here.

•It's super dog friendly!

•Our international airport. Holy god. PTI Airport is the most zen, non-busy, no-stress airport I have ever stepped foot in. I love traveling but I hate flying and PTI manages to make the whole experience so much less stressful. It's a gem, seriously.

Reviews of Greensboro from Locals

**The Best Thing About Greensboro?** Getting out there

Though Greensboro may feel like a suburb, many people there treat it like the country. It’s just a few hours from the Appalachian Mountains and Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks are nearby and there are lots of opportunities to get outside and on the numerous lakes. In fact, the entire city is dedicated to the environment, implementing eco-friendly initiatives to protect it in transit and other areas. 

**The Worst Thing About Greensboro?** Different life for different folks

Greensboro can be hard for people with less financial means. The city has a lot of history and is very diverse and is known as somewhat of a “melting pot,” but it remains unfortunately segregated and divisive. It’s also considered one of the more dangerous cities in North Carolina. 
 
 
**How You Living?** 

Families in Greensboro can have a well-balanced life with plenty to do and see, and lots of reasons to be outside. The state parks are great, and there are lots of family-oriented activities like the Greensboro Science Center, which also has a nice zoo. There are several universities close by and lots of young people infusing energy into daily life.
 
**Why You Should Move Here Now?**

Greensboro is a nice sized city and is in the process of growing. There’s no particular emphasis on any industry but people can get decent jobs and income. Also, the public schools are considered to be above the national average. 


The Downtown neighborhood and the surrounding area around UNCG are the best places to start your search for young professionals. The downtown area has been growing its base of restaurants, bars, and entertainment spots. The college area has plenty of inexpensive eats options and pubs and all of it is walkable for those looking to live where they work and socialize.
- Downtown
- UNCG Area


Young Professionals

Downtown

Charles Ayock is an interesting choice for those looking to live near downtown (just a mile) but who want a bit more quiet and more historic home options. The entire neighborhood is registered as a Historic District and the social options and Farmer’s Market and stadium means you have beautiful homes and a social and cultural scene within walking distance. Glenwood is a young, diverse neighborhood with cool creative boutique cafes, bakeries and shops, a beautiful park and community gardens for local greenery experiences. It also borders the UNCG campus for bucolic walks on the grounds. 
- Charles Ayock
- Glenwood


DINKs/SINKs

Charles Ayock

While Greensboro doesn’t have a single specifically dense neighborhood for the LGBTQ+ community there are several that are the most populated. Downtown has a combination of great housing options and LGBTQ+ - owned and friendly business and nightlife. Glenwood probably has the highest percentage of the neighborhoods with LGBTQ+ community – cool housing and a creative culture and commercial district are a big draw. Finally the Sunset Hills neighborhood is a more upscale option with plenty of beautiful single family homes. It also has plenty of food and drink options within walking distance. https://www.gayrealestate.com/news/usa/north-carolina/greensboro/greensboro-nc-gay-city-guide-a-great-place-to-call-home.html
- Downtown
- Glenwood
- Sunset Hills


LGBTQ+

If you’re a family that favors living closer to the downtown action then check out Fisher Park first. It’s built around Fisher Park so outdoor play is a big benefit of the neighborhood. It’s also filled with beautiful single-family homes, and it contains and is close to some of the best schools in the city. Lindley Park is another great option, with historic homes from the turn of last century, great schools, churches, parks and community activities to make the families who live here feel part of a community. 
- Fisher Park
- Lindley Park
- Old Irving Park


Families

Fisher Park

Greensboro

**Better-Pineapple-780**
Living in Greensboro
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I moved here from the Chicago NW Suburbs (Cary/FRG) and I love this size city. I'm a widow and I feel totally safe walking around downtown Greensboro but I don't stay out past midnight. You just have to be smart just like you would if you were walking in downtown Chicago. You'll love the lower property taxes (it's all relative but lower than IL taxes for sure) and you'll love no traffic. It takes me no more than 10-15 to get anywhere in town. And the airport is super simple and you can literally park at the door and go in when you're dropping off someone. I live in the Hamilton Lakes area and can get downtown in 10 mins. I can decide to go to the minor league ball team at 6pm and still get good tickets. Its got a great music scene IMO and there's always free music at the breweries around town.

To get involved, check out the SynerG group for young professionals or the Downtown Residents Association (DRA) they always have activities going on. DGI (Downtown Greensboro Inc) also has a website with lists of events going on around town.


**notjewel**
Living in Greensboro
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

We moved here from the Houston area (love Chicago) almost 5 years ago with an 8 and 12 year old at the time.

We wanted urban and diversity and went with the 27410 zip. That one and 27408 have great neighborhoods and highly rated schools. (There are more great zips but I’m just reporting what I definitely know)

I will say, just because schools are highly rated doesn’t mean they delivered. Sternberger elementary was lovely and Morehead elementary has a great reputation as well.

Kiser Middle was terrible but my oldest thrived there. My youngest was pulled due to bullying and the school doing nothing about it. They are suppose to build an a tire new school but that’s been in the works for years.

Grimsley is the high school to which we’re zoned but my oldest got into the UNCG Middle college so I can’t give 1st hand account of that but Grimsley and Page seem to be the top schools if you’re zoned to them. (Don’t have to audition like Weaver)

Given that, when we were moving, everyone told us to look at Northwest area like Oak Ridge and Summerfield. We decided against because again, we prefer an urban environment, but my oldest has looked at the amazing resources and facilities that these northwest schools have and she’s voiced some regret that we didn’t move to that area instead.

**Mucho_MachoMan**
Living in Greensboro
1y ago
🦉🦉

Coming from Charlotte, Chicago, Norfolk and Hawaii to Greensboro (NAVY), it’s not that terrible. Much slower and easy to navigate. Schools aren’t terrible if you have kids. There are specifics areas that are not desirable and others that are. Sports aren’t super competitive. Northern to the southwest (High point area) are decent. On a clock 9-12. The southern and south east areas are more rural given that some of the north west is rural too. Downtown is not super appealing as it’s considered a college town. Not the huge choice of eating out but not horrible. Kinda big town very small city vibes. Considered MCOL but lately, given the housing crisis, I guess people think their houses are worth bigger city prices for half the options and amenities. If you’re getting Chicago pay, it’ll go far here. Area is beautiful with a few water features like oak hollow and lake lure. Not boating or swimming but fun to kayak. Beach is 3 hours and mountains are 3 hours away. So your right in the middle of vacation heaven. Trees are awesome and very “green”. Not a bad landing spot.

**Living in Greensboro NC | 5 Things You Need To Know Before Moving to Greensboro**

Greensboro, North Carolina

Just A Hike Away

Looklyloo Score: 88

Downtown

Young Professionals

Charles Ayock

DINKs/SINKs

Downtown

LGBTQ+

Fisher Park

Families