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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Winston-Salem, NC

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Old Salem Museums Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Winston-Salem, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Winston-Salem, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Winston-Salem, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bailey Park in Winston-Salem, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Downtown Grille or visit Historic Bethabara Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Winston-Salem, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Winston-Salem, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Winston-Salem, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Heritage Woods Senior Living
  • Homestead Hills
  • Arbor Acres Asbury Place
  • Magnolia Creek
  • Brighton Gardens of WinstonSalem
  • PruittPlace Winston Salem
Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Winston-Salem, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Home Care Winston-Salem, NC

Latest News in Winston-Salem, NC

K&W Cafeteria closing permanently after being in business since 1937

K&W had five Triad locations, including two in Greensboro and two in Winston-Salem.WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — K&W Cafeteria is abruptly closing its doors after 88 years in business, according to the website."K&W has always been more than a restaurant - it has been a gathering place, a home for Sunday traditions, and a warm table for millions of families across generations. We are deeply grateful for every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, and made us part of their lives," wrote th...

K&W had five Triad locations, including two in Greensboro and two in Winston-Salem.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — K&W Cafeteria is abruptly closing its doors after 88 years in business, according to the website.

"K&W has always been more than a restaurant - it has been a gathering place, a home for Sunday traditions, and a warm table for millions of families across generations. We are deeply grateful for every guest who walked through our doors, shared a meal with us, and made us part of their lives," wrote the chain on Facebook.

The southeastern food chain, which opened its first location in Winston-Salem in 1937, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection back in 2020. According to its social media pages, K&W had eight restaurants located in North Carolina, with five of those situated in the Triad.

Falcon Holdings LLC. a restaurant management company based in Texas, owns K&W.

WFMY News 2 sent reporters to several K&W locations around the Triad on Monday to get reaction from workers and community members.

The general manager at one of the locations in Winston-Salem said he felt awful for his employees. Just a few weeks ago, he said he met with all of them as a group and told them the location was performing well.

"I looked them dead in the face and said we were doing good and we were going to be great," he told WFMY News 2. "And now look ... My last words were a lie."

A former employee at the Friendly Center location said over 300 employees lost their jobs across 16 different locations suddenly Monday.

Marthia Liggins has been working at the restaurant for the past four years. She thought her job was pretty secure until she got a call Monday morning instructing her to come and gather her things and that the store was closing.

Liggins and Faith Adkins both worked at the K&W location at Friendly Center in Greensboro. Both said they were caught off guard by the news.

"We didn't get to see everybody. We only got to see the ones that were here," they told WFMY News 2. "I made a few phone calls and told a few people that they don't have a job, and they said, 'Stop joking.' And I said, 'No, all of K&W is closed.' A lot of them didn't even get phone calls."

Liggins feels the company could have done a little better job at telling them and giving them a heads up.

Longtime Greensboro resident Susanna Albright drove to the Friendly Center location immediately after hearing the news of the restaurant's closure.

"I stopped what I was doing, and I drove to my beloved," exclaimed Albright.

Albright recalled what she will miss most. "The lima beans, specifically, and the chocolate cream pie. My boyfriend will miss the fried chicken ... Coming through the line, I've seen the same faces there forever, seen the same people."

Ron Woodley drove to Greensboro from Asheboro to eat a late lunch on Monday, only to find its doors locked when he arrived. The restaurant holds a special place in his heart.

"I think K&W's been here since the 30s," Woodley said. "I was born in 1943, so I remember coming up with my mom when I was a little kid. I brought a parakeet one day and it got loose in the restaurant, so that kind of shook up everybody. But a gentleman finally caught it and put it back in the cage."

Dax Allred, grandson of K&W founder Grady Allred Sr., shared the following statement with WFMY News 2:

While we are heartbroken to hear the news, the Allred family is forever grateful to the generations of dedicated team members and loyal customers who made K&W an iconic brand for over 80 years. Although the K&W history is now complete, long live the countless memories of families and friends coming together over a meal at their local K&W Cafeteria. I will miss that chocolate cream pie!

Greensboro mayor-elect Marikay Abuzuaiter said K&W cafeteria has always been a mainstay in the community.

"While I’m not aware of the reasons they are closing, it is always sad to see any business close, as it always affects those who work there the most," she said.

The most expensive neighborhoods in Winston-Salem

Homebuyers and sellers are navigating a slow and expensive housing market, with rising prices and stagnant demand keeping many on the sidelines. This comes amid rising economic uncertainty and growing wealth concentration. But luxury homes—multimillion-dollar estates, sleek penthouses, and one-of-a-kind custom builds—are still selling, even as most buyers pull back.Most people can't afford high-end homes, although they're still fun to dream about. So, to highlight where luxury real estate is commanding the highest prices, ...

Homebuyers and sellers are navigating a slow and expensive housing market, with rising prices and stagnant demand keeping many on the sidelines. This comes amid rising economic uncertainty and growing wealth concentration. But luxury homes—multimillion-dollar estates, sleek penthouses, and one-of-a-kind custom builds—are still selling, even as most buyers pull back.

Most people can't afford high-end homes, although they're still fun to dream about. So, to highlight where luxury real estate is commanding the highest prices, Redfin analyzed the most expensive neighborhoods in the Winston-Salem metro area—and showcased a few of the area's standout listings (when possible).

Note: Redfin's analysis focused on metro areas, meaning some neighborhoods fell within smaller nearby cities. Listings and data were gathered on October 15, 2025.

Median sale price: $625,000 | Median days on market: 34 days

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 3.5 | Square feet: 3,580

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | Square feet: 2,704

Median sale price: $596,500 | Median days on market: 21 days

- Beds: 4 | Baths: 2.5 | Square feet: 2,724

- Beds: 6 | Baths: 3.5 | Square feet: 3,364

- Beds: 5 | Baths: 3.5 | Square feet: 3,571

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 3 | Square feet: 2,984

Median sale price: $578,000 | Median days on market: 34 days

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 4 | Square feet: 2,207

- Beds: 4 | Baths: 2.5 | Square feet: 2,849

- Beds: 4 | Baths: 4.5 | Square feet: 4,474

- Beds: 4 | Baths: 4.5 | Square feet: 5,571

Median sale price: $505,000 | Median days on market: 38 days

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 | Square feet: 2,157

106 N Hawthorne Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27104

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 | Square feet: 1,890

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 2 | Square feet: 2,133

540 N Stratford Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27104

- Beds: 5 | Baths: 4.5 | Square feet: 5,465

Median sale price: $450,000 | Median days on market: 35 days

1201 Cliffspring Ct, Winston Salem, NC 27104

- Beds: 4 | Baths: 3.5 | Square feet: 3,678

5005 Marble Arch Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27104

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 | Square feet: 2,358

900 Brintonial Way, Winston Salem, NC 27104

- Beds: 3 | Baths: 2.5 | Square feet: 2,531

Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools reduces debt, eyes completion by 2027

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has paid off $11.4 million of its debt to the state, marking a key milestone in the district's financial recovery.RALEIGH, N.C. — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools announced Tuesday it has paid off the $11.4 million it owed to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, a major step in addressing its financial crisis."It's a huge weight lifted. It's just such a positive step toward getting us all back in good financial health," said Deanna Kaplan, the WS/FCS Board...

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has paid off $11.4 million of its debt to the state, marking a key milestone in the district's financial recovery.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools announced Tuesday it has paid off the $11.4 million it owed to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, a major step in addressing its financial crisis.

"It's a huge weight lifted. It's just such a positive step toward getting us all back in good financial health," said Deanna Kaplan, the WS/FCS Board Chair.

Kaplan and Vice Chair of the school board Alex Bohnannon presented updates on the district's ongoing debt repayment plan to the State Board of Education. They confirmed that the district has made significant progress, already having reduced its remaining debt from an estimated $46 million to about $22 million.

“I feel like everyone knows the importance of getting our school system back in good fiscal health, because a good, strong community is a good, strong education system,” Kaplan added.

As of October 28, the district paid off the final $3.4 million of the $11.4 million owed to the state. The funds were raised through a community fundraising effort led by the Winston-Salem Foundation.

State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis said the district is heading in the right direction, making difficult but necessary decisions.

"They still have a long way to go in terms of restoring fund balance, but the momentum is definitely positive," Davis said.

Starting in December, the district will make monthly payments of $500,000 toward the remaining debt. In the following fiscal year, payments will likely drop to $350,000 a month, with a possible completion date in late 2027.

Davis urged state lawmakers to pass a budget to assist WS/FCS and other public school systems in North Carolina.

"They still have a long way to go in terms of restoring fund balance, but the momentum is definitely positive," Davis said.

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore will step down in just a few weeks, and Dr. Don Phipps will take over as the new superintendent for the next 15 months.

North Carolina 2025 election results

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —Voters all across North Carolina have cast their ballots in several key races for the 2025 municipal election.ELECTION RESULTS Results are expected to roll in shortly after polls close at 7:30 p.m. Get results from all key races below. Click the county to find races for each city and town.MUNICIPAL ELECTION OVERVIEWIn the Piedmont Triad, there are contested races in more than 50 municipalities with more than 30 mayoral races....

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —

Voters all across North Carolina have cast their ballots in several key races for the 2025 municipal election.

ELECTION RESULTS

Results are expected to roll in shortly after polls close at 7:30 p.m. Get results from all key races below. Click the county to find races for each city and town.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION OVERVIEW

In the Piedmont Triad, there are contested races in more than 50 municipalities with more than 30 mayoral races.

KEY MAYORAL RACES

Get the latest mayoral election results for Greensboro, Burlington, Thomasville, Asheboro, and Kernersville below. Click here for the full list of mayoral races and results in other cities and towns.

The City of Greensboro will have new leadership as Mayor Nancy Vaughan announced in May 2024, during a city council meeting, that she would not seek reelection after serving for 11 years. The city will also elect at least three new council members. Get the latest election results below.

The town of Summerfield will have a new mayor after the former mayor, Tim Sessoms announced his resignation in August. The resignation came as the town was plagued by issues among its officials. The entire town staff resigned in May 2024, citing a toxic work environment. Irregularities with the town's payroll and IT systems were also reported. In February of this year, the town launched a forensic audit to investigate improper payments and expenses. In September, the town announced it had completed its internal investigation and delivered the results of the investigation to the Guilford County Sheriff's Office.

Voters in Summerfield also decided on a town council seat.

ELECTION RESULTS COUNTY-BY-COUNTY

Get the latest county-by-county election results below.

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Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools pay off $11.3 million debt sooner than expected with community help

Only a few months ago, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school district was asking the state to waive interest on its debt. But on Tuesday, the district announced it has fully repaid the $11.3 million it owed the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, closing a chapter in a financial crisis that left the school system tens of millions of dollars in deficit and under state scrutiny.The payment, which came sooner than expected, settles the state’s portion of a $46.1 million budget deficit that led to layoffs and a rare i...

Only a few months ago, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school district was asking the state to waive interest on its debt. But on Tuesday, the district announced it has fully repaid the $11.3 million it owed the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, closing a chapter in a financial crisis that left the school system tens of millions of dollars in deficit and under state scrutiny.

The payment, which came sooner than expected, settles the state’s portion of a $46.1 million budget deficit that led to layoffs and a rare intervention from the State Board of Education.

“On October 28, NCDPI received the full payment of the approximately 3.4 million dollars still owed by WS/FC schools to the State for the school system overdrafts of state money during the 2024-2025 academic year. This is a very positive development,” DPI said in a statement to NC Newsline.

A state audit report released in August found that district leaders used temporary federal COVID-19 funds to cover permanent salaries, approved purchase orders without money in the budget to cover them and delayed routine account reconciliations.

On Tuesday, officials reported that the final $3.4 million payment to the state last month came from a community fundraising effort led by the Winston-Salem Foundation’s Futures Fund.

“The Futures Fund is collecting donations directly for the purpose of paying out the district’s debt,” said Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board Chair Deanna Kaplan. “The fundraising is ongoing, and I just want to thank so much the community and all of the partners for all of their efforts and coming together for our school district.”

State Board of Education Chair Eric Davis praised the effort as evidence of growing public confidence. “The progress made on this and the support demonstrated from the community for our students in Forsyth County is phenomenal, and we congratulate you and every one of those who participated in this groundswell of support.”

District officials told a state board committee that they are now focused on paying the balance still owed to contractors.

A $4.25 million debt to a custodial company has been restructured and will be paid over 10 years under a new contract approved last month, the committee heard. The district also owes $6.1 million to a staffing firm and roughly $1.6 million to Forsyth County, along with an additional $2 million it borrowed from its own child nutrition fund.

Officials said the district has already paid down more than $22 million and plans to set aside $3.5 million for debt payments this fiscal year and $4.2 million next year, aiming to finish paying off its short-term debts by 2027.

Under an agreement with Forsyth County, every private dollar raised to reduce the debt results in an equal amount of county debt being forgiven. So far, the matching program has already cleared more than $3.4 million.

In September, the state board ordered a full review of the district’s finances, and last month it hired Mauldin & Jenkins to audit internal controls. The district is also forming a new citizen audit committee made up of Forsyth County residents with finance expertise to help monitor progress.

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