If you’re looking for Southern charm, historic architecture, and plenty of green space alongside the amenities of a vibrant city, consider Greensboro, North Carolina, also known as the Gate City, for your next travel nursing assignment. The third-largest city in North Carolina has a little bit of everything, from delicious eateries to world-class sporting events to lush and inviting public parks and gardens.

But is Greensboro a good place to live—and what is living in Greensboro NC really like? From the best neighborhoods to the cost of living, we’ll give you all the details on this up-and-coming city. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for making the most of your time in the Gate City.

Find Your Homebase: Greensboro’s Best Neighborhoods

Greensboro is a large city with a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. If you’re looking for a quiet suburban area with easy access to amenities, then you might want to consider neighborhoods like Old Irving Park or the Dunleath Historic District. If you’re looking for a more urban environment with plenty of entertainment options, restaurants, and shopping, then downtown Greensboro is for you.

To narrow down your search, here are five of the top neighborhoods in Greensboro:

#1 Fisher Park

One of our favorite areas in Greensboro is the historic Fisher Park district. It’s a welcoming, walkable, family-friendly neighborhood. Some of its best features include:1

  • Its proximity to the downtown area
  • Lots of neighborhood shops and restaurants
  • A generous 12-acre green space, packed with walking trails and featuring a playground and sparkling stream

#2 Dunleath Historic District

The Dunleath Historic District (formerly known as the Aycock Historic District)2 is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood at the northeastern side of downtown Greensboro. It’s brimming with classic architectural beauty—in fact, it’s even on the National Register of Historic Districts. It’s home to many attractions, including:

  • Greensboro Farmers Curb Market
  • Dunleath Community Garden
  • Sternberger Artists Center

#3 Old Irving Park

One of Greensboro’s most upscale neighborhoods, Old Irving Park is another option for those who are looking for a suburban feel without being too far from downtown Greensboro.3 The neighborhood features:

  • Broad, walkable streets and well-maintained homes
  • Nearby shopping and dining options
  • A short drive to some of Greensboro’s best hospitals and medical facilities, making it an ideal location to be close to work

#4 Summerfield

Summerfield is a large suburb of Greensboro located a bit furthera bit further from downtown than the other neighborhoods we’ve discussed. But if you’re looking for a rural feeling with plenty of fresh air and greenery, you’ll feel right at home here. And when you’re ready to get a taste of the city, a 20-minute drive will take you from Summerfield to bustling downtown Greensboro. 

Summerfield boasts plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as:

  • Summerfield Farms
  • The Summerfield Community Park
  • Several golf courses and clubs
  • Antique shopping

#5 Downtown Greensboro

Downtown Greensboro is the perfect choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action and make new friends in a new city as a travel nurse. The downtown area features plenty of nightlife and entertainment options, as well as restaurants and shops. And if being close to work is your top neighborhood criteria, downtown Greensboro is home to several hospitals and medical facilities.

If you appreciate arts and culture, you’ll also find plenty of sights to see downtown—including:

  • The Carolina Theatre 
  • The Greensboro Mural Project
  • The ArtMongerz Gallery

Cost of Living in Greensboro, North Carolina

As a moderately-sized city of 280,000 people, the cost of living in Greensboro NC is fairly reasonable, especially compared to other major cities in the United States:4

  • Rent – Rent prices in Greensboro are affordable, coming in well under the US average. For a one-bedroom apartment in the Greensboro metro area, you’re looking at an average of just over $1,800 per month.5
  • Public transit – Transportation costs are very affordable in Greensboro. The average monthly public transportation pass costs around $75. Plus, downtown is very bike-friendly, so you can explore and get your exercise at the same time.
  • Food and groceries – Food costs are also quite reasonable in Greensboro. The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $15, and groceries for a single person can be as low as $35 per week.
  • Utilities – With chilly lows in the winter of about 30 degrees, and toasty summertime temps in the high 80s to 90s, you’ll certainly need your heat and air conditioning. Still, your heat, electricity, and water could total to as little as $100 per month. 

Where To Go and What to Do In Greensboro

Whether you prefer your activities to be on the outdoorsy side or you’re more inclined toward pastimes that involve food, music, and entertainment, you’ll find it in Greensboro. Here are a few of the must-see features you’ll want to enjoy:

  • Natural beauty – For those who enjoy the outdoors, Greensboro has over 20 parks within the city limits, as well as three lakes where you can go fishing, boating, or swimming.6 The Greensboro Arboretum is also a must-see for nature lovers, with 17 acres of gardens to explore.
  • Museums and more – Fascinating pieces of history are preserved all over this 200-year-old city, so history buffs will have no shortage of sights to see. Check out the Greensboro History Museum, the Guilford County Courthouse, and the Weatherspoon Art Museum. 
  • Cultural events – The Greensboro Symphony Orchestra offers regular performances of both classical and contemporary music, while the Greensboro Ballet Company performs a variety of ballet productions throughout the year. And if you’re a fan of live theater, the Greensboro Opera Company produces several operas each season.

A Taste of Home: Best Eateries in Greensboro

Greensboro is known for its Southern hospitality, and that extends to its food. The city has a wide variety of restaurants to suit any taste, whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a brew, or a sit-down meal.

  • Scrambled – If you’re in the mood for some down-home Southern-style breakfast, you can’t beat Scrambled. Offering breakfast all day and featuring foods produced locally in North Carolina, this diner is a local favorite for good reason.
  • Sticks and Stones – Ready for something a little more substantial? Head to Sticks and Stones for pizza, sandwiches, and 16 rotating beers on tap. The menu focuses on fresh, local, and sustainably sourced ingredients.
  • Hops Burger Bar – An absolute must if you’re a burger fan (and who isn’t?). Hops Burger Bar was named the best burger in the state of North Carolina by Business Insider.7
  • Taste Greensboro – If you really want to get the scoop on everything Greensboro has to offer the serious foodie, sign up for the Taste Greensboro tasting tour every Saturday. Get a guided tour of the revitalized downtown, meet chefs and owners, and experience everything from upscale restaurants to artisanal food shops.

Must-See Attractions in Greensboro

Greensboro is home to any number of can’t-miss attractions, from parks and lakes to museums and live theater. Here are some of the standouts:

  • Greensboro Science Center – One of the most popular attractions in Greensboro is the Greensboro Science Center, which features a planetarium, aquarium, and museum all under one roof. The Science Center is a great place to learn about the natural world and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Greensboro Coliseum Complex – Another popular attraction is the Greensboro Coliseum, which is the largest arena in North Carolina. The Coliseum is home to a number of sporting events and concerts, making it a good place to catch a game or see your favorite band or artist live.
  • Boston’s House of Jazz – If nightlife and dancing is your scene, Boston’s House of Jazz should be at the top of your must-see list. Catch live jazz and blues music every Thursday through Sunday night, in an atmospheric club setting featuring candlelight, exposed brick, and cozy tables for two. 

Tips For Living in Greensboro

Looking for general advice for moving to a new city? By now, relocating to Greensboro NC might be feeling a little more real. Before you pack your bags, here are some things you should know about moving to Greensboro, NC:

  • It’s a college town – One reason Greensboro has such an impressively energetic arts, culture, and nightlife scene for a city of its size is that it’s home to numerous colleges and universities like Greensboro College and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Expect to find lots of students out and about in all the local hot spots.
  • You’ll find plenty of NCAA sports – There’s a good reason another of Greensboro’s nicknames is Tournament Town. If you’re a sports fan, get ready to cheer for the UNC Greensboro Spartans and the NC A&T Aggies varsity men’s and women’s teams as they compete in basketball, baseball, bowling, swimming, and much more. 
  • It offers a comfortable climate – Spring and fall are the most comfortable times of year, so if you’re a fan of outdoor activities, plan accordingly. In summer, temps and humidity can get uncomfortably high. If you’re going to take advantage of the area’s many parks and trails in June through August, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks.8
  • Pack your rain boots – Don’t worry about shoveling snow—Greensboro only receives about 5 inches a year. But do bring your umbrella! In a typical year, Greensboro gets 45 inches of rain, well over the US average.

Make Your Next Stop Greensboro with Host Healthcare

If you’re a traveler ready to embark on a new adventure, Host Healthcare is ready to find the right opportunity for you. Whether your next stop is Greensboro, NC, or anywhere else in the country, we can match you with a job opening that’s just what you’re looking for.

Apply to join the Host Healthcare community today, and let one of our experienced recruiters provide all the help you need to navigate the move to a new city without missing a beat. Worried about how to find housing as a travel nurse with Host? No need! We’ll help you find work, housing, and support in the next place you’re going to call home—wherever that may be.

 

Reviewed by:

Cindy Cook, BSN, RN, CCRN

Nursing Specialty: Emergency, Cardiac, Pre-op, PACU

I have been working in the medical field for 22 years. I started as a back office, medical assistent in orthopaedics, which made me realize my calling was to help patients, and inspired me to go to nursing school.  As a nurse I have worked in oncology, cardiac, emergency, and I am now currently working in Pre-op and PACU.

 

Sources: 

  1. “Fisher Park Neighborhood.” Our Neighborhood, Fisher Park Neighborhood Association. https://www.fisherparknc.org/our-neighborhood 
  2. “A Short History of the Neighborhood.” Dunleath Historic District, https://www.dunleath.org/more-about-dunleath
  3. Briggs, Benjamin, et al. “The Secrets of Irving Park.” Preservation Greensboro Incorporated, 20 Sept. 2022, https://preservationgreensboro.org/the-secrets-of-irving-park/
  4. “Greensboro, NC: Cost of Living, Prices for Rent & Food.” Livingcost.org, 7 Aug. 2022, https://livingcost.org/cost/united-states/nc/greensboro 
  5. “Cost of Living in Greensboro, NC.” Best Places, https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/north_carolina/greensboro 
  6. “The Lakes.” Greensboro, NC, https://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/the-lakes 
  7. Stanger, Melissa. “The Best Burger in Every State.” Business Insider, Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/best-burgers-in-america-2015-12  
  8. “Climate in Greensboro, NC.” Best Places, https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/north_carolina/greensboro