Winston-Salem has a plethora of affordable housing options. Both rental units and for-sale homes are distributed throughout the city and county, allowing for maximum choice of location in relation to work, school, shopping, services, and amenities. Housing types range from single-family homes on suburban lots to town homes to historic Victorians near downtown.

Winston-Salem and other local government, for-profit, and non-profit partners are engaged in the development of affordable housing. And their focus is on neighborhood revitalization. When it comes to creating affordable rental housing, the City is often the first lender to commit project funding. Geographic dispersion of City-assisted units is broader than ever before, with Habitat for Humanity and private sector builders each building throughout the region. The City assists with both infrastructure development and direct homebuyer assistance.

One program assisting homebuyers is the Center for Home Ownership. The full-service agency is dedicated to turning dreams of homeownership into realities. The center guides potential homeowners through the homeownership process and provides education as well as information on financing options and community housing programs. It works with clients to overcome obstacles to homeownership and to ease the transition from renting to owning a home. Community professionals support the center by making themselves available to assist potential homebuyers. These professionals include, but are not limited to, loan officers, realtors, insurance agents, title companies, and home inspectors. The center's services do not stop with the home purchase -- families can attend classes on homeownership where they can learn to preserve their investments and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Should mortgage problems occur, financial counselors can assist the homeowner in finding resolution to mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure threats.