Introduction: A Place Where History Lives
Nestled just west of the bustling heart of Winston-Salem, West Highlands stands as a testament to the city’s growth and transformation over the last century. Tree-lined streets, character-filled homes, and a legacy of community spirit give this neighborhood its enduring charm. For longtime residents and newcomers alike, West Highlands is more than a place on the map—it’s a living history.
Origins of West Highlands
West Highlands’ story begins in the early 20th century, a period of tremendous growth for Winston-Salem. With the expansion of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and other local industries, there was a growing demand for well-planned residential areas. Developers looked west of downtown for land that offered rolling hills and scenic vistas, which gave the emerging neighborhood its name: “West Highlands.”
The name itself comes from the neighborhood’s elevated terrain, set higher than the older areas closer to downtown. These gentle hills provided an attractive site for homes and promised residents airy views and a peaceful retreat from the city’s industrial core.
A Neighborhood Takes Shape
The first wave of development in West Highlands took place in the 1920s and 1930s. Neighborhood planners carefully plotted broad avenues, including Westover Drive and South Hawthorne Road, inviting residents to build homes that ranged from classic Colonial Revivals to charming Tudors and sturdy bungalows. The architectural variety is one of the area’s defining features, giving each street its own distinct personality.
The sense of community grew as families moved in and churches, schools, and small businesses blossomed. Many of the original homes still stand today, lovingly maintained and preserved as reminders of West Highlands’ early days.
Key Historical Milestones
- Development of Hanes Park: One of the most iconic features of West Highlands is Hanes Park, a sprawling green space that anchors the edge of the neighborhood. Donated in 1919 by philanthropists John Wesley and Anna Hanes, the park quickly became the social and recreational center for West Highlands residents. It remains a popular site for picnics, children’s play, tennis, and more.
- Building of Reynolds High School: In 1923, the stately Reynolds High School rose on the park’s eastern boundary. With its striking façade and rich academic tradition, the school is both a neighborhood landmark and a symbol of the area’s commitment to education and culture.
- Growth in the Postwar Era: The years after World War II brought a new wave of construction along streets like Buena Vista Road and Westover Drive. Neighborhood institutions—like churches and small shopping corners—flourished alongside newer homes, further strengthening the sense of community.
- Preservation Movement: In the late 20th century, residents banded together to ensure that the historic fabric of West Highlands would not be lost to insensitive development. Their advocacy has safeguarded many of the neighborhood’s architectural gems and green spaces.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Few neighborhoods in Winston-Salem can boast such a rich collection of enduring landmarks:
- Hanes Park: Bordered by Sunset Drive and Northwest Boulevard, this park remains the heart and soul of West Highlands, welcoming runners, dog walkers, and families daily.
- R.J. Reynolds High School: 301 North Hawthorne Road, one of the most beautiful examples of Collegiate Gothic architecture in North Carolina.
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: Located just southeast of the neighborhood on Summit Street, this church has played a significant role in the community’s spiritual and cultural life.
- Classic Homes: Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revivals, and Tudor-style residences line streets like Westover Drive and Yorkshire Road, each telling its own story of previous generations.
Evolution Over the Decades
While West Highlands has grown and adapted to change, it has never lost the neighborhood pride that marks its heritage. In the 1960s and 70s, as Winston-Salem expanded westward, West Highlands remained a desirable address, thanks to its proximity to downtown, high-performing schools, and well-kept parks.
During the 1980s and 90s, the area saw a renewed focus on preservation and community events. The West Highlands Neighborhood Association was formed, fostering a close-knit atmosphere that endures today. Annual events, from spring garden tours to holiday parades, bring neighbors together and celebrate the area’s unique character.
Recent decades have seen a blend of new families and longtime residents working side by side to uphold the community’s traditions while welcoming fresh ideas and faces. Improvements in pedestrian infrastructure, renewed playgrounds in Hanes Park, and increased attention to historical preservation ensure that West Highlands is as vibrant now as it was nearly a century ago.
What Makes West Highlands Special
Ask anyone who calls West Highlands home, and they’ll share a story about friendly neighbors, quiet walks beneath canopies of oaks and maples, or a favorite picnic spot in Hanes Park. The mix of history and home is tangible here—whether it’s in the bricks of an old school, the steeple of a church just visible between trees, or the laughter echoing across a community tennis court.
In the evenings, streets like Westover Drive, Buena Vista Road, and South Hawthorne Road glow under the soft amber light of old-fashioned lamps—reminders that while time has marched onward, the spirit of West Highlands remains unchanged.
Conclusion: A Heritage Worth Celebrating
West Highlands is not just a neighborhood. It’s a living piece of Winston-Salem’s story—a blend of heritage, proximity, and heartfelt community that continues to welcome generations. As new chapters are written, the lessons and legacy of its past will always be the true heart of West Highlands.