Colfax
Colfax Quick Facts:
County: Guilford
Zip Code: 27235
Population: ~4,900
Distance to Greensboro: 15 miles
Distance to Winston-Salem: 14 miles
Nearest Airport: Piedmont Triad International (PTI) – 5 miles
Colfax NC is a charming unincorporated community located in Guilford County in the Piedmont Triad, known for its central location between Greensboro and Winston-Salem and its beloved Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.
If you've ever wanted to live right in the heart of the Triad without being in the middle of a large city, Colfax might be exactly what you're looking for. Positioned almost perfectly between Greensboro to the east and Winston-Salem to the west, this community gives you something that's increasingly hard to find—genuine convenience paired with a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. You're close to everything the region has to offer, yet you come home to tree-lined streets and open skies rather than traffic and urban density.
Things to Do in Colfax
Day-to-day life in Colfax feels refreshingly simple. West Market Street serves as the main artery through the community, and along it you'll find local spots like Olympic Family Restaurant, a neighborhood favorite known for generous portions and friendly service. But the real draw for many residents—and visitors from across the region—is the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. This state-operated market sits right off I-40 at Exit 208 and stays open seven days a week. Inside, you'll find local farmers selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and eggs straight from their farms. The Market Shoppes offer handcrafted goods, baked treats, honey, jams, plants, and seasonal items. There's even Homeland Creamery ice cream and a café if you want to make a morning of it. For anyone who values fresh, locally sourced food, having this kind of resource just minutes from home is a genuine luxury.
Outdoor Recreation in colfax
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the access to Triad Park, which straddles the border between Guilford and Forsyth counties just north of Colfax near Kernersville. This expansive park covers more than 400 acres and offers paved walking and biking paths, natural hiking trails through the woods, multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters with grills, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a softball field. The Patriot Disc Golf Course here has earned a reputation as one of the premier courses in the area, drawing players from across the region. Perhaps most notably, the park is home to the Carolina Field of Honor, a striking veterans memorial featuring a 57-foot granite obelisk and flags representing all branches of military service. Many residents find it a meaningful place for quiet reflection.
Nearby Communities to colfax
Colfax also benefits from its proximity to neighboring communities. Kernersville sits just to the north and offers additional shopping, dining, and services. Oak Ridge is nearby to the northeast. High Point's extensive furniture shopping and dining scene is easily accessible to the south. You're genuinely positioned to take advantage of the best parts of each surrounding city while enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere that Colfax provides.
Commute & Location from colfax
The location of Colfax real estate puts you at the geographic center of everything happening in the Piedmont Triad. Greensboro sits about fifteen miles to the east, roughly a twenty-minute drive when traffic cooperates. Winston-Salem is even closer—about fourteen miles and seventeen minutes to the west. High Point is just as accessible to the south. This central positioning means you can take advantage of job opportunities, dining, entertainment, and shopping in any of these cities without committing to a longer commute. Piedmont Triad International Airport is just a few minutes away via I-40 or NC-68, making business travel or vacation departures remarkably convenient.
Colfax History
The community maintains a genuine small-town feel despite being surrounded by larger cities. This is a place where neighbors wave when they pass each other, where you might run into someone you know at the farmers market, and where the pace simply feels a little slower. I-40 runs right through the area, giving you quick access to the larger Triad region, but step away from the interstate and you'll find quieter roads, established neighborhoods, and a sense of stability that many buyers find appealing. In 2000, residents attempted to incorporate Colfax as an official town, though the effort didn't meet state requirements. Parts of the community were later annexed by Greensboro in 2008, though Colfax retains its distinct identity and character.
Colfax Real Estate
When you look at the homes available in Colfax, you'll find a mix that reflects the community's character. Established neighborhoods feature well-maintained ranch homes and traditional two-story houses on generous lots, many with mature trees providing shade and privacy. Some properties offer acreage for those who want a bit more room to breathe, space for a workshop, or land for gardening. Newer construction has also made its way into the area, offering updated floor plans and modern amenities. Whether you're looking for a starter home, something with extra square footage, or a property with land, the Colfax real estate market tends to offer options across various price points.
Living in Colfax NC means embracing a lifestyle that balances accessibility with authenticity. You can grab breakfast at a local diner, pick up fresh tomatoes and local honey at the farmers market, walk the trails at Triad Park in the afternoon, and still make it to a concert or restaurant in Greensboro or Winston-Salem for dinner. For anyone searching for homes in Guilford County who wants that central Piedmont Triad location without sacrificing the feel of a genuine community, Colfax deserves serious consideration.
As a REALTOR® licensed since 2003 and born and raised right here in the Piedmont Triad, I've watched Colfax maintain its character even as the surrounding region has grown. My CRS certification and experience as a RamseyTrusted Pro mean I understand what buyers and sellers throughout Guilford County need to make confident real estate decisions. If you're curious about homes for sale in Colfax or want to know what your current home might be worth, I'd welcome the conversation.
faqs about colfax
Q: What's it like to live in Colfax day-to-day?
A: Living in Colfax gives you a relaxed, small-town atmosphere while keeping you connected to everything the Piedmont Triad offers. You'll find yourself grabbing fresh produce at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, dining at local spots like Olympic Family Restaurant, and enjoying the convenience of quick access to I-40. The pace feels slower here, with tree-lined neighborhoods and friendly neighbors, yet you're never far from the amenities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or High Point.
Q: How close is Colfax to the rest of the Triad?
A: Colfax sits right at the geographic center of the Piedmont Triad, making commutes remarkably manageable. You're about fifteen miles and twenty minutes from downtown Greensboro to the east, and roughly fourteen miles and seventeen minutes from Winston-Salem to the west. High Point is equally accessible to the south. Piedmont Triad International Airport is just minutes away via I-40 or NC-68, which makes travel especially convenient.
Q: What types of homes do you usually see in Colfax?
A: Colfax offers a comfortable variety of housing options to suit different needs. You'll find established ranch homes and traditional two-story houses on spacious lots with mature trees, some properties with acreage for those wanting more room, and newer construction featuring updated floor plans. The housing stock tends to appeal to buyers looking for value and space without moving far from the region's employment centers and amenities.
Q: Are there outdoor activities nearby?
A: Triad Park is the premier outdoor destination near Colfax, spanning over 400 acres along the Guilford-Forsyth county line. You'll find paved paths for walking and biking, natural hiking trails, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and the well-regarded Patriot Disc Golf Course. The Carolina Field of Honor veterans memorial within the park offers a place for quiet reflection. The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market grounds also provide pleasant outdoor space for strolling.
Q: What should sellers focus on before listing in Colfax?
A: Sellers in Colfax should emphasize the home's proximity to the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and Triad Park, as these are genuine draws for buyers. Highlighting the central location between Greensboro and Winston-Salem appeals to commuters. Curb appeal matters in this market, so investing in landscaping and exterior maintenance pays dividends. Buyers here appreciate well-maintained properties, updated systems, and outdoor space, so showcasing these features in your listing makes a meaningful difference.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in Colfax, I'd be glad to help. Reach out anytime for a local strategy conversation or a custom market breakdown.
Delia Knight | Piedmont Triad, NC REALTOR® | Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate
2215 Oak Ridge Rd., Oak Ridge, NC 27310
