Oak Ridge Quick Facts:

• County: Guilford County

• Zip Code: 27310

• Population: ~8,800

• Distance to Greensboro: 15 miles (~20 minutes)

• Distance to Winston-Salem: 20 miles (~25-30 minutes)

• Nearest Airport: Piedmont Triad International (PTI) – 12 miles

When you first drive into Oak Ridge, there's a good chance you'll notice how the pace feels different here. The roads curve through stretches of open land, past old oaks and newer developments tucked into what was, not too long ago, working farmland. This is a town that incorporated in 1998 but traces its roots back to settlers in the 1700s, and that blend of history and growth defines much of what you'll experience living here in northwestern Guilford County.

Oak Ridge sits about fifteen miles northwest of downtown Greensboro, and most residents find they can make that commute in under twenty minutes depending on traffic. NC Highway 68 runs north and south through town, connecting you to Interstate 40 and Interstate 73 when you head south toward the city. Oak Ridge Road, which is NC Highway 150, cuts east toward Summerfield and west toward Kernersville. That positioning puts you within easy reach of both Greensboro and Winston-Salem, which is roughly twenty-five to thirty minutes in the opposite direction. Living in Oak Ridge means you can work in either city without feeling like you've sacrificed your evenings to the highway.

Things to Do in Oak Ridge

Day-to-day life here tends to center around the small commercial areas along NC 68, where you'll find a shopping plaza with essentials, a handful of restaurants, and the kind of local spots that become part of your routine. For larger grocery runs or more variety, most folks head toward Greensboro or the Palladium shopping area near High Point. It's not far, and the trade-off for that short drive is coming home to a quieter setting where the lots are larger and the evenings are genuinely peaceful.

The community calendar stays active throughout the year. RidgeFest draws crowds each September with food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Movie in the Park nights give neighbors a reason to spread out blankets on the lawn. Canine Capers brings dog owners together at the Bark Park for contests and training clinics. These events create the kind of shared experiences that turn neighbors into familiar faces, which is part of why Oak Ridge retains a small-town character even as it's grown.

Outdoor Recreation in oak ridge

One of the things that draws people to Oak Ridge is the outdoor access. The town maintains two well-designed parks that offer more than you might expect from a community this size. Oak Ridge Town Park spans eighty acres and includes walking trails, a mountain bike trail, a stocked fishing pond, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and an amphitheater that hosts Music in the Park events from April through October. The newer Heritage Farm Park opened in 2024 on sixty acres of mixed woodland and former farmland. It features an inclusive playground designed to echo the historic Guilford Mill, lighted multipurpose fields, and the Veterans Honor Green. Between the two parks, you have space for everything from a morning jog to an afternoon of fishing to an evening concert under the stars.

Beyond town, Haw River State Park and Hanging Rock State Park are both reasonable drives for weekend hiking. The Dan River offers kayaking and fishing opportunities within an hour's reach. Golfers have multiple courses nearby in the greater Triad area.

Nearby Communities to oak ridge

The town sits at a kind of crossroads in the region. Stokesdale is just to the north, Summerfield to the east, and Kernersville to the west. That means you're never far from neighboring communities with their own dining, shopping, and recreational options. The larger entertainment and dining scenes in Greensboro and Winston-Salem open up even more possibilities when you want a night out.

Commute & Location from oak ridge

Oak Ridge's location makes it easy to reach employment centers throughout the Piedmont Triad. NC Highway 68 connects directly to I-40 and I-73, putting downtown Greensboro about twenty minutes away and Winston-Salem roughly twenty-five to thirty minutes in the opposite direction. Piedmont Triad International Airport is approximately twelve miles south, convenient for frequent travelers. Whether you're commuting to one of the Triad's major employers or working remotely and enjoying the quieter pace, Oak Ridge offers a practical balance of access and retreat.

Oak Ridge History

Oak Ridge traces its roots back to settlers in the 1700s, though it didn't incorporate until 1998. The town has been intentional about balancing growth with preservation, working to maintain the open spaces and historic character that make this place feel distinct. The Jesse Benbow House, Guilford Mill, and the Oak Ridge Military Academy Historic District are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, anchoring the community to its past even as new homes continue to go up.

Oak Ridge Real Estate

Housing in Oak Ridge varies more than you might expect. You'll find established neighborhoods with traditional brick ranch homes on generous lots, newer construction with modern floor plans, and properties with acreage that recall the area's agricultural past. Some developments feature homes on an acre or more, appealing to buyers who want space between themselves and the next mailbox. Others offer a more conventional suburban layout while still maintaining that rural feel through tree-lined streets and preserved green space. If you're ready to start exploring what's available, search homes for sale in Oak Ridge.

For sellers considering listing in Oak Ridge, the market here responds well to homes that emphasize the lifestyle buyers are seeking. Properties with outdoor space, updated kitchens, and well-maintained landscaping tend to photograph beautifully and generate strong interest. Pricing strategy matters in a community like this, where buyers often have specific expectations about what their investment should deliver. If you're curious what your Oak Ridge home might be worth, request a free home valuation.

Born and raised in the Piedmont Triad, I've watched Oak Ridge evolve from quiet farmland into a sought-after address for buyers looking for a particular kind of lifestyle. I've helped buyers and sellers throughout Guilford County since 2003, and Oak Ridge consistently attracts people who want room to breathe without giving up access to everything the Piedmont Triad offers. As a Certified Residential Specialist and RamseyTrusted Pro, I work with sellers to position their homes effectively and connect with qualified buyers who understand what Oak Ridge offers.

Living in Oak Ridge means accepting a few trade-offs. You'll drive for most errands, and the dining options within town limits are limited compared to what you'd find in Greensboro. But for many residents, that's exactly the point. The quiet mornings, the space between houses, the chance to watch fireflies in a backyard that actually feels like a yard—those things have value that's harder to quantify but very real to the people who choose to live here.

faqs about oak ridge?

Q: What's it like to live in Oak Ridge day-to-day?

A: Daily life in Oak Ridge tends to feel relaxed and unhurried. You'll find a local shopping plaza along NC 68 for quick essentials, but most residents make regular trips to Greensboro or the Kernersville area for groceries and dining variety. The trade-off is returning home to quieter streets, larger lots, and a genuine sense of space that's harder to find closer to the city centers.

Q: How close is Oak Ridge to the rest of the Triad?

A: Oak Ridge sits about fifteen miles northwest of downtown Greensboro, which translates to roughly a twenty-minute commute. Winston-Salem is about twenty-five to thirty minutes in the opposite direction. NC 68 connects you directly to I-40 and I-73, making it straightforward to reach either city for work or weekend plans.

Q: What types of homes do you usually see in Oak Ridge?

A: Housing in Oak Ridge ranges from traditional brick ranch homes in established neighborhoods to newer construction with contemporary layouts. You'll also find properties on an acre or more for buyers seeking extra privacy and space. The variety means there's something for different budgets and preferences, though the common thread is an emphasis on generous lot sizes and a more rural setting.

Q: Are there outdoor activities nearby?

A: Oak Ridge has two well-maintained parks offering walking trails, a mountain bike trail, playgrounds, and a stocked pond for fishing. Beyond town, Haw River State Park and Hanging Rock State Park are within reasonable driving distance for hiking, and the Dan River offers kayaking opportunities. Golfers have multiple courses nearby in the greater Triad area.

Q: What should sellers focus on before listing in Oak Ridge?

A: Buyers in Oak Ridge are often drawn to the lifestyle as much as the home itself, so emphasizing outdoor space and curb appeal matters. Updated kitchens and well-maintained landscaping photograph well and help generate strong interest. Pricing accurately from the start is also important in a community where buyers have specific expectations about value.

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Oak Ridge, 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
336-643-2573 | homes@deliaknight.com | DeliaKnight.com