Westerwood is more than a neighborhood — it is a living story of Greensboro’s growth, spirit, and community, nestled just northwest of downtown. With tree-lined streets, graceful homes, and walkable avenues, Westerwood has long been a favorite among creatives, families, and lovers of history. As you stroll along Lakeview Avenue or pass Cridland Street’s classic bungalows, you’ll find signs of a proud heritage and a resilient, evolving identity.
The Origins of Westerwood
Westerwood’s beginnings date back to the early 20th century, at a time when Greensboro’s growth was booming thanks to railroads and the textile industry. Around 1919, local real estate developer A.K. Moore saw the potential in a swath of farmland west of downtown, at the city’s edge, and envisioned a neighborhood that would attract prosperous families and professionals.
Moore christened the area “Westerwood” to reflect its location — west of the city core, with abundant woods and a rolling, natural landscape. Streets like Woodlawn Avenue and Courtland Street hinted at the natural beauty that defined early Westerwood.
Early Growth and an Artistic Spirit
From the 1920s through the 1940s, Westerwood flourished with homes reflecting popular architectural styles of the period, particularly Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revivals, and Tudor Revivals. Many of these charming houses still stand today, lovingly restored and showcased on neighborhood tours.
The proximity to what would become UNC-Greensboro fostered an early connection to the arts. Professors, musicians, and artists saw Westerwood as both convenient and inspiring—the neighborhood quickly emerged as a hub for creative minds. This spirit remains alive, symbolized in community events like the Westerwood Art & Sole Studio Tour that brings together local artists, galleries, and visitors every year.
Streets, Parks, and Notable Landmarks
Westerwood’s heart beats strongest along its signature avenues:
- Lakeview Avenue: One of the most picturesque streets, with a gentle curve and views of the tranquil Lake Daniel (a man-made lake and park area).
- Cridland Street: Home to some of the finest examples of 1920s architecture and a vibrant residential community.
- Fairmont Street: Serves as a main thoroughfare, with mature oaks casting dappled shade over sidewalks.
Parks and Green Spaces
- Lake Daniel Park is the neighborhood’s green jewel, stretching along North Buffalo Creek. It offers playgrounds, tennis courts, walking trails, and scenic spots ideal for weekend picnics and community gatherings.
- Adjacent to the park, the Latham Park Greenway connects Westerwood with other neighborhoods, promoting the walkable, outdoor lifestyle residents love.
Institutions and Buildings
- First Christian Church on West Friendly Avenue: An anchor for spiritual and community life, this church’s red brick building has stood since 1927.
- Nearby Schools: Westerwood benefits from its location near sought-after schools, including Aycock Middle School (now Swann Middle) and Grimsley High School, both historic in their own right.
Key Historical Milestones
Westerwood’s evolution mirrors Greensboro’s broader story:
- 1920s: Development surges; tracts divided among middle-class families and young professionals attracted by the neighborhood's modern amenities and appealing style.
- 1930s-1940s: Despite the Great Depression, Westerwood holds steady, thanks in part to its strong sense of community and proximity to jobs downtown.
- Post-War Years: The GI Bill brings a new generation of homeowners and minor waves of home construction, blending mid-century styles with the established look.
- 1970s-1980s: Like many urban neighborhoods, Westerwood contended with decline, but resident activism and local pride led revitalization efforts. Many original homes were preserved instead of demolished, recovering the area’s historic charm.
- 2000s-Present: Westerwood emerges as a beloved, thriving neighborhood with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and the arts. The Westerwood Neighborhood Association is particularly active in advocacy, beautification, and community events.
People and Community
Westerwood has always been a place whose people make the neighborhood special. Longtime residents remember block parties, potlucks, and neighbors watching out for one another. New arrivals bring fresh energy, sustaining a tradition of inclusiveness and engagement.
Residents take pride in Westerwood’s architectural heritage, from the wide porches perfect for evening chats to the window boxes bursting with flowers. The neighborhood’s lush tree canopy, planted generations ago, is fiercely protected and celebrated.
Annual traditions such as the Westerwood Fall Festival and porch concerts highlight the neighborhood’s ongoing commitment to community, creativity, and continuity. Front-porch living isn’t just a slogan in Westerwood—it’s a lifestyle.
How Westerwood Has Evolved
Over the decades, Westerwood has transformed while holding onto its essence. Modern families, college students, young professionals, and retirees all find a home here, drawn by the neighborhood’s central location, well-tended homes, and genuine friendliness.
- The neighborhood embraces both preservation and progress, supporting home renovations that respect historic character alongside modern updates.
- Its lively arts scene is matched by an active approach to sustainability, with residents organizing tree-plantings and advocating for bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- Proximity to downtown Greensboro keeps Westerwood relevant and vibrant, with easy access to restaurants, theaters, shops, and growing employment hubs.
A Neighborhood with a Story
Ask any Westerwood resident what makes this place special, and you’ll hear stories about old oak trees, porch gatherings, and a legacy of neighborliness that spans generations. Newcomers are welcomed much as the first families were a century ago—with warmth, openness, and a shared appreciation for a remarkable corner of Greensboro.
Whether you’re walking along the shady paths of Lake Daniel Park, admiring the stately homes on Woodlawn Avenue, or chatting with neighbors on a front porch, you become part of Westerwood’s living history. It’s a tapestry woven from past and present, tradition and change, promising that Greensboro’s story—like Westerwood’s—will continue to grow, thrive, and inspire.