A Day in the Life:
Rootbuilders in Surry county, NC

Where families are building the life they've always wanted

You know that feeling when you finally find the place where everything just... clicks? That's what Sarah tells people when they ask why she moved her family to Surry County from Charlotte three years ago. "I didn't know places like this still existed," she laughs. "Good jobs, safe neighborhoods, schools we actually trust—and we're not drowning in bills every month."

7:00 AM

Sarah's morning starts at Elkin Kindercare, where she drops off her daughter for affordable childcare that doesn't eat up half her paycheck. Here's the thing that still amazes her: while her daughter's in the play area, Sarah can actually work out in the same building. "Back in Charlotte, I'd have spent an hour just driving between drop-off and the gym," she says. This is the kind of work-life balance that used to feel impossible.

WEEKEND

Saturday morning is their son's soccer game (the league here is surprisingly competitive and fun), then they're meeting friends at Shelton Vineyard for their seasonal festival. Sunday? Maybe a lazy afternoon, maybe a drive to Winston-Salem for something different—it's only 30 minutes when they want it.
"We're not just living here," Sarah says. "We're actually building something. Roots. A real life."

7:00 AM

WEEKEND

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Find Yourself Here

Jobs & Employers Professional Networks Learn & Grow All Things Work

Work

The Jobs Are Here (And They're Good Ones)

Look, you need to make a living. We get it. The good news? Healthcare, education, manufacturing, and hospitality are all hiring—and these aren't dead-end jobs.

Hugh Chatham Health – This isn't just a job, it's a career. They invest in their people with wellness programs and continuing education. Plus, award-winning patient care means you're part of something that actually matters.

Northern Regional Hospital – State-of-the-art facilities, diverse healthcare specialties from cardiology to pediatrics. The kind of place where you can grow your career without moving away.

Here's the thing: People stick around. The average length of employment at major healthcare employers here is way above the national average. That tells you something.
Weyerhaeuser – Global company, local roots. They're serious about sustainability and even more serious about taking care of their workforce. Good pay, solid benefits, room to move up.

Altec – Equipment manufacturing with real workforce training programs. They'll teach you skills that translate anywhere, but chances are, you'll want to stay.

The business climate here is strong. Companies are investing in the region, which means your job today has a future tomorrow.
Surry Community College – Teaching here means being part of the community. Also? Employees get access to incredible professional development opportunities.

Local school systems are always looking for passionate educators who want to make a real difference.
The tourism sector is booming thanks to Yadkin Valley wine country and outdoor recreation.

Local restaurants and breweries opening up—these aren't just service jobs, they're careers with growth potential.

Housing Play All Things Live

LIVE

A Home You Can Actually Afford

Here's Where it Gets Good, Really Good.

Land available all over the county with actual views

$220-250 per square foot to build custom (seriously)

Charlotte? Try $400-450 per square foot. Do the math—that's almost half.
Park Ridge Town Homes – Modern, maintenance-free, walking distance to everything you need

Neighborhoods where kids actually play outside and parents don't freak out about it

Complete housing study if you want all the data
You know how most places say they're friendly? Surry County actually is:

Legitimately ranked 2nd most friendly city in the region—not made up

Crime rates you don't lose sleep over – Kids ride bikes, neighbors chat on porches

Emergency services that arrive fast – Way faster than in cities

Everyone's invested in keeping it great – This isn't just where people sleep, it's where they live
Public education here is actually really good:

Surry County Schools – Top-performing academics, sports teams that compete, arts programs that matter

Mount Airy City Schools – Innovative teaching, strong community partnerships

Elkin City Schools – Smaller system, personalized attention, kids aren't just numbers

Teachers who remember your kid's name, principals you can actually talk to, sports and arts that round out the experience

Technology leads from the front - preparing students for careers that launch our kids into the future
No need to drive to Charlotte for good doctors:

Hugh Chatham Health – Full-service regional healthcare with award-winning care, now partnering with Atrium Health to take it to a whole new level

Northern Regional Hospital – Modern facilities with pretty much every specialty: heart care, cancer treatment, kids' doctors, women's health, rehab

Quality care close to home. Novel concept, right?
Finding good, affordable childcare is like finding a unicorn. Unless you're here:

Reeves Community Center – Childcare plus family programs plus a gym. One stop.

Surry County Early Childhood Partnership – Resources and support for quality early learning

Armfield Recreation Center – After-school programs, sports for kids, wellness for adults

Costs significantly less than what you'd pay in Raleigh or Charlotte

Multiple licensed, quality centers throughout the county
When you need the big city (or the airport):

Charlotte: 7590 minutes – Panthers games, airport, fancy dinner when you're feeling it

Greensboro: 6075 minutes – Shopping, shows, UNCG events

Raleigh: Under 2 hours – State capital, museums, whatever Raleigh has

Winston-Salem: 4560 minutes – Arts, dining, Wake Forest stuff

When you don't: You're home, in the quiet, in the space, with your people.

Find Your Community Network

THRIVE

Enjoying the Everyday

Elevating the Mundane

Outdoor stuff the whole family will enjoy:

Pilot Mountain State Park – You can see this iconic peak from miles away. Hike it, climb it, camp under it. Absolutely stunning.

Elkin Valley Trails – Miles of walking and biking trails connecting the town to parks and river. Free. Beautiful.

Granite City Greenway - Accessible trails in the Heart of Mount Airy

Youth sports everywhere – Soccer, baseball, basketball leagues where kids play for fun (though parents still get competitive—it's sports)

Farms, pumpkin patches, pick-your-own – The seasonal stuff that makes childhood memories
Arts and heritage aren't just museum stuff here:

Surry Arts Council – Live music, art shows, programs for kids who want to create

Downtown revitalization that works—award-winning Main Streets with character

Reeves Theater in Elkin - Great traveling shows and house band

Day trips all over the region – The Yadkin Valley's got more to explore than you'd think
Actual fun community events:

Autumn Leaves Festival – One of NC's longest-running festivals. Live music, local crafts, food traditions, huge crowds in the best way.

Milltown Get Down – Elkin's downtown festival with music, food, that great community energy

Seasonal stuff year-round—there's always something happening
Shelton Vineyard – One of North Carolina's largest family-owned vineyards. Tours, tastings, fancy dinners, live music on the lawn. Bring a blanket and stay awhile.

Yadkin Valley Tourism – Your guide to 40+ wineries, breweries, and everything happening in the region

Local craft breweries popping up all over

Farm-to-table restaurants using what's grown right here
Get involved without it feeling like a chore:

Surry County & Yadkin Valley United Fund – Volunteer opportunities supporting real needs in the community

Youth programs at community centers—giving kids somewhere great to be

Community sports – Coach your kid's team, meet other parents, build real friendships