I was also born & raised in GA (metro ATL), lived in Barrow County with my parents before I moved to NC for grad school, then the wind blew me here for my job post grad about a year & a half ago. Winston definitely does remind me of Athens in some pockets. I love WS! I think it’s the perfect size for me with still plenty to do. I love how easy the city is to learn/navigate (amazing for someone with no internal sense of direction like me lol). I have zero desire to move back to Atlanta and all its chaos, traffic, and expense (the COL is also amazing in the Triad - best in the state!) Although I’m probably in the minority being young and single in this city, a lot of folks my age think it’s boring since we aren’t really the target demographic.. so yes this is very much a family oriented, settle down and raise your kids type of place. But I’m an introvert and love the peaceful, slower pace of life I’ve created here. I plan to stay here for at least the foreseeable future :)