🧵 In Today’s Edition

1. By The Numbers: Greensboro’s Housing Crisis
2. The Weekender—Your Guide to Getting Out There This Weekend

The Greensboro skyline. (Photo courtesy City of Greensboro)

By The Numbers:
Greensboro’s Housing Crisis—and Plans to Address It

Greensboro is getting bigger and younger, according to the city’s consolidated housing plan. But more people are struggling with the rising cost of housing, especially those who rent. More housing is needed—and at lower prices.

The city is addressing that need through a consolidated housing plan. The proposed plan, and two others released last month by the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development department, are open for public comment until Sunday, May 25. 

The public hearing for the three plans, previously scheduled for May 20, has been postponed.

A breakdown of the city’s 197-page 2025-29 consolidated plan shows an increase in housing costs for more people each year.

To comment on any of the three plans, the city recommends emailing or calling the city’s community development analyst, Shonta Fleming, at shonta.lewis-fleming@greensboro-nc.gov or 336.373.4636.

Today, we’re taking a By The Numbers look at Greensboro’s housing needs and the efforts to address them.

307,000 Approximate population of Greensboro.

133,029 Number of housing units in the city.

50.4 Percentage of renter-occupied households in the city.

49.6 Percentage of owner-occupied households in the city.

30 Percentage of income financial experts suggest putting toward housing.

15,810  Greensboro residents now using more than 50 percent of their income to pay for housing. Most are renters.

20,635 Greensboro residents spending more between 30 and 50 percent.

24 The median age of Greensboro residents. That’s well below the median age in the U.S., about 39. Greensboro residents are also getting younger. In 2017, the median age was 35.

10,000 Homes the city will add by 2030, according to an ambitious plan announced by City Manager Trey Davis in February. The plan names Eastside Park, Ole Asheboro, South Elm, Willow Oaks, Dudley Heights, and Glenwood among priority target areas for neighborhood reinvestment or long-term redevelopment projects.

23.5 Percentage of residents who say they can’t afford moving expenses, should they choose to leave, according to the city’s analysis of fair housing choice impediments for 2025-30. Some 38 percent said they cannot even afford to live in another part of Greensboro.

40.5 Percentage decrease in rental units priced between $500 and $999 between 2017 and 2022. The number of units renting for $1,000 to $1,499 more than doubled over the same period.

28.8 Percentage increase in median rent over the same period, from $813 to $1,048.


— Gale Melcher

Thanks for reading The Thread, a 3x week newsletter written by Greensboro editor Joe Killian and reporters Sayaka Matsuoka and Gale Melcher. Reach us with tips or ideas at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

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The Weekender
Your Guide to Getting Out There This Weekend

It’s Memorial Day Weekend—the official start of summer. Check out a variety of events during this holiday weekend including yoga with farm animals, a tattoo pop-up, a hunky performance, an Asian book club, live music or good old fashioned Bingo. Just make sure not to take anything too seriously.

FRIDAY, MAY 23
Sushi Master Class @ Red Oak Lager Haus and Biergarten
6:30 p.m.

You’ve heard of all-you-can-eat sushi, but what about tasting rolls made by your own hands? At this ticketed event, GringoNinja will teach participants the basics of making their own sushi, including rolls and nigiri. You’ll learn specifics like how to season and make sushi rice, how to cut fish, and different rolling styles. Ticket prices include all-you-can-eat sushi, tools, and one drink ticket for the biergarten. Learn more here.

Peabo Bryson @ Tanger Center
8 p.m.

R&B legend Peabo Bryson hits the stage at the Tanger Center this Friday evening to share the gift of his song. While Bryson initially rose to fame for singing duets for Disney films Beauty and the Beast, with Celine Dion, and Aladdin with Regina Belle, the two-time Oscar and Grammy winner also has hits, including “Feel the Fire” and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love.” This weekend, Bryson will be singing both old and new hits, including songs from his latest album, Stand For Love. Tickets on sale now.

HUNKS The Show @ Chemistry Nightclub
8-10 p.m.

Sure you’ve heard of Magic Mike, but what about HUNKS? A perfect girls’—or guys’—night out, this upbeat, lively show offers charming hunks who will keep the audience entertained all night long. Must be 21+. Tickets on sale now.

SATURDAY, MAY 24
Goat Yoga on the Farm @ 3436 Wall Road, Greensboro
11 a.m.

If you want to take your yoga experience to the next level, why not throw some goats into the mix? Whether you’re brand new to the practice or a seasoned yogi, this event will give you a chance to breathe, relax, and pet some of the cutest workout partners around. Tickets paid through Venmo.

Opalus Tattoo x Find Your Flow: Flash Tattoo Pop-Up @ Opalus Tattoo
12-6 p.m.

During this collaborative yoga and tattoo pop-up event, mental health-focused and mindfulness tattoos will be available for $80-120 each. At the same time, yoga will take place at the studio. Tattoos are first come, first served on arms and legs only. Learn more on Facebook.

Lindley Summer Bash @ Lindley Recreation Center
1-4 p.m.

This weekend marks the official start of summer, so stop by the Lindley Recreation Center to cool off with a water slide, water games, a popcorn stand, music, and a refreshing dessert food truck. Free to attend.

Paint in the Park @ Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
5-7 p.m.

A free watercolor painting class will take place with step-by-step guided instructions at this community event. Supplies will be provided, but space is limited, so registration is key. Register in advance by emailing guco_education@nps.gov or calling (336) 288-1776.

Big Bingo at Randleman Road @ 2317 Randleman Road, Greensboro
5:30-11 p.m.

Did you know that Greensboro has a dedicated Bingo hall? Well, now you do, and they host Bingo every Saturday, plus Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays! Early games start at 6 p.m. and pack games start at 7:15 p.m. Learn more on Facebook.

Sahara Reggae Band @ Ziggy’s Greensboro
9 p.m.

This high-energy reggae band will perform at the new Ziggy’s in downtown Greensboro next to Mellow Mushroom. Take this opportunity to listen to some live music and check out the city’s newest music venue. Tickets can be purchased here.

SUNDAY, MAY 25
AANHPI Book Social @ Scuppernong Books
12-1:30 p.m.

In recognition of AANHPI Heritage Month, join this casual meet-up to celebrate and share books written by Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander authors. All are welcome. Learn more here.

Memorial Day Service @ Country Park
2 p.m.

Join others in remembering those who have bravely served this country with a service at the Guilford County Veterans’ Memorial in Country Park. The service will feature a guest speaker and a color guard from Fort Bragg. Learn more here.

— Sayaka Matsuoka

Read this newsletter online or contact The Thread team with tips and feedback at greensboro@theassemblync.com.

Gale is a Report for America corps member and Greensboro-based reporter for The Assembly. She previously covered local government and community issues for Triad City Beat. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from N.C. State University.

Sayaka Matsuoka is a Greensboro-based reporter for The Assembly. She was formerly the managing editor for Triad City Beat, an alt-weekly based in Greensboro. She has reported for INDY Week, The Bitter Southerner, and Nerdist, and is the editorial/diversity chair for AAN Publishers.