Summerfield began life as the small village of Bruce's Crossroads, founded by Charles Bruce (1740-1832), a member of the constitutional convention of North Carolina. Mr. Bruce was a member of "The Friends of Freedom" a group who believed the colonies should have independence from England. Later Bruce's Crossroads name was changed to Summerfield, a name attributed to John Summerfield, a traveling evangelist.

The present town of Summerfield is one of the most popular residential areas adjacent to Greensboro. Beautiful rolling, verdant countryside with magnificent trees and streams has become the setting for some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the area. What was once farmland or horse farms has become wonderful, carefully planned neighborhoods punctuated by still existing farms and estates. The town of Summerfield has done an excellent job of controlling its growth in order to retain the area's exceptional charm and appeal.