Roanoke, VA, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, is a city that offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of living in Roanoke, helping potential residents make an informed decision about moving to this charming city.
Pros of Living in Roanoke
Scenic Beauty
Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers some of the most breathtaking scenic beauty on the East Coast. The region boasts over 700 miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, which provide hikers with stunning views and access to iconic spots like McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Tinker Cliffs.
These trails cater to all levels of hikers, from those seeking a leisurely walk to those aiming to conquer challenging peaks.
The Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” adds to the allure with its panoramic vistas and numerous scenic overlooks, making it a must-visit for both drivers and cyclists. For water enthusiasts, the Roanoke River Blueway offers a 45-mile water trail perfect for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the serene river landscapes.
Affordable Cost of Living
Roanoke, Virginia, is renowned for its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
The overall cost of living in Roanoke is approximately 19.1% lower than the national average and 22.4% lower than the Virginia state average.
Housing plays a significant role in these savings; the median home price in Roanoke is around $225,600, which is significantly lower than the national median of $338,100. Renters also benefit from lower costs, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being about $960 per month, compared to the national average of $1,430.
Friendly Community
Roanoke, Virginia, is renowned for its exceptionally friendly and welcoming community, which significantly contributes to the city’s charm and livability. Residents of Roanoke often highlight the warmth and hospitality that permeate daily interactions.
Whether you’re taking a stroll through a neighborhood or attending a local event, you can expect friendly greetings and smiles from those you encounter. This strong sense of community is reinforced through numerous local events, festivals, and farmers’ markets that foster social connections and a sense of belonging.
Low Crime Rate
Roanoke, Virginia, is known for its relatively low crime rate, particularly when compared to other cities of similar size.
According to recent statistics, the city’s violent crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with significant reductions in crimes such as robbery and assault. For instance, the rate of robbery in Roanoke is 99.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 135.5.
Additionally, the city’s effective law enforcement efforts contribute to a safer environment for its residents. Surveys indicate that a majority of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and regard the local police as visible and responsive, which enhances the overall sense of security.
Good Education Opportunities
Roanoke, Virginia, is known for its relatively low crime rate, particularly when compared to other cities of similar size. According to recent statistics, the city’s violent crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with significant reductions in crimes such as robbery and assault.
For instance, the rate of robbery in Roanoke is 99.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 135.5.
Additionally, the city’s effective law enforcement efforts contribute to a safer environment for its residents. Surveys indicate that a majority of residents feel safe in their neighborhoods and regard the local police as visible and responsive, which enhances the overall sense of security.
Cons of Living in Roanoke
Limited Job Market
One of the significant challenges facing residents in Roanoke, VA, is the limited job market. Despite recent improvements in job growth, the region’s employment opportunities remain somewhat constrained, particularly when compared to larger metropolitan areas.
While Roanoke saw a job growth rate of 2.5% from 2021 to 2023, outpacing both the state average and other Virginia metros, the total number of jobs and the diversity of available positions remain limited.
This growth has been primarily in sectors such as healthcare, education, and professional services, which may not cover the full spectrum of job seekers’ needs.
Public Transportation Challenges
Roanoke faces significant public transportation challenges, which impact the mobility and daily lives of many residents. The city primarily relies on Valley Metro for its public transportation needs, which includes fixed bus routes and specialized services for individuals with disabilities.
However, the coverage and frequency of these services have been major concerns. Residents have consistently requested more frequent trips, especially during late evenings and weekends, as the current schedules do not adequately meet their needs.
In response, Valley Metro launched a two-year pilot program offering on-demand microtransit services during Sundays and late-night hours, a long-requested feature by the community. Despite these efforts, the overall public transportation infrastructure remains limited, with significant areas of the city underserved by regular bus routes.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Roanoke, Virginia, experiences a variety of extreme weather conditions throughout the year, which can be a significant drawback for residents.
Summers in Roanoke can be particularly challenging, with temperatures often soaring into the mid to upper 90s and high humidity levels exacerbating the heat.
Heatwaves are common, and residents frequently face days with temperatures feeling well over 100°F due to the combined effects of heat and humidity. This extreme heat can strain both individuals and infrastructure, leading to increased energy consumption and potential health risks such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Limited Higher Education Options
Roanoke, Virginia, faces challenges in terms of higher education opportunities, which can be a drawback for residents seeking diverse academic programs. While the city is home to institutions like Virginia Western Community College and the Roanoke Higher Education Center, these facilities primarily offer limited undergraduate and professional development programs.
The Roanoke Higher Education Center collaborates with various universities to provide a range of degree programs, but the selection is not as extensive as those found in larger metropolitan areas. This can be restrictive for students seeking specialized or advanced degree programs that are not available locally.
Traffic Congestion
Roanoke, Virginia, while not experiencing the severe traffic congestion typical of larger metropolitan areas, still faces notable traffic challenges that impact daily commutes and overall quality of life.
One of the primary issues is the congestion on key corridors such as Interstate 81 and major city arteries, which frequently experience traffic slowdowns and delays due to construction and increased vehicle volume.
For instance, recent data indicates that traffic backups on I-81 can extend for several miles during peak hours and construction periods, causing significant delays for commuters. This ongoing congestion not only increases travel time but also contributes to driver frustration and can lead to a higher incidence of minor traffic accidents.
Is Roanoke, VA a Good Place to Live?
Roanoke, Virginia, offers a mix of advantages that make it a compelling place to live. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The city boasts over 30 miles of urban trails, the starting point for the Appalachian Trail, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smith Mountain Lake, making it a haven for hiking, biking, and water activities.
Additionally, the community in Roanoke is known for being exceptionally friendly and welcoming, with residents often engaging in local events, festivals, and farmers’ markets, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
On the practical side, Roanoke offers an affordable cost of living, which is about 16% lower than the national average. This affordability extends to housing, utilities, and groceries, making it an attractive option for families, retirees, and young professionals.
Education in Roanoke is another strong point, with a variety of reputable public and private schools, as well as access to higher education institutions like Virginia Tech and Radford University nearby. The local job market, while growing, is bolstered by industries such as healthcare, education, and retail, with major employers like Carilion Clinic leading the way.
Moving to Roanoke, VA
Roanoke, Virginia, offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, affordable living, and a vibrant community that makes it an attractive place to relocate. Situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke provides residents with a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports at places like the Roanoke River Blueway and Smith Mountain Lake.
The city’s extensive greenway paths and proximity to the Appalachian Trail also make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Roanoke’s four distinct seasons add to the charm, with each season offering its unique attractions and activities.
For those planning on moving to Roanoke, you should also consider the moving process. It can become a challenge if you plan on doing it yourself and this is why hiring movers in Roanoke is a necessity rather than an option.
