5 Reasons to Move to Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is occasionally known as the “Capital of the Blue Ridge,” with a rich and full history tracing back to the early 1700s. In fact, it was initially called “Big Lick” because of all the salt licks in the area, which drew not only Native Americans but a menagerie of wildlife, too. When the Shenandoah Valley Railroad arrived in the mid-1800s, the town plunged into a new era of growth and expansion. It wasn’t long before the city’s name was changed to Roanoke, drawn from the Algonquian word “rawrenock” (meaning shell beads or shell money), and the rest, as they say, is history!
But don’t be tricked into thinking that history remains tucked away in a book. This vibrant and beautiful city of around 100,000 people serves as a cultural and economic hub for Southwest Virginia. With outdoor adventures, a fun-filled downtown, and an energetic community, Roanoke stands out among the crowd as an appealing place to call home.
Here are five reasons Roanoke, Virginia, is a great place to live.
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1. The outdoor adventures are never-ending.
Roanoke locals have no shortage of adventures right outside their door. Mill Mountain Park, located within the city, has more than 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking, and Carvins Cove Natural Reserve boasts more than 60 miles and is the second-largest municipal park in the country. Some consider this hidden gem a bucket list destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders with some of the best trails on the East Coast.
Of course, you can also venture to the Appalachian Trail, a 2,175-mile trek that follows the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine. Roanoke is the largest city along the trail, which means locals have easy access to renowned sections of the trail like Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs, collectively known as “Virginia’s Triple Crown.”
Fans of water sports can also take advantage of the Roanoke River Blueway, a 45-mile water trail with 17 access points for paddling, tubing, fishing, swimming and picnicking along the shoreline. In short, no matter how you like to get outside, you’ll find Roanoke is a veritable launchpad for just about any outdoor adventure.
2. It’s still affordable to live here.
Buying a house in today’s market is no small feat. However, Roanoke is one of the few places that still offers a cost of living that appeals to both families and young professionals who prioritize affordability. The cost of living in Roanoke is around 8 percent lower than the national average, with housing prices swooping in at an impressive 23.4 percent less on average.
You’ll pay more for utilities but less for groceries and transportation, with rent prices averaging between $760 and $1,509 a month depending on size, location and amenities. The median home value in Roanoke comes in at $197,134. However, the average household income is $82,258.
3. Downtown Roanoke is a seriously fun place to be.
Downtown Roanoke went all in on a revitalization project starting in 2017, and the results have been astonishing. The district became a small hub of restaurants and retail shops just three short years in. With further investment and expansion, this area is now considered a vibrant hub for culture, dining and community events.
One of the many keys to the transformation has been a significant shift in the restaurant scene, which will thrill any foodies contemplating a move to Roanoke. Local favorites include Lucky, a farm-to-table American eatery; Bernard’s Gastropub & Eatery, featuring modern interpretations of old favorites; and Caribbica Soul, boasting Caribbean comfort food and live music. Several breweries also popped up in recent years, including Golden Cactus and A Few Old Goats Brewing.
Locals also get the benefit of gathering downtown for a number of festivals and community events that celebrate the area’s history and enthusiasm for shared interests. Noteworthy events include things like Roanoke Restaurant Week, held each January, the Local Colors Festival in the summer and seasonal gatherings like Dickens of a Christmas Festival in December.
4. You’ll find a great appreciation for arts and culture.
Roanoke boasts a solid history of arts and culture, which makes it a fun, creative and energetic place to call home. Taubman Museum of Art is a popular haunt among the locals and is known for its diverse collection of American art. Pieces range from the 19th century onward, with regularly rotating exhibits and a host of educational programs, events and activities for all ages. Parents can even sign their children up for immersive summer camps or participate in the beloved Brush Pals program, where the museum creates and distributes thousands of hands-on art lessons and supply kits throughout the community.
Another local favorite is the O. Winston Link Museum, which offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Norfolk & Western Railway through photographs and artifacts, combining history and art in a relatively uncommon way that can be fun for children and adults alike. Theater enthusiasts love going to productions at Mill Mountain Theatre, another regional highlight boasting a full calendar alongside training classes and apprenticeships.
As a resident or visitor, you can also take advantage of the city’s numerous festivals and public art initiatives, including the annual Roanoke Arts Pop! Festival, which has hands-on workshops and pop-up performances. There are a multitude of murals and installations scattered throughout downtown to enjoy, as well as places like Elmwood Park and Dumas Center that host various concerts and events throughout the year.
5. Roanoke is a family-friendly place to live.
Locals will be quick to assure you the community is notably family-friendly, with plenty of educational opportunities, outdoor activities, and highly-rated public and private schools in the area. Hollins University and Roanoke College are higher education options close to home for parents of older children, while local sports groups and kid-friendly programs at local arts and culture organizations are readily found for those with younger members of the family.
When exploring the outdoors, parents can take advantage of the numerous parks and public land that make up nearly 13,000 acres under the Roanoke Parks and Recreation umbrella. The city has almost 70 properties to visit, including 51 parks, seven greenways, two outdoor swimming pools, eight recreation centers and over 100 miles of trails for walking, biking, running and adventuring. Elmwood Park is particularly beautiful with its 35,000 trees and plants, magnolia-lined walkway and colorful fountains. Families can also spend their days exploring the Mill Mountain Zoo or attending seasonal events like the Festival in the Park.