Roanoke, VA, known as 'The Star City of the South,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Lynchburg (56 miles) and Blacksburg (43 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Roanoke's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Roanoke is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Roanoke Star, the historic Taubman Museum of Art, and the scenic Mill Mountain Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Center in the Square to the bustling Roanoke City Market, known for its shopping and dining. Roanoke's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Southern cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Roanoke Festival in the Park and the Virginia's Blue Ridge Go Cross highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Roanoke's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Virginia Western Community College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Roanoke is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Jefferson Center and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Roanoke provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Roanoke’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (SPHL) and the Salem Red Sox (MiLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Roanoke include healthcare, education, and manufacturing, with significant employers such as Carilion Clinic and Advance Auto Parts driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making it easy to navigate. The weather in Roanoke is generally mild, with four distinct seasons, making it a comfortable place to live year-round.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Roanoke is a medium-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 99,122 people. In Roanoke, only 45% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Roanoke, Virginia could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Roanoke and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, education and other important metrics.
Roanoke has a livability score of 75/100 and is ranked #123 in Virginia and #3,411 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Roanoke could be a great choice! If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Roanoke has higher than average grades for the following: cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (B-). On a more negative note, Roanoke does not have favorable scores for the following: crime (F) and employment (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Roanoke schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 80%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Roanoke an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Roanoke market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Roanoke real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Roanoke. Median real estate prices in Roanoke come in at $134,900, which is 45.7% lower than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Roanoke, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 21.1% lower than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Roanoke | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.0% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.2% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.9% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
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