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Review of Roanoke, Virginia

Moving to Roanoke
Star Rating - 12/30/2014
My family is considering a move to Roanoke. We spent several days in the city earlier this month and found the city to be very friendly with lot of fun family activities. We visited the center in the square, art museum, transportation museum, attended Madeline Christmas at the Children's Theatre, walked along the greenway, toured the star area and hiked the Tinker Creek Greenway to Carvins Cove. The Y and the Green Ridge Rec Center seem nice - would love for the children to be able to swim in the indoor pool during the winter. I also like that several of the county clubs have indoor tennis courts. We feel that there are lots of great hiking options in the city, restaurants, farmers markets and theatre options. We looked at several neighborhoods but are drawn to the historic southwest area - the elementary school is Crystal Springs. We love the idea of the children being able to walk to school. After the 6th grade we would more than likely switch them to Northcross. I have read several negative views of Roanoke - our biggest concern with the move is moving the children away from family and we have great friends who we would be moving away from. Am I way off base about Roanoke - don't want to move and then regret the decision....Is Crystal Springs a good school? thoughts on Northcross? What about South Roanoke Methodist or other churches with strong childrens and youth programs? I am looking for any input about what life is like in Roanoke....
Laurie | Oxford, MS
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3 Replies

The Crystal Springs area is nice and Northcross is known to be one of the best schools in the area. However, only move to the Roanoke, area if you already 'know' someone or have work lined up in the medical industry (which is the biggest employer in the area). There is a reason Roanoke received many negative reviews, people tend to not like it here. It's a one industry town, many people after moving in regret it and move on.
Dorian | Roanoke, VA | Report Abuse
Agree 59   Disagree 46
Hi, we live in Hernando ms! Did you move to Roanoke or still considering it? My husband has a possible job opportunity and we are researching the city.
Jennifer | Hernando, MS | Report Abuse
Agree 46   Disagree 41
I lived in Roanoke for 11 years and was a transplant. I worked in the school systems while there. Stay away from Roanoke city schools and look towards Roanoke county schools they are better than Northcross. The neighboring town of Salem has an awesome school system our children went to Cave Spring. We have lived all over the eastern seaboard and my children received one of their best educations here. The area is best suited for someone looking to be active with nature if your from a big city then this prbly not for you. I have lived in NYC and I can see how this would be a culture shock as the concrete jungle was for me. Jobs are hard to find this is why we ended up leaving but I have heard that this is changing. The property tax Ian low compared to others states I lived in. The pay is lower though, too, so know that going into it. The people are friendly and very helpful. They also stop and smell the roses along the way here so be ready for a slower pace of life. If I had a chance to move back I would. In a side note I do not have family living there but my friends I left are considered part of my family as we lived the area and the people immensely. Good luck! If you chose to live ther enjoy the trails and the water falls of the area. Best of all the fall foliage on the Blue Rifge Parkway.
Brenda | Lindenhurst, IL | Report Abuse
Agree 16   Disagree 5
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