Roanoke, VA is a city full of history and culture with plenty to do. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, arts scene, shopping and dining options. It's home to the Mill Mountain Star, a large star atop Mill Mountain that overlooks the city. The Roanoke Valley Greenway offers miles of trails for biking or walking while exploring the region’s rich culture and scenery. From museums and historic sites to restaurants and craft breweries, there are many things to do in this vibrant community.
Reviews of Roanoke, VA are overwhelmingly positive from both locals and visitors alike. People who visit this city are often surprised by how much there is to see and do here; whether it's an outdoor adventure, art museum visit or a night out at one of the popular local restaurants or bars. People also love the southern hospitality they receive during their stay in Roanoke. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or planning an extended vacation in the area, anyone visiting this wonderful city will have no shortage of things to explore!
based on 44 ReviewsGet to know Roanoke with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Roanoke
ITS PRETTY GOOD - 10/24/2022
I’ve lived in Roanoke for 15 years, so I hope this comment can help those planning on moving here.
Roanoke isn’t bad if you consider Roanoke county and Salem. Sure, it has its bad parts like NW & SE of the city, but everything else and the metro areas of Roanoke is safe.
Downtown Roanoke has a good nightlife and there are festivals always happening in downtown as well. Also, if you’re a nature person, you'll love it here.
I would say that Roanoke has potential to be a better small city. I’d hope they bring in more businesses and fun things to do. There’s always room for improvement.
All in all, it’s a great place to
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These people are dumb af. Don't live here. - 10/1/2020
I've lived here from 2 years and, goddamn, these people are stupid af. If I here coronavirus is a hoax and and fat people making comments at me for wearing a damn mask I'm going to snap. I can't wait to leave because holy f*** I'm so tired of being hit on by toothless, filthy men and I will never understand why these idiots need to stop and look both ways at a green arrow.
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Born and Raised in Roanoke - 8/25/2020
I was born and raised in Roanoke County (Oak Grove subdivision), departing in 1989 for a job in Texas. So my perspective on the area is dated, but might be valuable as historical perspective relative to more current viewpoints.
While Roanoke (City/County) was somewhat diverse in terms of overall percentages during my youth, the racial groups were not well integrated. My suburban corner of Roanoke County was predominantly white while Roanoke City had a larger black population. Lack of racial integration does not automatically correlate to racism, but it certainly makes it easier to indoctrinate youth in that foul mindset.
Like most other places in the South, Roanoke has a diversity of viewpoints, and there were certainly pockets of Deep South white supremacy and redneck intolerance and ignorance evident in my youth. I hope that Roanoke has evolved a bit over the past few decades, although change can be slow in the South.
Roanoke has suffered
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Scenic, friendly and charming city! - 4/6/2020
I moved to Roanoke Va 3 years ago after living in Richmond Va for 28 years. It is one of the most scenic and friendly places I have ever been. The fall colors and mountain views will impress you. There are bike trails and greenways everywhere with mountain and water views! The neighbors are fantastic, schools are excellent and the restaurants are superb. There is always something to do with festivals virtually every weekend and scenic walking/biking trails everywhere. There are numerous breweries and wineries and growing every day. Real estate is reasonable now but rising as more people discover this charming area. I plan to retire and live in the area for the rest of my life. I truly feel like I won the lottery when I moved to this area. Could not be happier!
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Stars for the terrain, none for the people - 12/17/2019
Roanoke (aka "Roll-'N-Toke), Virginia has geographic features that rival many of the greats in the country. The Blue Ridge Parkway in fall color is beautiful; the hiking trails (Appalachian Trail runs very close by) are wonderful; mountain biking trails are numerous; mountain views of sunrise and sunset; and a four-season climate, etc.) Then, there are the residents of this lovely place. While there are (limited) exceptions, the non-local view is often heard: "Q: What do you get when you cross a hillbilly with a redneck? A: A Roanoker!" The locals of SW Virginia have managed to make the region the buckle of the Bible Belt with absolutely no tolerance for any other religion but what they call "Christian" (and, one must attend the 'right' church); the region ranks high in crime; racism is blatant and open; the 'good ole boy network' rules around these parts; women are treated like second-class citizens; the locals retain the worst of the worst of stereotypical "Southern" attributes
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Do a lot of homework - 11/3/2019
Choose wisely. That's the bottom line here. Really do your homework before you move permanently to this area. I took the bate on a good job opportunity and chose to move here by myself for at least 6 months to really check it out before moving my wife and children the 1,600 miles. I'm glad I did. I'm moving back this month.
The countryside here is beautiful. In fact it's truly stunning in a lot of areas. The city itself is average with an average downtown. While I'm on that topic, Roanoke has a serious crime problem for a city of less than 100k people (last census) and a good majority of the heart of the city outside of downtown is a true ghetto. Realtors, employers, city reps aren't going to show you those areas. The city advertises their Greenway but fail to tell you that half of it goes right through the most crime ridden areas of the city. Much of this area is depressed and crime and gang activity is on the rise. Go southeast of Roanoke and visit Martinsville and
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Roanoke Has Lots to Offer - 3/7/2019
I've lived in the Roanoke-Salem area all my live, and in Roanoke City for the past 21 years. I've seen so many positive changes. The city itself hovers around 100k population, and when including the surrounding areas (Salem City, Roanoke County, Botetourt, Franklin and Craig counties, etc.) we're around 300k. While the city itself does have its share of substandard housing, as does any other city, many good things have come to the area. Tourism is alive and well. There's something to do every day and every night. Live music is available everywhere. The Harvester Center in nearby Rocky Mount is a jewel. There's hiking, kayaking, and a world-class greenway that winds throughout the Roanoke Valley.
Recent Amtrak service was added, with a brand-new level-access platform in downtown. I recently traveled to DC for a weekend. A quick Uber ride from my home to the Amtrak platform, and then an easy and comfortable train ride to Union Station was a delight! Also in downtown Roanoke
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Lots of amenities for small to medium MSA - 3/4/2019
Roanoke City is about 100k population, Roanoke County almost the same, Salem is 25k. VA has independent cities which are compact and generally contain some wealthy older neighborhoods and lower income areas. The counties are middle and upper middle. Yes, if you live in the city there are poor areas and areas with crime. On the other hand crime in the county and Salem is extremely low. Driving around here is a breeze. You can get from one end of town to the other in 5-10 minutes. It has a vibrant downtown and amenities you would expect in a larger city, like a first class symphony, art museum, regional theater and concert venues. Lots of good ethnic and American restaurants. A dozen breweries. Farmers markets are everywhere because it is surrounded by rural areas. Outdoor recreation is great because of mountains, rivers, lakes. City is Democratic. Surrounding areas are all Republican.
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Choose Wisely - 3/3/2018
The other day I heard an interesting comment about Roanoke: "Everybody is the same, acts the same, and it stays the same, stagnant. People are not particularly sincere nor truthful so be careful. People are nice, most are comfortable, and unless you are "connected" no matter how skilled, qualified, experienced or educated you are, the doors slam in your face professionally and socially." I tend to agree adding single women are especially affected. People dress like slobs. and I am amazed. they go to work looking like that. Air travel is tedious, and in general it is a confining place to live. Is it a bad place to live? If this is what you like , no. Many areas are very pretty, and if you think these hills are mountains, you might be thrilled. You will have a plethora of taxes and fees, too, including personal property taxes on your autos.
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