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!
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Stay out! - 9/28/2017
I'd like to start out with the positive, what little there is. The city and surrounding environs are beautiful. The are lovely hills and mountains in the area. Hiking, biking, and other outdoorsy activities are common. If you like being outdoors and don't mind humidity, these are highlights for you. On the other hand, there are very distressing problems here that never seem to be solved.
First there's the weak job market. The area has an abundance of 7 and 8 dollar an hour jobs. Many offer only part time work, and little job security. If you're going to work a higher paying job, then you'll probably work for Carillion Medical. That company usually brings in professionals from other areas though, and even then with significant pay cuts from what they would earn elsewhere. Larger employers, and those paying higher wages have pulled up and left, this includes Norfolk Southern which has been with the town for almost a century. The company pulled out of the town very suddenly,
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Roanoke is a Diamond in the Rough - 4/1/2016
March 2016 economic development news is bringing an expansion to VaTech Research Institute with 1000 new students & scientists. Tourism continues to
grow with more Hotels and new Amtrak service starting in 2017. Deschutes Brewery is building their east coast facility here and Roanoke beat out 200 cities for its quality of life. A major expansion of advanced manufacturing with better jobs. I would say the comment that Roanoke is not thriving has now changed for the better. There is plenty more traffic fir
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Not a good place to work and live - 12/17/2015
Worked in my field in NYC for 15 years, have a Bachelor's degree and I cannot even get an interview for part-time low-level jobs in my field in Roanoke. I have applied time and again. Why even apply to for a county or city job when there is a wall of prejudice and nepotism no doubt(and a lack of transparency to cover it up)? The head of the county's Human Resources Dept. told me point blank that I should volunteer when I made an oath that I would make enough money to pay for my subsidized healthcare plan, plus I need to work to survive! The pay is low too if you can find a job and the benefits are none or pathetic, though this can't be exclusive to Roanoke. There is nothing to do in this small town, esp. if you are used to living in an exceptional, larger city. Old houses with character with sizeable yards are lacking too. The climate isn't great, lots of mold, the clay soil makes gardening very difficult and frustrating, and it is so far from the ocean (the man-made Smith Mtn. Lake
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Moving to Roanoke - 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
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Not a great place to live - 8/12/2014
I've lived in Roanoke for about seven years now and have found several things I like and don't like. First and foremost, the job market here is a joke, if one new business opens an old one will close. Maggie Moo's, a local ice cream parlor has recently closed; Baja Bistro, a mexican food venue, has recently closed; Cici's pizza has closed; Books-a-Million, has closed.
The area is served by two shopping malls, Valleyview and Tanglewood. Tanglewood has been a mostly vacant dead-mall for years now, and unfortunately Valleyview is headed the same way, many of its stores have been closed in the past few months, it has about 30-50% vacancy.
Downtown, is trying to make a comeback, it's been trying for years. It is ultimately hampered by the same problem which made people stop going downtown to begin with: no where to park. There are a few restaurants but, as is typical of many towns, many of the businesses are closing their doors at 7pm. There just isn't enough business down
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Nice mountain town - 12/18/2013
I would recommend Roanoke to just about anyone. I moved here 6 years ago after living in the Washington DC area all my life. There is zero traffic to speak of, the housing is very affordable too. If you enjoy outdoor activities, we have the Appalachian Trail, and tons of other hiking trails in the surrounding mountains and a great paved greenway through the city. (Roanoke was rated the best town for outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Magazin) Like all cities, there is some crime in certain areas of downtown, but Roanoke county and Salem (which borders Roanoke) are very safe. We're begun raising a family since moving here and there is a lot for the kids to do, if you know where to look.
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DON'T MOVE TO ROANOKE, VA USA!!! - 12/4/2013
Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA are terrible places to leave in!! Don't ever move here to Roanoke, VA or Salem, VA!! There is a terrible spread of shiism within the community here in Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA serving the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, and don't mention anything about the KKK groups here in Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA, or you may lose your job! The wages here in Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA are low, and it can be difficult to find a job here. Roanoke, VA, and Salem, VA are not good places to try to find a wife if you are single, and especially if you want an interracial marriage. Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA are for shiite haters!
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Honest answers, please? - 8/28/2013
I am considering relocating to Roanoke, as the cost of housing and employment opportunities seem pretty good. However, I am seeing a lot of info regarding high crime and possible issues getting a job if you are not bilingual (which is the problem we have encountered at our current residence). Any
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Honest answers, please? - 8/28/2013
I am considering relocating to Roanoke, as the cost of housing and employment opportunities seem pretty good. However, I am seeing a lot of info regarding high crime and possible issues getting a job if you are not bilingual (which is the problem we have encountered at our current residence). Any
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