I grew up in Roanoke
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8/16/2006
I lived in Roanoke for many years after graduating high school, things are very slow there and do not seem to change. The only real growth in the city is around Valley View Mall area, and the planning for that is horrible with only a few ways to get out of the overly congested area. Most of the city feels rundown and old, especially the part around the main street Williamson Road..it has a boarded up, desolate vibe. The people are somehow stuck in the 1980's - including haircuts..which is very strange when I visit - like going back in time. Very redneck feel and/or urban. Also racist attitudes persist..alot of aggressive people. I've heard this is a good place to retire - and it is incredibily scenic, the surrounding mountains are beautiful - but for anyone under the age of 60 or over the age of 10 I don't think that it is a great place to live...unless you are in a time warp and don't mind all the mullet haircuts and Wrangler Jeans with chains connected to the wallets, or else the ghetto gangsters stalking the area malls.
Tawnya | Marietta, GA