My sense of things in the Roanoke area is as the writer mentioned, a diamond in the rough. In 2011, I left Roanoke, lived in WA and FL. The state of jobs unless you have certain skills, already have income or assets, or connections, seems similar everywhere. College grads, seasoned professionals, and other experienced are making $10 an hour, honest, not doing what they love nor intended to do and surviving. People are "roomies" and so forth just trying to make ends meet. Yes, Roanoke needs an attitude adjustment, one oriented toward respect and growth rather than the archaic "good old boy" club and punitive mentality. And, the powers who be need to be concentrating on attracting not only tech, and mfg but white color employment, too. The cost of living is all right yet the state income tax, high real estate taxes, and other txes have an impact. Plus it is not near a metro area. In the past, I have used the airport many times. I have not found anything to complain about. Making the connection in Charlotte is often a real push. Grow Roanoke.
Gale | Roanoke, VA | Report Abuse