Review of Roanoke, Virginia


Quality of LIfe.
Star Rating - 1/22/2012
I dont' really have a review as much as a request, for current info on Roanoke and the region. I don't live in Roanoke but am thinking of retirment in the area. The most recent review is several years old now. Is it bascially a current review of Roanoke at present, or has the area changed very much. I like this area on the few short visits I have made to the area, but I have not been there in at least 5 years now.
I Just wonder how Roanoke is doing in 2012. I'm especially interested in, is it still attracting people from other areas. Or has that slowed down? Are businesses coming and going as in much of the country? So much so that it has had a severe impact on the economy of the Roanoke area. I am very impressed with the Medical facilities offered in this city as well as its natural beauty. I just wonder why it has never grown more considering it offers much for its size. Thanks
Jim | Sun City West, AZ
Reply to this Comment

2 Replies


Roanoke has really not changed a lot in the past few years. While I do not fully agree with each review here, I believe that your satisfaction in Roanoke all depends upon what you are looking for in a city. Roanoke is of "average" size, however, after living in many other areas of the country, I feel that the area is limited in shopping, culture, and activities. There has been a shift of people moving away from Roanoke, as it has become more and more a retirement community over the past several years. There is an issue with finding a job here, and as of recently there have been several large employers that have laid off employees. However, if you work in healthcare this should not be a problem. I do agree that the home prices listed on this website are no where near accurate. My husband and I searched for over 8 months to find a home under 250k that was in a decent area and did not need an extensive amount of work. The temperatures here are descent, it does get fairly warm here during the summer months, however, my parents have lived here their entire lives and I am unaware of it ever reaching 110 degrees, (as mentioned in a previous comment). If you are in the market for an upper middle class town with everything you need, but lacking some of the things you "want" then Roanoke is a great place to be. The school systems here are good, and the crime rates are descent. While heinous crime does occur here, it is infrequent, and usually due to a domestic dispute or drug related crime. Roanoke also has two smaller private colleges--Hollins University and Roanoke College. It is approximately 45 minutes from Virginia Tech. It is a city that is comfortable where it stands and while many citizens have pushed for growth, the local government here seems unconcerned with it. My husband and I have lived in Roanoke since 2007 and we will be moving this year. Good luck in your search for a new place to live.
Ashley | Daleville, VA | Report Abuse

Thank you Ashley for your 2012 review on Roanoke. I felt it was a very honest and informative appraisal of Roanoke.
Jim | Portland, OR | Report Abuse
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