Roanoke Has Lots to Offer
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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 are many restaurants and a historic farmers' market.
If you're a fan of craft beer, you're in luck, as the Roanoke metro area boasts numerous craft breweries, including the east coast brewing operation and a huge modern tasting room for California-based Ballast Point. Plus, there's some sort of festival or outdoor concert going on all the time. There are two outdoor venues, in Roanoke: Elmwood Park, which as a 4000-seat amphitheater with at least eight events already scheduled for spring of 2019, and Dr. Pepper Park, with nine events currently on the schedule.
Then there's the Taubman Museum of Art, along with a dozen smaller galleries in the downtown area. Plus lots of modern downtown housing... with more on the way.
So, all things considered, Roanoke is a city that has lots to offer. Check it out. I really enjoy living here, and have no plans to leave!
Rob | Roanoke, VA