Do a lot of homework
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11/3/2019
Choose wisely. That's the bottom line here. Really do your homework before you move permanently to this area. I took the bate on a good job opportunity and chose to move here by myself for at least 6 months to really check it out before moving my wife and children the 1,600 miles. I'm glad I did. I'm moving back this month.
The countryside here is beautiful. In fact it's truly stunning in a lot of areas. The city itself is average with an average downtown. While I'm on that topic, Roanoke has a serious crime problem for a city of less than 100k people (last census) and a good majority of the heart of the city outside of downtown is a true ghetto. Realtors, employers, city reps aren't going to show you those areas. The city advertises their Greenway but fail to tell you that half of it goes right through the most crime ridden areas of the city. Much of this area is depressed and crime and gang activity is on the rise. Go southeast of Roanoke and visit Martinsville and Danville as I have and it's even worse.
Most of the people in general are quite friendly with more than a bit of southern hospitality but when it comes to conducting business don't be fooled. Much of the large east coast city dog eat dog, no morals, money talks, and its who you know way of business is very strong here. Dont expect an employer to stand behind you. Dont expect much respect because the prevailing attitude is that you're disposable. Dont expect morals to drive decisions and be ready for the dollar bill reign supreme. Many of you are probably used to that to some degree but I'm not. Where I'm from people still respect others....even in the cities.
If you rely on air service just simply look elsewhere now. Service is expensive, very limited, and unreliable.
Pros:
Beautiful scenery
Lots to do especially outdoors
Low housing costs
Low to Moderate property tax
Most people are quite friendly
Cons:
Crime
Lack of jobs
Air service
No morals in business
10% dining tax in most areas of the valley
Jason | Hollins, VA