COMMENT BY
COMMENT ABOUT PLACE
Roanoke, VA
COMMENT
Roanoke County
The area is not thriving.
The cost of homes has plummeted and even at that, not selling, and the inventory is huge. People are not even renting. Zip 24018 is one of the best places to live in the area.
There is a distinction between the county and the city. They are managed separately.
A low unemployment rate means nothing - everyone knows that. If there is low availability of jobs, there are no jobs, the rate is irrelevant.
Recently, Roanoke ran off the railroad, Norfolk & Southern, and lost 500 jobs. Shortly before that, HSN closed operations losing numerous job, around 100 or so as I understand. Advanced Auto Parts have threatened to leave many times.
Roanoke has gone down in quality of life since moving there in 2004. Specifically, employment opportunities. The cost of goods is high and VA has a sales tax. Retirees want to leave the cold and are stuck due to being unable to sell their homes priced way below, ex.$30,000, of the assessed tax valuation.
Neither Roanoke County nor the city seem to make any effort to expand and invite economic growth and well being.
Best places, you need to get out of your armchair and do your homework.