Reviews & Comments
Roanoke, VA
Choose Wisely -
3/3/2018The other day I heard an interesting comment about Roanoke: "Everybody is the same, acts the same, and it stays the same, stagnant. People are not particularly sincere nor truthful so be careful. People are nice, most are comfortable, and unless you are "connected" no matter how skilled, qualified, experienced or educated you are, the doors slam in your face professionally and socially." I tend to agree adding single women are especially affected. People dress like slobs. and I am amazed. they go to work looking like that. Air travel is tedious, and in general it is a confining place to live. Is it a bad place to live? If this is what you like , no. Many areas are very pretty, and if you think these hills are mountains, you might be thrilled. You will have a plethora of taxes and fees, too, including personal property taxes on your autos.
Roanoke, VA
re: Wrong Turn, Don't Come To Place -
2/17/2018Don't know where Sperling gets his info but textiles have been long gone as has the railroad and more. Emphasis is on luring people to VTech-Carilion located in a culturally and commercial defunct area. A huge challenge is trying to leave after "investing" in real estate, avoiding foreclosure and/or loosing your shirt otherwise. Closed in many ways, many "nice" well heeled people.
Roanoke, VA
re: Roanoke is a Diamond in the Rough - 4/1/2016 -
12/13/2016My 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.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC -
10/28/2015Why do you have information about Michigan under Myrtle Beach, SC? The qualify of life is much different!
Obviously you do not like SC. However, I have friends who are "educated", and "cultured" who moved there recently and love it far and above FL where they lived before moving to VA 15 years prior to the SC move. They are in their 60's.
In 1981, I moved to Florida, left in 2000, lived in VA and WA, and returned last year after a 14 year absence. Much has changed, and some has not. The cost of living continues to rise as does crime in Tampa-Bay. I still like Florida, maybe not enough to stay, though. We'll see.
Cave Spring, VA
Roanoke County -
9/22/2015The 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.