6 Best Places to Live in Roanoke, VA
6 Best Places to Live in Roanoke, VA
One of the most important considerations when looking for a new place to live is the population size and density. Do you want to live in a more populous suburb or city because of the lifestyle amenities? Perhaps a less-inhabited, more rural area for privacy and space? Both suburban and rural living have their benefits.
As one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, the American Southeast has a variety of areas that provide the best aspects of rural and suburban living. The good news is some locales provide the privacy and expanse of rural living while remaining a short drive away from more populated, commercialized districts. If that’s what you’re looking for, consider the city of Roanoke, Virginia.
Why live in Roanoke, VA?
Roanoke is the largest city in Southwest Virginia, with a population of just over 100,000 residents as of the 2020 Census. However, it is nestled in the Roanoke Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, ensuring it retains a level of rural charm despite its expansion into the surrounding hills.
Ample opportunities for outdoor adventures are in and around the city. In fact, Roanoke is the largest community on the Appalachian Trail, which cuts through the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests. These forests sit adjacent and cover just under two million acres of land. Here, you’ll find some of the region’s best picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and scenic views.
Car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and bicyclists might be interested in the nearly 470-mile-long Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest non-commercialized route in the nation. It provides access to miles of hiking trails and offers countless breathtaking views. It connects Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky National Park in Cherokee, North Carolina.
The mountains and forests provide beautiful views for Roanoke residents as they go about their daily routines. The city is currently a hub for healthcare and retail and has a vibrant, thriving culture. Appalachian arts thrive here, with several renowned galleries that foster a strong community of creators and performers. Public art installations are sprinkled across downtown and the local parks.
Additionally, a local nonprofit organization called EventZone hosts a variety of festivals. There’s sure to be something the whole family will like, between the Strawberry Festival, Blues Festival, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Henry Street Festival, Local Colors Festival, the Festival in the Park, and the annual Chili Cook-Off!
As you can see, Roanoke has many reasons to call it home.
About the Roanoke Real Estate Market
In August 2022, there were 764 homes for sale in the greater Roanoke area, which includes suburbs like Cave Spring, Salem, and Vinton. Homes in the metro had an average listing price of $250,000, reaching around $145 per sq ft. Prices were up 11% year-over-year. Since there are currently more buyers than homes, the market remains in favor of the seller in summer 2022.
The most affordable listings were for vacant residential lots, perfect for designing a custom home. These started at $2,500. The most expensive listing with an existing home was $1.36 million for five acres with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a heated in-ground pool.
What are the best places to live in Roanoke, VA?
There are over 45 neighborhoods in and around Roanoke, so you have no shortage of options. To help narrow down your options, here are the top six neighborhoods in the city.
Downtown
If you want to be at the center of the action, look no further than the beating heart of downtown Roanoke. Over 2,500 residents enjoy proximity to the city’s numerous festivals that take place here. You can take a stroll in Elmwood Park, borrow a book at the Roanoke Public Library, or take the family to the Science Museum of Western Virginia, just a few blocks away. Downtown is home to over 70 dining options.
As one of the most densely populated areas in the city, there aren’t many single-family properties available in August 2022. There were six single-family homes, starting at $149,950 for a four-bed, one-bath, 1,360 sq ft home and going up to $399,000 for a four-bed, three-bath home with an area of 2,296 sq ft. There were three condominiums for sale, ranging in price from $110,000 to $189,500.
Mill Mountain
Mill Mountain is close to the center of Roanoke, situated in its southeast corner. The Roanoke River runs through Mill Mountain. Two greenways give several miles of pedestrian pathways for cyclists and walkers. One of the more historic neighborhoods, Mill Mountain has a 586-acre Zoo and Park that highlights Applachican wildlife like black bears and river otters.
The community is primarily single-family homes of medium size to estate homes, with some historic real estate mixed in. You’ll look at Yellowstone, Garden City, Crystal Spring, and Riverland developments. The latter two have more new construction, while Crystal Spring and Riverland Road areas are more established.
Starkey
To the southwest of Downtown Roanoke is the unincorporated community of Starkey. Located beside the Blue Ridge Parkway, Starkey is a great option to live just outside the city while retaining quick access to amenities. There is the nearby Starkey Park and Merriam Soccer Complex, and the Hunting Hills Country Club. Here, residents are also just a short drive from the Tanglewood Mall.
The neighborhood had around 38 properties for sale in August 2022. Many were vacant lots ranging in size from 0.64 to 15.2 acres and in price from $65,000 to $121,600, respectively. There were also six townhomes for sale, ranging from a two-bed, 1.5 bath listed at $155,000 to a three-bed, 2.5-bath listed at $264,950. Single-family homes in the area range from a four-bed, 1.5-bath home listed at $255,000 to a four-bed, 2.5+ bath construction listed at $635,000.
Old Southwest
The Old Southwest district is an affluent, historically significant neighborhood directly adjacent to downtown. It has been recognized numerous times by the Virginia Statewide Neighborhood Conference as one of the best neighborhoods in the state. The community in Old Southwest is dedicated to its historical preservation efforts, and the neighborhood is home to several significant landmarks maintained by the Old Southwest Organization. It is also home to several high-rated eateries and entertainment options like downtown.
There were nine properties for sale in the Old Southwest neighborhood in August 2022, including two vacant lots listed for $39,950 and $109,500. There were also two multi-family homes listed at $110,000 and $265,000, with areas of 1,636 and 2,132 sq ft, respectively. Finally, five single-family homes were available, ranging from a three-bed, 1.5-bath home listed at $259,950 to a 5-bed, 2.5-bath house listed at $875,000.
Cave Spring
The unincorporated community of Cave Spring, adjacent to Starkey and Roanoke, is one of the most expansive residential neighborhoods in the area. It provides a slower, more suburban environment, although it does house the country’s administrative offices. Plans call for more development and expansion, such as the Town Center Plan, which calls for a walkable, urban area along Route 419.
There were 44 properties listed for sale in Cave Spring, including 11 empty plots of land ranging in size from .3 acres to 5.2 acres and in price from $19,900 to $219,000. Condos and townhomes in this neighborhood ranged from a three-bed, two-bath property listed at $213,850 to a three-bed, 3.5-bath construction with a list price of $269,500. Finally, single-family homes range from a two-bed, one-bath cottage listed at $159,950 to a five-bed, 3.5-bath house with a list price of $740,000.
Raleigh Court
Directly west of Downtown Roanoke is the neighborhood of Raleigh Court, home to Grandin Village, a small, historic district dedicated to culture and entertainment. It is built up around Virginia Heights School. It has many close amenities, including the Grandin Theatre, Heights Community Church, and several shopping outlets and eateries.
There were 15 properties listed for sale in Raleigh Court in August 2022, including three multi-family homes with list prices between $249,950 and $419,950. There were 12 single-family homes for sale, ranging from a three-bed, one-bath home with a list price of $139,950 to a six-bed, 3.5-bath home listed at $550,000.
South Roanoke
The neighborhood of South Roanoke has some of the best attractions and entertainment in the city. There are opportunities for outdoor adventure on the nearby Mill Mountain, where the Mill Mountain Star sculpture sits next to the local zoo. There is the River’s Edge Sports Complex sitting on the Roanoke River, and, like the rest of the city, there is no shortage of restaurants.
There are currently 21 homes for sale in South Roanoke, including two empty plots of land listed at $120,000 and $150,000. Four options were available for condos and townhomes, ranging in price from $200,000 to $415,000. Finally, single-family homes in the area ranged from a three-bed, 1.5-bath construction with a price of $259,950 to a home listed at $949,000 with six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Northwest/Williamson Road Area
Williamson Road starts near downtown and comprises a collection of communities defined by I-581, the city limits, and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. Around 15% of Roanoke’s residents live in this area. Local amenities include the Roanoke Civic Center, its largest shopping mall, the Valley View Mall, and many antique stores. The regional airport is in the northwest of the region.
Developed throughout the 1950s, homes in the Williamson Road Area have varying styles. From foursquare to Tudor, the main attraction is the affordable price tag. The median list price in August 2022 was $181,000, with 52 homes on the market.
Living in Roanoke, VA
As you can see, living in Roanoke, Virginia, offers numerous recreation options and an eclectic mix of rural and suburban living. If you think a home in Roanoke, VA, would be right for you, get in touch with a local real estate agent today! Otherwise, explore what you need to know before moving to Virginia.
Start Your Home Search
Preston Guyton
Share this Post
Related Articles
Living In
The EZ Guide On Living In Houston
Living In
Your EZ Guide to Living In Salisbury, MD
Living In