Get to Know Roanoke Rapids, NC

Life in Roanoke Rapids captures the essence of Southern hospitality while embracing the promise of a connected, enriched future. The abundant outdoor access in this lakefront region along the North Carolina-Virginia border has long wowed people looking for an escape. As a place to live, it proves that modern living and tradition can co-exist harmoniously. 

Are you interested in living near Lake Gaston? Its serene banks are attractive for a vacation home or full-time living. Start your Gaston region home search near Roanoke Rapids with this real estate market profile, from the cost of living to things to do once you’re settled.

About Roanoke Rapids, NC

Roanoke Rapids thrives on community events and outdoor activities. It has all the character of a classic small Southern town, complete with historic brick buildings on Main Street and lively festivals like Fourth of July parades. For those who prefer to be outside, this town gem exceeds expectations. Fish or boat the rich waters of Lake Gaston or the Roanoke River, or bathe in the forests of the local parks and wildlife areas.

Roanoke Rapids anchors the Rocky Mount-Wilson-Roanoke Rapids MSA, which includes Halifax County small towns like Weldon and Halifax, Wilson in Wilson County, plus nearby hamlets like Gaston and Pleasant Hill in Northampton County.

The region’s history is wrapped around tobacco and textiles, but modern times have brought new industries like aviation repair and tourism. Ecotourism definitely is a strong component, and visitors also come to check out the many historical sites, from where the Halifax Resolves set the course for American independence back in 1776 to the “longest museum” at Roanoke Canal and Locks.

Interstate 95 makes accessing the greater Roanoke Rapids area easier and connects it to the larger cities in North Carolina and Virginia. 

What is the Roanoke Rapids’ cost of living?

The cost of living in Roanoke Rapids is significantly lower than the national and state averages, which is great news for your budget. Based on Sperling’s Best Places Index, the overall cost of living is 27% less than what would be spent in the US. 

The best part is your housing expenses are where you will likely see the most cost savings, with the local residential real estate rating 66% under typical spending. That’s a significant amount each month and year saved!

But it’s not all below typical American spending. Utilities and health care costs do run above average. The trade-off is you’ll realize savings in the transportation, groceries, and miscellaneous categories. That’s why Roanoke Rapids and Lake Gaston are popular as a place to buy a second home.

What’s going on in Roanoke Rapids real estate

The real estate market around Roanoke Rapids has a variety of potential buyers or renters. The affordable cost of living means buying here has the potential to stretch your housing budget further.

A snapshot from August 2023 shows the greater area had 116 available listings at an average price of $170,494. It’s an average price per sq ft of $96. Specifically in Roanoke Rapids, the 44 listings had an average price of $156,705. 

Condos and Townhomes

Local real estate is predominantly single-family homes. You’ll find more choices near Littleton, NC if you want to buy a low-maintenance condo or townhome.

Waterfront

Waterfront living choices are vast, thanks to Lake Gaston and the Roanoke River. Best of all? This isn’t wall-to-wall condos like buying at the beach. The reservoir runs for 34 miles and covers 20,000 acres. It’s a top destination for Rockfish anglers and fishing bass and catfish. 

Much of the waterfront remains rural, so buying a home here will feel like a relaxing getaway, whether you plan to make it your full-time residence or a vacation home. There are some more developed areas if you want a community with more infrastructure, but these are mostly further west on the reservoir. 

August 2023 had nine waterfront listings, with some vacant lots available to design a custom home.

Roanoke Rapids property taxes

The counties and municipalities set real estate taxes in North Carolina, with re-valuation every four to eight years. Rates are expressed in mils, which are charged per $100 of valuation. The 2021-2022 tax rate in Halifax County was $0.76 mils. The City of Roanoke Rapid charged $0.661 per $100, one of the lower city rates. Only Halifax was less, and it charged $0.66 per $100.

What to do in Roanoke Rapids

The star of the Halifax region is Lake Gaston. Created in 1963 by the construction of the Gaston Dam on the Roanoke River, it is a popular destination for residents and tourists. Numerous parks, campgrounds, and marinas line the shores, providing facilities for camping, picnicking, boat launching, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Beyond water activities, the region has golf courses in serene rolling settings, hiking trails, biking, equestrian sports trails, and more. A prime example is Medoc Mountain State Park and its hiking, biking, and equestrian trails available in pristine northern Carolina forests.

Find more attractions like historical sites dating to the Revolutionary period and events throughout the year in the nearby communities like art shows and holiday parades. The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail showcases the history of the Roanoke Canal and its importance to the area’s development. The adjoining trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Downtown in Roanoke Rapids and Halifax are boutique shops and local restaurants. Add it all together, and you have a well-rounded lifestyle primed for relaxation or adventure.

What is near Roanoke Rapids?

Historic small towns like Weldon, South Rosemary, Gaston, and Pleasant Hill are in the immediate region. As you zoom out, you’ll find more iconic small towns, from Scotland Neck to Rocky Mount. Across the border in Virginia awaits Emporia.

The city of Rocky Mount is about 40 minutes from Roanoke Rapids. It hosts events like the Nash Street Fair, the Rocky Mount Farmers Market, and its own seasonal festivals throughout the year. It has an authentically Americana cultural scene in its art galleries, museums, and performing arts venues. This is your best shot if you want to catch a live music performance at some theater.

Interstate-95 makes reaching some of the more populated areas in North Carolina and Virginia easier. Raleigh and Durham are about an hour and a half away, where you can roam the state capital’s cobblestone streets, explore the galleries and museums, or visit world-famous universities at Duke University or NC State.

Greenville, NC, is about the same drive time away. While smaller than the state capital, it has a youthful energy thanks to Eastern Carolina University, a large art culture, and a fun Uptown district packed with entertainment and nightlife.

Norfolk, VA, and the Virginia Beaches are a little further drive but accessible at 2-3 hours. Here you can tour the waterfront boardwalk, relax at the beach, and enjoy a day in a lively coastal town.

Living in Roanoke Rapids 

If you prize peace and quiet and want affordable waterfront living, Roanoke Rapids is definitely an area to consider. And you still have easy access to larger North Carolina and Virginia cities! Let a local real estate agent guide you across the region to find the right lakefront vacation property or full-time home.