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Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, Roanoke is one of the most populous cities in the state and is also truly blessed when it comes to beauty. Packed with highly stupendous scenic landmarks, Roanoke claims a distinctive blend of historic charm and modern amenities. It is not wrong to seriously consider moving to Roanoke.
The city is one of the most preferred moving destinations in Virginia, and are you one of those who are serious about packing your bags?
We’re sure you’ll have hundreds of questions including about the cost of living, housing, jobs, taxes, transport, education, and safety in the city. Worry not as here’s our ultimate Roanoke moving directory that covers everything you need to know about the city before you pack your bags.
So without wasting much time, let’s dive in.
Roanoke is a strong center of economy in Virginia State and also boasts of quality life within the budget. You don’t need to worry about safety as the crime rate is not as high as many other big US cities. In addition, if you have a family to raise, the public schools are above average here.
The city takes pride in its diverse and vibrant culture along with its warm welcoming nature. The city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia is one of the best and most scenic in this part of the country. It is also a commercial hub of the surrounding region.
One of the best things about Roanoke is its affordability. Before you pack the bags, you need to know that the city’s cost of living is 33.3% lower than the US average. Everything including accommodation, transport, healthcare, and groceries is less pricey. This means you can have a comfortable life here without burning the wallet.
About 99,578 people reside in Roanoke, which means 2,342 people per square mile. The city has 44,411 households and the median age here is 38.0. The population is racially diverse and this is also a major factor that makes the city a favorite moving destination.
Once you are in Roanoke, you will reach the office from home and back much faster than your current city. The reason is simple- the roads are less crowded here. Commuting in the city is much easier in Roanoke. The average one-way commute in Roanoke is 20.8 minutes against the US average of 26.4 minutes.
The city has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct but generally mild seasons. The summers in Roanoke are hot and winters are mild. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from 70°F to 85°F. Winter temperatures average around 40°F, while spring and fall are generally mild with temperatures between 45°F and 65°F.
In recent years, Roanoke has become a popular moving destination in Virginia, and maybe you are curious to know the reasons. The city is amazingly splendid and is also a major economic center. It is also true that the city doesn’t require you to rob a bank to have a comfortable living. Here are some of the top reasons for people picking Roanoke.
Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Roanoke.
Roanoke offers a rich blend of cultures, making it a diverse place to live. It attracts people from various backgrounds and offers a welcoming environment for all residents.
The overall cost of living in Roanoke is lower than the national average. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare - everything is more affordable here. You can rent a studio for a reasonable price and enjoy the benefits of a comfortable lifestyle.
Roanoke is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether it’s the Blue Ridge Mountains or the numerous parks and hiking trails, Roanoke offers an abundance of outdoor activities for nature lovers.
Unlike larger cities, Roanoke has significantly less traffic, making commuting and getting around the city much easier. This contributes to a less stressful lifestyle and more time to enjoy what the city has to offer.
The pros and cons of living in Roanoke aren’t exactly the same for everyone. What may seem like pros for some can be cons for others.
Here are the key pros and cons of moving to Roanoke, VA.
If you're considering moving to Roanoke, understanding the best neighborhoods can help you find the perfect place to call home. Here are the top neighborhoods in Roanoke to make your decision easier.
| Neighborhood | Home Rental | Home Value |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $1,700 | $560,150 |
| Poages Mill Estates | $1,724 | $634,794 |
| Old Mill Plantation/Bent Mountain | $1,466 | $539,222 |
| Southern Hills | $1,620 | $520,130 |
| Hunting Hills/Branderwood | $1,692 | $497,792 |
| The Orchards | $2,322 | $456,132 |
| Castle Rock Farms/Sugar Loaf Farms | $2,846 | $436,971 |
| Franklin Colonial | $1,296 | $430,461 |
| Greater Deyerle | $1,438 | $403,839 |
| Wasena | $1,401 | $363,834 |
The cost of living in Roanoke is one of the lowest in Virginia. The city is 19.1% cheaper than the US average and 22.4% cheaper than the Virginia average. It is easier to live here without making a hole in the pocket as everything, including groceries, transport, healthcare, housing, and miscellaneous expenses, are cheaper here than the US average.
If you're considering moving to Roanoke, here’s the breakdown of the cost of living:
The average cost of living in Roanoke compared to the national average (100) is as follows:
Overall, the cost of living in Roanoke is rated 80.9%, while the US average is 100. This means Roanoke is much cheaper than the US average, especially when it comes to housing.
Tip: When you’ve got a home to move to Roanoke, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving costs.
Renting a home can be a great option if you're moving to Roanoke. In fact, about 30.4% of people living in Roanoke are renters. The rental market in Roanoke offers a variety of homes, but availability can be limited.
Here's a simple breakdown of the city's real estate market:Yes, Roanoke is a good city to live in. The city has a growing economy, and there are plenty of job opportunities. The cost of living is low, especially when compared to other Virginia cities. The area is also known for its beautiful surroundings, outdoor activities, and a high quality of life.
Roanoke has a number of advantages for those considering moving here:
No, Roanoke is not expensive at all. The overall cost of living is well below the national average, with housing being significantly cheaper than in other parts of Virginia and the U.S. You can expect affordable living while enjoying a high standard of living in this city.
Roanoke is relatively safe, with crime rates lower than the national average. As with most cities, some areas may have higher crime rates, but overall, Roanoke is a good place to live, and the city continues to improve in safety year by year.
Yes, Roanoke promises a healthy lifestyle with clean air, plenty of sunshine, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's climate and environment contribute to mental and physical well-being, and the community places a strong emphasis on healthy living.
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Start My Quote NowIf you're moving to Roanoke, buying a home is very affordable. Here's the latest data on the city's real estate market:
This information gives you a clear picture of Roanoke’s real estate market, helping you decide if it’s the right place for you to buy a home.
Roanoke has a strong job market and if you are relocating to the city for job reasons, you can breathe easy as your chances of getting one are higher here. The city witnesses impressive job growth which is expected to shoot up in the coming years. The future job growth is 19.62% and it is expected to reach 30.0% in the next 10 years. The unemployment rate is however higher than the US average. Some of the major industries include transportation, manufacturing, retail, and tourism.
A simple breakdown of the city’s job market will benefit you if you are moving here for job purposes.
| Indicator | Roanoke | United States |
|---|---|---|
| The income per Cap | $30,379 | $37,638 |
| Household Income | $48,476 | $69,021 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.3 | 6.0 |
| Recent Job Growth | -5.3% | -6.2% |
| Future Job Growth | 30.0% | 33.5% |
Roanoke’s job market is growing and this will benefit you if you are moving here for a job. Having the list of the fast-growing jobs in the city will help you know whether your chances of getting are higher here.
| Rank | Job title | % Growth | Average salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home health aid | 124.6% | $23,574 |
| 2 | Nurse practitioner | 119.6% | $102,110 |
| 3 | Physician assistant | 113.3% | $91,120 |
| 4 | Diagnostic medical sonographer | 112.2% | $70,310 |
| 5 | Web developer | 109.5% | $83,609 |
| 6 | Occupational therapy assistant | 104.2% | $64,120 |
| 7 | Operations analyst | 101.6% | $111,410 |
| 8 | Business analyst | 98.3% | $101,500 |
| 9 | Medical technologist | 96.1% | $51,670 |
| 10 | Software developer | 91.1% | $112,200 |
When you know that Roanoke records positive job growth and it is expected to continue in the coming years, you would be interested to know the best job options or the profiles that offer good salaries. Do not worry as we’ve got a list of 10 top-paying jobs here.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physician | $283,402 | $147,000 |
| 2 | Hospitalist physician | $253,775 | $176,000 |
| 3 | Geriatric physician | $221,383 | $113,000 |
| 4 | Hospitalist | $221,096 | $147,000 |
| 5 | Psychiatrist | $202,620 | $127,000 |
| 6 | Family medicine physician | $201,177 | $124,000 |
| 7 | Internal medicine physician | $201,177 | $124,000 |
| 8 | General internist | $190,524 | $118,000 |
| 9 | Gastroenterologist | $175,555 | $108,000 |
| 10 | General practitioner | $164,166 | $77,000 |
t is always good to know the major industries in Roanoke before you pack the bags. This will help you decide whether your job experience and qualifications make you a good fit in the city. Here’s a list of major industries in Roanoke.
After you reach Roanoke and start searching for a job, your priority will be employee-friendly companies. Fortunately, Roanoke has many such ones. Maybe having their names in hand will make things easier while job hunting. And knowing this, we’ve got a list of the 10 best companies to work in Roanoke.
Here are the 10 best companies to work for in Roanoke.
Roanoke has a strong job market and this is reflected in the pay slips as well. The average salary here is 42,300. To help you get an idea about how much you need to earn to have a decent living in Roanoke, we’ve collated the figures below.
Relocating to the city, one of the major concerns will be to own a house and when you are in Roanoke, getting an affordable house is easy as housing costs are much lower here. An average house here costs $225,600, much lower than the Virginia and US average. However, accommodation costs are shooting up annually and if you own one, you can be sure about its value in the coming years.
Here are a few latest housing stats that may help you:
The home rental, just as the home cost, is lower than the national average. And this makes it easier to rent one in the initial days here. Having an idea about home rental in advance would make things easier.
Knowing the different taxes levied by the administration in Roanoke will help you know the take-home salary as this is based on the cuts the authorities make.
Drenched in scenic beauty and cultural richness, Roanoke has unlimited options to keep you busy on weekends and holidays. Moving here, spending time outdoors will not be an issue at all. Interestingly, we’ve got the 10 best things to do in Roanoke which we’re sure you will appreciate.
Safety is a major factor in deciding a moving destination. If Roanoke is on your list of moving destinations and you prefer knowing the crime rate in the city to shortlist it, here is good news. Roanoke is not a crime hub and relocating here will not disappoint you. The city has a crime rate almost equal to the US average. As per the stats, the city is much safer than 2% of US neighborhoods and about 50% of the residents here feel safe.
If you are relocating to Roanoke with the family, the education of the children can be a great concern. However, you don’t need to worry as the city has some good quality education institutions.
And to help you, we’ve filtered down the best schools and colleges in Roanoke. Take a look at our list.
Grandin Court Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 370 students | 9/10
Penn Forest Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 400 students | 8/10
Crystal Spring Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 304 students | 8/10
Back Creek Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 294 students | 8/10
Mount Pleasant Elementary School
Public, K-5 | 250 students | 8/10
Northside Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 627 students | 8/10
Cave Spring Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 765 students | 8/10
Hidden Valley Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 578 students | 7/10
Breckinridge Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 624 students | 6/10
James Madison Middle School
Public, 6-8 | 580 students | 4/10
Hidden Valley High School
Public, 9-12 | 830 students | 8/10
Patrick Henry High School
Public, 9-12 | 2,005 students | 8/10
William Fleming High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,911 students | 5/10
Cave Spring High School
Public, 9-12 | 1,056 students | 5/10
Roanoke College
Hollins University
Virginia Western Community College
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