Heritage
& High Living
Roanoke’s evolution from a salt marsh settlement to a bastion of Blue Ridge luxury is a story nearly three centuries in the making.
I. A Distinction in History
Visitors to our mountain enclave are often intrigued to learn that this was never the "Lost Colony." The famed settlement of Roanoke Island, whose inhabitants vanished into the mists of history, lies over 350 miles away on the Outer Banks.
Our name, Roanoke, derives from the Native American term "rawranock"—polished white seashells used as currency by the Powhatan tribe. It is a fitting etymology for a city that would eventually become the financial and commercial capital of Southwest Virginia. Today, the currency has changed, but the value of the land remains undeniable.
From Salt Licks to City Streets
In the 1740s, settlers established roots near local salt marshes, or "licks," which drew buffalo and elk. This village, originally named Gainsborough, evolved into Big Lick. It wasn't until the arrival of the railroad in 1852 that the quiet farming community transformed into a boomtown, officially becoming the City of Roanoke in 1884.
II. The Iron Horse Era
The railroad changed everything. Roanoke emerged as a vital crossroads of commerce, creating wealth that demanded infrastructure and culture. This rapid growth led to the opening of the Historic Roanoke City Market in 1882.
"Still in operation today, the city market is the oldest continuously operating open-air market in the United States."
Today, that same market serves as the anchor for a revitalized downtown, where historic brick warehouses have been reimagined as luxury lofts and high-end retail spaces, blending the industrial past with a sophisticated future.
The Architecture of Luxury
Today’s Roanoke is defined by interconnected neighborhoods varying in style and sophistication. For the discerning buyer, two districts stand apart.
South Roanoke
Featuring estate-style, high-end mansions, South Roanoke is the epitome of valley luxury. Situated adjacent to the Carilion Clinic and fine dining, the median sale prices here reflect a lifestyle that is a cut above the rest.
Mill Mountain
For those seeking seclusion without isolation, Mill Mountain offers privacy and panoramic views. Here, history collides with modern technology, allowing for smart-home estates hidden within the verdant landscape.
Custom Estates
If your vision requires a blank canvas, the surrounding area offers expansive, spacious lots. With natural boundaries ensuring privacy, your fantasy estate can be realized from the ground up.
Acquire Your Place in History
With historic homes for sale, as well as space to build the sprawling estate you’ve always dreamed of, Roanoke offers a piece of American history with modern prestige.
Contact Trusted Realtor Christy Crouch
