Roanoke

A naturally beautiful bike-friendly city in the Blue Ridge Mountains with excellent schools and limitless recreational options.

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Welcome to Roanoke

A naturally beautiful bike-friendly city in the Blue Ridge Mountains with excellent schools and limitless recreational options

Tucked into the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains is the city of Roanoke, recognizable for the famous Roanoke Star, a neon landmark overlooking the Mill Mountain summit. What began as land carved out of an ancient mountain range has since evolved into an urban city famous for its natural beauty, shopping, craft beverage scene, and abundance of recreational activities.

Vibrant, innovative, and scenic, it's no surprise that Roanoke continues to usher in more residents keen on the high quality of life, excellent schools, and competitive economic development. Today Roanoke is considered Southwest Virginia's commercial and cultural hub.

What to Love

  • ✓ First-class healthcare
  • ✓ Excellent schools
  • ✓ Limitless recreational options
  • ✓ Year-round events and activities
  • ✓ High quality of life
  • ✓ Natural beauty

People & Lifestyle

More and more people are relocating to Roanoke due to the below-average cost of living, great schools, charming hospitality, emerging cultural scene, rich history, and the area's natural beauty. Despite the influx of newcomers, Roanoke maintains its small-town vibes while still providing the amenities and experiences one would anticipate from a big city. Roanoke is a fantastic place to retire to or raise a family.

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to living in Roanoke is access to first-class healthcare, with medical facilities like the private teaching hospital Carilion Memorial and LewisGale Healthcare System located here. LewisGale has provided Southwest Virginia with exceptional healthcare for more than a century, and Carilion is one of Virginia's largest and most influential hospitals.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Since 1941, The Roanoker has been a staple for anyone who enjoys American comfort food and Southern-style cooking. Locally owned and operated, The Roanoker continues its long-standing tradition of providing good food for good prices. Similarly, Texas Tavern is a classic 10-stool 1930s diner serving breakfast, burgers, and their popular chili. Many locals frequent the tavern so often, they've even picked up on the short-hand lingo used by the cooks.

You can try 419 West for fine dining, a restaurant that blends upscale and casual while serving seafood, steaks, grill fare, and weekend brunch. This sophisticated establishment offers private dining rooms that can be rented and a bar/lounge area.

As for shopping, there are seemingly endless options available throughout Roanoke, particularly for small boutiques and specialty shops, but Tanglewood Mall is just minutes from downtown. Tanglewood has served shoppers for more than 35 years. Inside you'll find national retailers, cinemas, and anchor stores like Barnes & Noble, TJ Maxx, Belk, Kroger, and more.

Things to Do

A seemingly endless list of recreational activities and events is always at your fingertips in Roanoke, but there are a few hotspots that draw crowds more than anywhere else. Roanoke is just a day's drive away from Washington D.C., Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte and only a few hours from the state's best beaches and several large amusement parks.

Elmwood Park is Southwest Virginia's premier concert and festival venue. Apart from seating 4,000, the venue also provides cascading grass terraces, an art walk with stunning sculptures, and an illuminated fountain near the stage.

Spend a day with your family at the Mill Mountain Zoo, a 568-acre regional park with beautiful scenic views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and more than 35 different species of animal. Nearby you'll find the Roanoke Star, a must-see spot of the iconic Roanoke symbol. The star is the world's largest freestanding illuminated manufactured star.

Nature lovers will appreciate Carvins Cove Reservoir, the second largest municipal park in the nation and a significant water source. Sprawling across 12,700 acres and overflowing with recreational opportunities such as boating, hiking, and biking, Carvins Cove is certainly worth a visit. The cove also has the largest conservation easement in Virginia.

Roanoke also hosts the Blue Ridge Marathon, "America's Toughest Road Marathon," and the Roanoke Ironman. Plus, the Appalachian Trail is considered the most iconic scenic hiking trail in the world.

Schools

Roanoke is home to the excellent Roanoke City Public Schools and includes educational institutions like Hidden Valley High, Cave Spring High, William Byrd High, Fleming High, Northcross, Roanoke Catholic, and Patrick Henry High. Radford, Virginia Tech, Carilion, and Virginia Western Community College are also nearby.

Roanoke, VA Neighborhood Guide

Discover the unique character, charm, and luxury of Roanoke's most coveted communities. Find the perfect backdrop for your lifestyle, whether you seek historic elegance, modern convenience, or serene lakefront living.

 

South Roanoke

Historic Elegance & Established Prestige

An iconic, tree-lined neighborhood known for its stately homes, top-rated schools, and proximity to the vibrant Grandin Village. South Roanoke offers a walkable, community-focused lifestyle with an air of timeless sophistication.

  • Grand, architecturally significant homes
  • Walk to boutiques, cafes, and the historic Grandin Theatre
  • Highly sought-after school district

Explore More: If you're drawn to the luxury homes of South Roanoke, our guide on How to Buy a Luxury Home is essential reading. Discover the Luxury Home Design Trends for 2023 to inspire your future home.

 

Smith Mountain Lake

Waterfront Luxury & Resort-Style Living

Just a short drive from the city, Smith Mountain Lake is a premier destination for those seeking a tranquil escape. Enjoy world-class boating, fishing, and golfing, all from the comfort of your custom waterfront estate or cozy cabin.

  • Breathtaking water views and private docks
  • Championship golf courses and marinas
  • A peaceful, resort-like atmosphere

Explore More: Considering a life on the water? Dive deep into Living in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. For family fun, explore our list of the Best Family-Friendly Smith Mountain Lake Activities.

 

Raleigh Court / Grandin

Hip, Historic & Wholly Walkable

Centered around the charming Grandin Village, this area is a hub for artists, young professionals, and families. It features a mix of charming bungalows and renovated classics, all within steps of fantastic local restaurants, shops, and the co-op.

  • Unbeatable walkability and community vibe
  • Thriving local food and arts scene
  • Beautiful parks and the Roanoke River Greenway

Explore More: Find the perfect piece for your Grandin bungalow at these Best Home Decor and Furniture Stores in Roanoke. Then, explore the Restaurants in Roanoke You Need To Try right in your backyard.

 

Cave Spring

Suburban Bliss with Top-Tier Amenities

A perennial favorite for families, Cave Spring offers spacious homes on larger lots, excellent schools, and convenient access to shopping and I-81. It's the epitome of comfortable, suburban living with a strong sense of community.

  • Top-ranked Cave Spring school district
  • Family-friendly parks and community centers
  • Low crime rates and well-maintained properties

Explore More: If you're Finding the Perfect Home in Roanoke for a family, read our guide on Key Features to Look for in a Family Home. Then, learn how to Make Your Home Safe for Children.

 

Downtown & Historic Districts

Urban Energy & Architectural Charm

Experience the pulse of the city in a renovated loft or a meticulously preserved home in the Old Southwest or Hurt Park historic districts. Enjoy a lifestyle where the Taubman Museum, Center in the Square, and a plethora of chef-driven restaurants are just outside your door.

  • Stunning lofts and historic homes with character
  • Unparalleled access to arts, culture, and nightlife
  • A vibrant, 24/7 urban environment

Explore More: Considering a historic home? Understand the unique factors in our article, What to Consider When Eyeing a Home in Historic Districts. Then, explore the Top Attractions in Roanoke you'll call your neighborhood.

Ready to Find Your Place in Roanoke?

This guide merely scratches the surface. The perfect neighborhood is waiting for you. Let's discuss your lifestyle needs and find the community you'll be proud to call home.

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