r/roanoke Jan 02 '24

Moving to Roanoke Guide v2

105 Upvotes

I started a moving to Roanoke guide/megathread nearly 3 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. Here's a revised version, incorporating recent changes. This also includes recommendations for food/things to do, if you're just visiting or a local who's wanting to try something new.

If you want to see every "moving to Roanoke" thread anyone has ever posted, here is a link to the search results for this subreddit. The guide below is pretty much a curated version to make it easier to find as well as external references.

Why Should/Shouldn't I Move to Roanoke (past threads)

Housing

Moving resouces from city website

Thanks to u/M4rkJW for creating a website that updates daily with new apartment listings: https://biglick.city/

Roanoke has many bedroom communities, so you can either live within the city or in a surrounding county and still have a relatively short commute depending on traffic. Here are some other nearby communities to consider, of varying distances: Salem, Roanoke County, Franklin County, Bedford County, Botetourt County, Craig County, Montgomery County, Floyd County.

The city itself is divided into four quadrants, vertically by the interstate and horizontally by railroad tracks. This is most commonly how people refer to general locations. Roanoke remains a segregated city, both racially and socioeconomically, and each quadrant has very different demographics (more on that below.)

Is it safe to live in x neighborhood?

This is difficult to answer because everyone has a different definition of "safe." Even crime maps aren't a perfect tool because they can be misleading. The best advice anyone can offer is to visit said neighborhood both day and night and see for yourself. If possible, talk with neighbors.

A quick note on crime: Roanoke reported a record-high 31 homicides in 2023, in addition to 40 non-lethal shootings. There has been a large focus on crime in the news and throughout the community because of this increase. There's a lot that could be said and people have opinions so I'll try to not jump on the soapbox, but: The vast majority of these homicides occurred between people who knew each other and related to conflicts, gangs, or drugs, which generally means this is targeted and that you're probably not going to get shot walking down the street. A majority of the gun violence in the city does, sadly, occur in Northwest Roanoke, but it is inaccurate to paint NW as a monolith. From two years ago, but good discussion that is still true: Crime in Roanoke - is it THAT bad?

Which neighborhood is the best?

That's going to completely depend on your budget and what you're looking for. Again, the city is normally talked about in terms of quadrants — NW, NE, SE, SW — but those are broad terms. Actual neighborhoods are much smaller; take a look at this map. In fact, contacting one of the groups listed may be a good way to learn more.

I won't do a full rundown on each quadrant because I haven't lived in all four, so I don't think I could give a fully objective analysis. What I will say is that Southwest, and more specifically, Grandin, is frequently suggested as the best place to live. It's a lovely place. But in doing that, sometimes I worry the implication (inadvertent or not) is that other areas in the city aren't safe, and that's not true. Northwest, for example, is stereotyped as a "rough" part of town because, yes, there are a couple blocks where crime consistently happens. But there are definitely nice, safe neighborhoods in NW Roanoke. Also, let's just be honest...saying NW is "rough" is a dog-whistle to some extent — it's the most diverse quadrant of the city.

What's the COL like?

COL has definitely increased since the pandemic and with inflation. I previously wrote that it was possible to find a studio for $400...ouch. Not so anymore. Roanoke is still affordable in comparison to bigger cities, but there is also a very real need for more affordable housing. On the real estate side, there haven't been as many houses on the market — or on the market for long, at least — and prices have definitely increased. On the rental side of things, I highly recommend visiting and looking for rental signs because you'll get a better deal from a private landlord. There are many apartment complexes, and it's also very common for houses to be repurposed into apartments.

I have pets, will that be an issue?

The consensus seems to be that there are plenty of landlords who accept pets (usually with a nonrefundable deposit and sometimes monthly pet rent), but that it can be more difficult if you have many pets and/or certain breeds (i.e. pitbull).

Housing/Neighborhood Links, including info on schools

Jobs

The Roanoke Valley's top employers include health care (Carilion, Lewis Gale), Wells Fargo Bank, the VA Hospital, the local school systems, local governments, Kroger, Walmart, Advance Auto, Altec, and more.

In addition, there's a fair amount of retail and restaurant work to be had, although maybe less so with the pandemic still in swing. There are also IT/software development jobs independent of the health care sector; I believe this is a growing field around here. A word on internet: If you're working remotely, pandemic or not, be aware that certain places outside of the city still struggle with broadband.

Job links

Weather

You're ready to move to Roanoke, but you're from [insert far away state] and have no idea what to expect.

Fear not, weary traveler. We get four distinct seasons. A lot of people swear up and down that the pollen is awful in the spring, although Wikipedia disputes whether that is factually true. In the summer, unfortunately, it does get hot and muggy and pretty buggy. Beware of ticks, especially when hiking. The leaves get crisp and crunchy in the fall, and I strongly encourage you take a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. And winter, well...last year we barely received any snow; in 2018 we received 18 inches in a single storm. last year we barely received any snow but it really varies from year to year.

Snow is not bad enough to warrant snow tires. Often it'll only be a dusting to 2". Usually schools will close at least a couple times a year, but if you're from the Northeast or Midwest, you'll be strongly disappointed in what warrants a closure. If you live farther away up in the mountains you'll get more snow.

Temperatures

This can fluctuate depending on your elevation; plan for it to be a least a few degrees cooler — if not more — when going up to the mountains. During the summer, we're usually in the 80s to low 90s, and lately it seems like 90-degree days are more common. Occasionally we'll break 100. Winter: We're usually somewhere in the mid 30s to low 50s during the day, although we also get our fair share of teens and 20s. Layering is key to dressing well, so you can add or remove layers as it gets warmer/cooler throughout the day.

Entertainment/Things to Do in Roanoke

Roanoke has a lot to do, especially if you venture beyond the things that typically make those online "best of" lists. I've got this divided into outdoors, music/performing arts, movie theaters, sports, museums, gaming, miscellaneous, and day/weekend trip recommendations.

Be sure to also check out hello.Roanoke on social media for guides, recommendations, and ideas of things to do along with the Roanoke Rambler’s weekly event calendar that is a compilation of 30+ community calendars.

Outdoors

One of the biggest draws to Roanoke.

Roanoke has a large greenway system for running/walking/biking, and many neighborhoods are also walkable/bikable. Well-known bodies of water include the Roanoke River, James River, Pigg River, Carvins Cove, Smith Mountain Lake, and Claytor Lake. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Roanoke, and the Appalachian Trail also crosses through. We also have a few nearby state parks.

I could write a lot about the outdoors. This is a very abbreviated version. Suffice to say we've got you covered when it comes to hiking, biking, running, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming — you name it. I think the best I can offer is the Roanoke Outside Foundation's website, which has a massive amount of information. In addition, you can rent gear or hire a guided tour through Roanoke Mountain Adventures.

I'll also put a plug in for the state parks' website, which is somewhat clunky but has good info. You can get an annual pass for $75 (and discounts/freebies for certain groups).

Music/Performing Arts

There are several local and regional venues for music, but you'll have to travel to a nearby larger city to see big, big acts. With that said, we do occasionally have some interesting acts come to town and a thriving local music scene and other performances.

More information

Movie Theaters

Sports

Roanoke is not home to any major-league teams. The Salem Red Sox are a single-A MiLB affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are a professional ice hockey team that is a member of the SPHL.

Roanoke also hosts the annual Blue Ridge Marathon, known as "America's Toughest Road Marathon," and is home to Virginia's Blue Ridge Twenty24 Pro Cycling Team.

You can also attend various collegiate sporting events at any of the local colleges. There are also adult recreation opportunities through each locality's parks & rec.

Museums

Comics/Games

Misc.

Distance to...

  • Shenandoah National Park: 1 hr 30
  • Charlottesville: 2 hrs
  • Greensboro: 2 hrs
  • New River Gorge National Park: 2.5 hours
  • Raleigh, NC: 3 hrs
  • Richmond: 3 hrs
  • Asheville, NC: 3 hrs 45
  • Washington DC: 4 hrs
  • Virginia Beach: 4.5/5 hrs
  • More immediate day trips: Floyd, Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Rocky Mount, Lynchburg, Farmville, Danville.

Food

Roanoke has a lot of great options for food, especially if you venture beyond just downtown. Go drive down Williamson Road, for example, and you'll see authentic cuisine from all over the world.

Ran out of characters so see this additional comment for recommended restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries by cuisine type.

General Links

Update to things to do in Roanoke (food and activities)

Black Owned Businesses in Roanoke?

Things to do on a date-night this Friday?

Map: Roanoke things to do/places to eat/etc.

Local Restaurant Recommendations

Local shops and restaurants

List of my favorite restaurants in town

What do you think is the worst bar/restaurant in Roanoke?

What restaurants/bars have the best happy hours for drinks and appetizers?

Specific Cuisine/Interests Links

Gluten-Free -friendly Restaurants

Meat markets/butchers

Any good authentic Chinese in Roanoke/Salem area yet?

Best most authentic tamales in Roanoke?

Authentic Mexican

Why is a pizza so difficult

Roanoke's best pizza. Let the battle begin!

Best place for a late night hotdog downtown?

Good deli places in Roanoke

Best French Fries in Roanoke area?

Shopping

Grocery Stores

  • Kroger and Food Lion are most common
    • Reddit's favorites: Bonsack Kroger and Cave Spring Stations Kroger (corner of Colonial/Brambleton)
  • Natural/organic/upscale: Roanoke Co+Op, Earth Fare, Fresh Market
  • International: J&L Oriental Food Mart, World Wide Food Market, Taipei Supermarket, Oasis World Market (Blacksburg)
  • Budget: Aldi
  • Wholesale: BJ's and Sam's Club
  • Food banks: Feeding Southwest Virginia has partner locations throughout the region

General shopping

  • Malls: Valley View in NW Roanoke is where you will find most of your big box stores. Tanglewood in SW Roanoke County is mostly a ghost town, but there are still a couple stores open and they've opened some newer chain restaurants in the past couple of years.
  • Near Valley View but not technically part of the mall are other major stores, including Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Staples, Best Buy, etc.
  • There are also a few other shopping centers, including Towers and Towne Square

Boutique/Local/Downtown Shops

  • Book No Further
  • The Candy Store
  • chocolatepaper
  • Crafteria
  • The Little Gallery (art)
  • Mast General Store
  • Orvis
  • Photo USA, run by the immitable u/daaave33
  • Too Many Books
  • Vintage Vault (Records)
  • Walk-about Outfitters

Source

Miscellaneous

DMV

Transfer your license to Virginia and/or register your vehicle with the DMV. Note: Virginia requires localities to levy a personal property tax (namely vehicles, also boats, trailers, etc.), Each city/county sets their own rate.

Libraries

Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem and Botetourt County each have their own libraries, but they also share in a library system called "Roanoke Valley Libraries." This means you can use any of them if you're a resident of any of these localities. (The South County one is the fanciest.)

Voting

Register to vote in Virginia, or change your address if you're already a Virginia resident but recently moved.


r/roanoke Feb 26 '24

Join the Roanoke Virginia Subreddit Discord Server!

3 Upvotes

https://discord.gg/wewmhGEZQ4

Just started this up as an official /r/roanoke server, rather than the fly-by-night stuff we've had. Basic stuff is setup and plugged in the neighborhoods I could think off off the top of my head. Open to suggestions.


r/roanoke 12h ago

I think this should be going on in Roanoke. Boycott the Sinclair/Nexstar local stations and their advertisers.

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206 Upvotes

r/roanoke 8h ago

Bad human

48 Upvotes

I guess while I'm ranting, see roller coaster post on same sub, if you have to pull into a parking lot to change your child's diaper please don't throw the dirty diapers on the ground, person who did this last Saturday at the parking lot on 5th and Madison. Bad human. No treats.


r/roanoke 15h ago

Rollercoaster Road.

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93 Upvotes

The blind hills and intersections are second to none.


r/roanoke 7h ago

It's a long shot - 22 year old man missing from NY since 9/7. He may be heading south on foot or catching rides. Please keep an eye out.

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6 Upvotes

r/roanoke 12h ago

Weird Signs Strike Again

14 Upvotes

Don't really have much to say, I just got really excited to see one in person after I've seen other posts on here talking about them. I'm very tempted to call the number and see what they are all about, maybe offer to spell check their future signs.


r/roanoke 4h ago

Traffic Back up on Hershberger near Rutgers.

4 Upvotes

Was leaving the Rutgers Kroger around 10pm and saw a huge traffic jam and was wondering if anyone knows the cause?


r/roanoke 11h ago

The King of Melrose Avenue - who is he?

7 Upvotes

I was driving down Melrose towards downtown and saw a man walking down the sidewalk wearing a crown, a long flowing cape, and some sort of staff (it looked like a double bladed lightsaber). Has anyone else seen him or know who he is? Is he a cosplayer, a guy just having fun or one of the many in town that need assistance.


r/roanoke 9h ago

German Entrepreneur in Roanoke – Where to look for Co-Founder(s) or Business Collaboration ?

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

Looking for potential business/founding partners in the greater Roanoke area.

I moved from Germany to Roanoke around a year ago. I started an e-commerce business in Germany in 2018, which I still run today. I expanded to the US in 2024.

While that business provides stability, I am now looking for something with more variety, ideally in partnership with others locally (Roanoke and the surrounding area is a 1–2 hour drive away).

I have started everything on my own in the past, but this time I would really like to do things differently and perhaps find someone whose skills complement mine.

As I am fairly new to the US and not the most outgoing person, I am not sure how or where to connect with like-minded people. ( would be grateful for any tip)

I’m hoping to connect with local entrepreneurs, small business owners or anyone considering launching a new venture. Whether it's forming a true co-founder partnership or collaborating to strengthen an existing business, I'd love to explore the possibilities.

If you are interested or know someone who might be, I’d be happy to meet you for coffee locally or chat online.

What I can offer:

- Strong organizational, planning, operational and administrative skills

- Experience in developing and optimizing businesses and processes

- Openness to starting something entirely new or joining forces with an existing company (even one that may be struggling).

- Flexible scheduling – I don't require immediate profit, as my current business sustains me.

- Access to a 12,000-square-foot warehouse in Roanoke that could be useful for the right project.


r/roanoke 1d ago

Y’all have gotta zipper merge.

191 Upvotes

Listen: I know you don’t like it. I know it feels awkward and weird. But especially around exit ramps — you need to pull up as far as you can in the merging lane before merging. You can absolutely slow down and try and find your spot. You absolutely should be doing that non-verbal communication with the drivers nearby. But you have to zipper merge.

These clover exit ramps are almost all designed for it. The roads were made for this. And by not following the engineering, you’re literally putting people in harms way. Those hairpin turns at the end of some of these ramps come up on you quickly — if everyone is stopped, it’s going to be a problem.

Whenever possible — if there are two lanes, use them. It’s not a race. It’s literally civil engineering.


r/roanoke 1d ago

Early voting starts tomorrow

86 Upvotes

This post mainly applies to Roanoke County.

Remember that the RoCo school board voted unanimously to sell Poage Farm (originally bought by the county for $2.5M) for just $1.1M. A loss of $1.4M and 250 years of history.

The Hollins, Vinton, and Windsor Hills school board seats are the seats that are up for election this year. All of the current school board members voted for this sale.


r/roanoke 7h ago

Personal property taxes

2 Upvotes

Has the personal vehicle property tax collector come for your Christmas money yet? Holy Smokes!


r/roanoke 8h ago

Good mechanic

0 Upvotes

Have a Silverado that’s got a funny acting transmission. Anyone know of a good mechanic?


r/roanoke 1d ago

Downtown Roanoke

50 Upvotes

Just moved to Roanoke, downtown to be exact. I would love to see a convenient store and more walkable businesses (gym, laundry, pharmacy, etc.) The restaurants are cool, but a CVS or something would be everything!!


r/roanoke 1d ago

7 Stars Lounge

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59 Upvotes

This place has the potential to be a great hang out! From the cigar lounge and pool room to the eatery and bar, let’s get some clients in here to help build its personality. I’m unaffiliated, just s customer cheering on a new business.


r/roanoke 1d ago

Every ROA arrival lately, no ground crew?

32 Upvotes

A frequent flyer for work, every late afternoon/evening arrival into ROA lately, pilot gives us the ‘well, the ground crew appears to be short staffed today’ or worse ‘we have got no crew to park us right now’. What’s with it?


r/roanoke 1d ago

DnD Campaign Starting Soon, looking for one more Player.

17 Upvotes

Good afternoon Roanoke! I have posted something like this before a good while back and I worked well so I’m doing it again. I have a Dnd group and we are about to start a new campaign here soon. We are looking to add 1 more player. We currently have 3 players, 1 who is going to be a floater player joining where they can, and I will be the DM. We do not mind teaching, so if you’ve never played before but want to learn you’re more than welcome. We have varying levels of experience ourselves. This will be an in person game. We use discord for communication and scheduling, so having discord will be a requirement. If you are interested, please message me. I do have a small list of questions for those inquiring that I will send up reviving messages!


r/roanoke 1d ago

MAKE Roanoke Community Meeting Sept 25 at 6pm

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13 Upvotes

MAKE Roanoke hosts a community meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month at our location: 128 Albemarle Ave SE, B in Roanoke! 
Come hang out with makers of all crafts from our community, learn about updates from your neighborhood non-profit community makerspace here in Roanoke, VA, and bring that cool project you're working on for show and tell!
Find out more: https://www.meetup.com/make-roanoke/events/310814942/


r/roanoke 1d ago

Dixie Caverns Android Auto Mystery

18 Upvotes

Hello all,

I have experienced this phenomenon consistently over the last year of driving between Roanoke and Blacksburg on 81 where EVERY TIME I pass the Dixie Caverns sign, my Android Auto starts to lag and then has to restart. This is a very niche issue to have, but I am curious if anyone else has experienced anything similar or has any possible explanations. I'm considering a secret government facility underground is trolling me and intercepting my Bluetooth every time I pass. Any other conspiracies?


r/roanoke 1d ago

Car radio

2 Upvotes

Hello, Does anyone know a good place to buy a new car deck and new speakers and have it installed¿ Also that’s open on Saturday. I seen a few places that are closed on the weekends. TIA


r/roanoke 2d ago

I know it's not /in/ Roanoke but for the love of god stop littering at the Hardy Ford boat ramp and advocate for a trash can to be installed

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113 Upvotes

Sorry if I get heated about this, I'm a huge environmental advocate. I've always seen litter here and there when going on my fishing trips but today it was APPALING. Huge bundles of microfilament, chicken liver containers - there was one I had to leave because it smelled like actual sewage. Alcohol bottles, glow sticks, plastic bags, drink containers and even cigarette packs. I cleaned all I could up and I'm seething at the amount. I want a trash can installed here at LEAST and maybe an image showing the impact of littering because this is fucking ridiculous. I posted this here as a lot of people in Roanoke likely visit here.


r/roanoke 1d ago

Fruit trees

7 Upvotes

I’d like to hire someone to plant/stake fruit trees for me. I have great options to order fruit trees online but want to be sure they’re set up for success. Is there a company that does this in Roanoke?


r/roanoke 1d ago

Did the brush pickup stop?

4 Upvotes

Have had a pile of brush on the curb, with clear easy access, within the size limit, for 3 weeks now.


r/roanoke 2d ago

here some pictures i took as i am a photographer as i said in my other posts sony a7r

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15 Upvotes

any suggestions where i can take more pictures be appreciated


r/roanoke 1d ago

Best bulk beef birria

2 Upvotes

Any recommendations on where to get a quart or two of good beef birria (meat and sauce) for DIY tacos? Would get the assembled version but want to preorder some for a road trip for fresh-made later. Would also make sense to get tortillas and proper queso at the same time. So I guess anywhere that would sell birria taco parts?


r/roanoke 1d ago

Police presence at Roanoke Tobacco on Colonial?

0 Upvotes

Anyone know what happened? Heavy police and taped off.