Hollins, Virginia, is an unincorporated Roanoke County community of about 16,000 residents. Just north of the city of Roanoke and perched in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, it's home to Hollins University, a historic women’s college known for its strong liberal arts programs. A mostly suburban area, Hollins is undergoing revitalization through the Hollins Center Plan, which focuses on economic development, transportation improvements and community enhancements. With projects like expanding the Wells Fargo customer support center, Hollins is evolving into a more vibrant and accessible part of the Roanoke Valley. “You don’t need to have acres and acres of land to enjoy the area,” says Realtor Jessica Rossello with Divine Fog Realty, who lives in the Roanoke Valley. “It’s people who want to go outside and have that lifestyle.”
Situated near multiple natural locations, Hollins is the perfect place to live if you're a nature lover.
Hollins's downtown is mostly commercial and lacks the charm of many small Virginian cities, but proximity to Roanoke makes Hollins a desirable community.
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Blue Ridge outdoor experiences
Hollins experiences warm summers, winter snowfall and temperate weather during the other seasons. With a location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's surrounded by hiking, camping and fishing areas. “The Roanoke Valley has been named one of the best places to raise an outdoor family or to hike,” Rossello says. Within Hollins, Walrond Park spans about 50 acres and has a spring-fed pond and scenic mountain views. Songbirds and waterfowl flock to the water while kids run around the playground or sports fields. The Star City Soap Box Derby is also held at Walrond Park, home to the state's only dedicated soapbox tracks. In the fall, children race down a hill in brightly colored handmade cars powered only by gravity. Nearby Hollins Park and Brookside Park are smaller, with playgrounds, sports fields and walking trails. A section of the Tinker Creek Greenway runs through Hollins, connecting Hollins University to Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, a nearly 13,000-acre conservation area just north. The nation’s second-largest municipal park, Carvins Cove has a 630-acre freshwater reservoir stocked with largemouth bass and sunfish. Visitors can wander miles of trails through hardwood and mixed pine forests.
Brookside Park has soccer fields and a playground, making it popular with local kids.
Walrond Park has pickleball courts, walking trails and baseball fields.
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Hollins Center Plan brings economic development
A few shops and restaurants are scattered throughout Hollins, but most residents travel to nearby Roanoke for weekend dinners or shopping trips. The indoor Valley View Mall, just south of Hollins, features a variety of retailers and is surrounded by commercial amenities.
The Hollins Center Plan, however, hopes to bring economic development to Hollins itself, improve infrastructure and create a more walkable and bikeable environment. Construction continues on new businesses, and transportation improvements can be found around Williamson Road and Plantation Road, where a 10-foot paved pedestrian path now connects to Walrond Park. Looking ahead, the plan includes the development of the Roanoke County Career and Technology Center, slated to open in the fall of 2026; a remodeling of the Hollins Library; and continued updates to transportation infrastructure. Wells Fargo is also investing significantly in the Hollins area, allocating nearly $90 million to modernize and expand its customer support center on Plantation Road. The expansion is expected to create approximately 1,100 new jobs and enhance the work environment for over 1,650 employees. “As a whole, there is a lot of economic development in and around the Roanoke Valley,” Rossello says.
Hollins has a small public library, one of the few city amenities that can be found on Route 11.
A walking path runs along Plantation Rd which connects Hollins residents without cars to downtown businesses.
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Highly rated Roanoke County Public Schools and Hollins University
Hollins is zoned for Roanoke County Public Schools, a district that receives an A from Niche and has 17 elementary schools, five middle schools, five high schools and a specialty center. Hollins University, one of the oldest women’s colleges in the country, is also in the area. The private liberal arts school has about 700 undergraduate women and 110 coed graduate students.
Preston Park Elementary School is one of the Roanoke public schools that serves Hollins
Hollins University has about 700 undergraduate women and 110 coed graduate students.
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Quiet suburban roads
Hollins has a suburban feel, with ranch-style, Cape Cod, Colonial Revival and split-level homes lining hilly roads. The median home price in Hollins is about $303,000, which is lower than the national average. In addition to a mix of new construction and older properties built mainly from 1950 to 1980, townhouses are also available. There aren’t any sidewalks here, but suburban roads are separated from main thoroughfares, ensuring that residents can easily walk dogs or go on family bike rides. Mature pine, maple and oak trees dot front lawns, and the mountains can be seen in the distance.
Cape Cods are a common sight in Hollins, often with spacious yards.
Small ranch homes line many a Hollins street.
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Easy access to Interstate 81
“A lot of people like this area for its accessibility,” Rossello says. Interstate 81 borders Hollins to the north, leading southwest toward Christiansburg and Blacksburg and northeast toward Natural Bridge. It connects to Interstate 581, which can lead locals about 6 miles south to downtown Roanoke. Route 11 cuts roughly through the center of the area and is also used to travel to Roanoke. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is just outside of Hollins, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail are about a 20-minute drive away.
Crime
Crime statistics for Hollins are not readily available.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Photography Contributed By
Jack Adams
Video By
Colleen Carey
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Welcome home to this well-maintained 3-level split offering space, updates, and an incredible outdoor retreat in a convenient North County location. The updated kitchen features newer appliances, including a refrigerator replaced in 2024 and a dishwasher installed in 2022, making meal preparation and entertaining a breeze.Recent improvements continue throughout the home with fresh paint in the
Charming and well-maintained home located at 139 Return Road, offering comfort, convenience, and valuable updates. This property features a brand new roof, providing peace of mind for years to come. The main level showcases beautiful hardwood floors, adding warmth and character throughout the living space.Inside, you'll find a functional layout with additional finished space in the
This is a must see property! This 4 bedroom, 3 full bath home is in immaculate condition anda great property for families, entertaining and summer fun! This cul de sac location offers reduced traffic, increased privacy and a safer area for outdoor activities. The sun porch extends your living space in the spring, summer and fall and is a a great transition to the outdoors. The lower level is a
Classic 4BR/2.5BA Colonial on a quiet cul-de-sac in North Roanoke County. Traditional two-story plan with separate living, dining, and central kitchen withy half bath on entry level. All bedrooms upstairs including an Ensuite Primary. Low traffic street and established neighborhood setting with a usable yard. Minutes to county schools, shopping, dining, and key commute routes. A practical,
This one is an absolute doll. It has been a place filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories for this family since 1995. Very well cared for throughout its lifetime. Upgrades include new windows, updated flooring, the addition of a beautiful screened-in porch where one can spend countless afternoons and evenings enjoying the beauty of the Valley. Major improvements to ensure the home
There's a ton of flexibility here. Space for everyone with four total bedrooms. Enjoy quality time together in the lower level family room. Also includes an additional 0.24 acre tract to the right of the home. Perfect for future expansion or outdoor activities. Recently occupied and ready for a new family to love and enjoy. Make it yours today!
Just steps from the golf course, this well-maintained 4BR, 2.5BA home sits on a spacious corner lot in desirable North Roanoke County. Offering the space and flexibility today's buyers are looking for, the home features updated flooring, multiple living areas, and a finished lower level perfect for a family room, game room, home office, or guest space. Enjoy outdoor living in the fully fenced
Charming home with lots of updates including gorgeous hardwood floors, completely remodeled kitchen and baths, nice level fenced yard. Conveniently located.
Welcome to 8127 Ashton Lane -- a 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch tucked in the sought-after Waterfall Lake neighborhood. This home offers peaceful lake views right from the backyard, with a full basement, spacious layout, and multiple outdoor spaces to enjoy. Step out onto the back deck overlooking the water and take in the calm setting filled with duck watching, fishing, and quiet mornings by the lake.
Pride of ownership shines in this impeccably maintained 3-bed 1.5-bath home, perfectly situated on a sprawling, lush lot that leads directly to the peaceful sounds of the creek. From the manicured landscaping to the spotless interior, every inch of this property has been cared for with meticulous attention to detail. The ''huge'' yard is a rare find, offering vast green space for gardening, play,
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained all-brick two-story nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Roanoke County's most desirable neighborhoods. Offering the perfect blend of classic charm and modern comfort, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features gleaming hardwood floors complemented by brand new carpet throughout. The spacious layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining,
PRICED BELOW TAX ASSESSMENT FOR IMMEDIATE EQUITY! MASSIVE VALUE ON A HALF-ACRE--NO HOA! Snag this rare Northside Roanoke value before it's gone. Priced aggressively under the county assessment, this solid 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home in the desirable Sunnybrook subdivision offers incredible bang for your buck! Spanning 1,750 square feet across a highly functional 4-level split layout, you'll
Discover this adorable brick ranch located in the highly sought-after North Roanoke County! This charming home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, with 3 conveniently situated on the main floor, ideal for easy living. The updated interiors offer a perfect blend of comfort and style, enhanced by new HVAC, a new architectural roof, and new stainless steel appliances throughout. Enjoy ample natural light
Your opportunity to reside in the Hollins area of N Rke! Close to shopping & restaurants. This 3 bdrm ranch offers hardwood floors thruout .Bdrms have carpet over. Tilt windows, updated baths kitchen cabs w/pull out drawers. Full walkout basement has waterproof sealant & sump pump ready to make it your way - family rm, game rm, office. Separate area for furnance/hot water heater & storage.
Judy PoindexterWAINWRIGHT & CO., REALTORS(r)- LAKE
Borders Tinker Creek, private and tons of potential, close to in city location. Peaceful and serene, perfect for your new home! Flood insurance is not required per seller. Please no drive-bys. Public water and sewer hookups available
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Peters Creek Apartments. Enjoy the lifestyle. Affordable Community ... income guidelines apply.First Class Service... you'll find it here! Fall in love with our redesigned two and three bedroom apartment homes!It's about affordability…enjoy large two and three bedroom apartments with numerous amenities at an affordable price.It's all about lifestyle… you’ll love the space and
North Point offers luxury apartments for rent in Roanoke County. These apartments offer you both 1 and 2 bedroom options and utilizes state of the art building techniques. Coupled with its location, its offerings of upscale architecture, granite, ceramic tile, Luxe Plank hardwood flooring in all living areas make it a preeminent community in the Roanoke Valley. Check out our video tour!
Come and join the Aspen community!These apartments offer you both 1 and 2 bedroom options and utilizes state of the art building techniques. Coupled with its location, its offerings of upscale architecture, granite, ceramic tile, Luxe Plank hardwood flooring in all living areas make it a much-anticipated community in the Roanoke Valley. The Aspen provides a beautiful Clubhouse, On-site
All brick home with tilt in windows, hardwood floors. Knotty pine kitchen cabinets. Large lower level bath w/full bath and walk in closet. Workshop area, storage area, and large laundry room on lower level. Washer and dryer. Patio area and fenced yard. Attic storage and new large outside storage shed. Available on 07/10/2026. Turnover work is in progress currently so tours will not be available
Spacious, newly renovated second-floor two-bedroom apartment in highly sought-after Roanoke County—rare opening.Enjoy a bright, open layout featuring a large primary bedroom with extra closet space and your own private balcony—perfect for relaxing with mountain views. Recent upgrades throughout give this home a fresh, modern feel.All-inclusive living: rent covers heat, water,
Available 8/20/26Charming 3 BR townhouse located at Villas of the Valley!This townhouse features:* 3 Bedrooms * 2.5 Baths* Carpet* Walk-Out Patio * W/D Connections* Ample Closet Space * Central A/C and Heat Pump* 2 Dedicated Parking Spaces* Maintenance-Free Living* HOA fees included in rental price!Convenient location to I-581/I-81, Airport, Valley View area shopping & dining and Carvin's Cove
Available 8/20/26Charming 3 BR townhouse located at Villas of the Valley!This townhouse features:* 3 Bedrooms * 2.5 Baths* Carpet* Walk-Out Patio * W/D Connections* Ample Closet Space * Central A/C and Heat Pump* 2 Dedicated Parking Spaces* Maintenance-Free Living* HOA fees included in rental price!Convenient location to I-581/I-81, Airport, Valley View area shopping & dining and Carvin's Cove
Owner provides water and lawn care. All applications must include proof of income and current credit score. No Pets are allowed and No Smoking inside the property.
Build-to-Suit Commercial Unit | Storage Closet | ~ALL Utilites Included~ 2 free months rent or a $1,000.00 renovation credit after move in! Ground Level Large Open Commercial Space
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