Mountainside living in Lafayette
Lafayette provides small town, mountainous living while also staying connected to Roanoke’s and Blacksburg’s shopping hubs and attractions. Situated in “Eastmont” — what locals call the easternmost side of Montgomery County — residents live in a valley between two Blue Ridge Mountain peaks. This region is known for its agricultural industry. Virginia Tech, which opened in 1872 as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, has played a part in the county’s continued growth. While Blacksburg and Roanoke attract students and workers, Eastmont offers quiet, mountainside living with quick access to these cities’ amenities.
Traditional-style homes starting in the $150,000s
The community features farmhouse-style and ranch-style homes built in the mid- to late-1900s. Properties come with around a half-acre of private green space, driveways and the occasional detached garage. Homes typically sell for $150,000 to $250,000.
Highly rated Roanoke County school district
Students may start at Glenvar Elementary, which gets a B from Niche, before going to Glenvar Middle, which earns an A-minus. Glenvar High also receives an A-minus. In June 2025, Roanoke County Public Schools announced they were selected as one of 24 school systems nationwide to participate in the Future of High School Network. The network, led by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, is researching new innovative ways to improve high schools across the country.
Commuting via Route 460, I-81
U.S. Route 460 serves as the main road in and out of Lafayette, running 13 miles east to Roanoke and 20 miles west to Blacksburg. Interstate 81 also borders the community and connects to Interstate 64, which is around 60 miles north. The LewisGale Hospital in Montgomery is 15 miles west. The closest airport, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional, is 19 miles east.
Nearby municipal park, mountainous hiking trails
Just south of the community, Eastern Montgomery Park provides a playground, picnic pavilion and a short, riverside trail with a kayak launch. Dixie Caverns, operating since 1923, gives year-round tours of its underground rock formations. There are sports facilities for baseball and soccer 4 miles south at Creed Fields Park. The Blacksburg Country Club is 12 miles west with a private 18-hole golf course, a heated swimming pool and tennis courts. And the Blue Ridge Mountains boast over 150 miles of hiking trails throughout Montgomery County.
Shopping and dining along Route 460
There’s a Dollar General along Route 460 for essentials. Just down the road, Camino Viejo is a locally owned restaurant serving Mexican favorites. The Spartan Square shopping center in Salem is also 10 miles north with over a dozen stores like Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Pet Supplies Plus.
Events in nearby Shawsville
The Eastmont Community Foundation in neighboring Shawsville hosts several events throughout the year, including their popular Tomato Festival in August. Held at the Meadowbrook Center, the event features contests for tomato art and tomato recipes, as well as a tomato pageant for the best tomato-themed outfit. There’s also food vendors, live music and family activities. From May to October, the Oldtown Nights Concert Series takes place at Old Town Fields. And the foundation’s Casino Night in January raises money for the organization.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
