Roanoke's historic downtown hosts parades, festivals and send-offs
Roanoke's downtown area, in east central Alabama, has been the site of several community gatherings since the town's incorporation in the late 1800s. The town center, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, has hosted homecoming celebrations and an annual Christmas parade. "Roanoke calls itself 'the small town with the big heart.' It's a small community that holds a Fall Festival and has a lot of downtown activities," says Rita Young, an experienced Realtor with Wedowee Lake & Lands Realty. Sometimes the city hosts send-off parades when locals head to out-of-state competitions. Farming and manufacturers such as SteelFab of Alabama and Candlewick Yarns support the region's economy.
Roanoke homes range from fixer-uppers to historic styles
Roanoke contains modern farmhouses, ranch styles and several single-story brick homes. Main Street has a few Victorian-inspired dwellings and other historic residences. Some properties beyond the town limits run on well water systems. The area includes several fixer-uppers that range in price between $10,000 and $75,000. However, most move-in-ready houses cost approximately $100,000 to $350,000. Young says that housing prices are generally dependent on the acreage. Most available land parcels range between $3,000 and $10,000 per acre.
Main Street offers parades and summer concerts
Main Street Theater is a monument to the community's resilience. In the 1980s, lightning struck the theater, completely destroying the interior; however, most of the shell remained intact. The space was later converted into an amphitheater for concerts and movie showings. The local organization Magic on Main sponsors many events in the town center. Previous events include a Christmas marketplace with a pop-up ice rink. The Summer on Main Street Festival and Concert takes place in early June.
Kids Town Park and Wright Field are local favorites for families
Roanoke provides several outdoor and public places for residents. Kids Town Park is a popular choice for its imaginative playground equipment. The colorful structures are reminiscent of a castle and a rocket launch pad. Next to the City of Roanoke Recreation Center are athletic fields for youth sports. Wright Field is home to the high school football team. The Annie L. Awbrey Public Library offers weekly story time and a summer reading program. Roanoke Country Club has a 9-hole golf course that is currently undergoing renovations. Locals reach Flat Rock Park and Lake Wedowee within 30 miles.
Public schools offer outdoor learning and agricultural skills
Knight Enloe Elementary is open to students in prekindergarten to third grade; the school has a B-plus rating from Niche. The B-rated Handley Middle accepts fourth to eighth graders. Handley High has a B-minus. The school's off-campus Outdoor Education Center provides agricultural skills for students. The learning space includes a greenhouse, catfish ponds and beehive boxes. Families may also enroll in the private option, Faith Christian Academy.
Retail and restaurants are along Highways 431 and 22
The area has hardware stores, a Tractor Supply Co. and other retailers, mostly along Highways 431 and 22. "Roanoke is a little larger [than other nearby towns]. It has a Walmart and more shops for locals," Young says. Jon Boy's Smoke House is a community gem for barbecue, while Sunny's Home Cooking serves buffet-style comfort food. Gedney's Restaurant & Grill has a wood-cladded interior with dollar bills hanging from the ceiling.
Highway access and weather alerts in Roanoke
The Roanoke Rural Health Clinic offers urgent care services. Highways 431 and 22 intersect to the east of downtown. The thoroughfares connect to other roadways that lead to nearby cities. Drivers can reach the outskirts of Columbus, Georgia, in about 50 miles. Downtown Atlanta is roughly 80 miles away.
The region is at risk of tornadoes, which can cause property damage. The Roanoke Police Department manages a text notification system for residents. The alerts include weather threats, fire hazards and traffic issues.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
