A river city along a fall line, Roanoke Rapids gets its name from the rapids along the Roanoke River. The power of the falls sparked this city’s rise as a hub for textiles in the early 1900s. “It was a booming mill town back in the 1940s and 1950s, but then the textile businesses went overseas,” says Barney Watson, a Realtor with Lake Gaston Real Estate who’s lived in the area for nearly 30 years. The loss of the industry in the early 2000s led to an economic decline. Home to a little over 15,000 people today, Roanoke Rapids is on a path of redevelopment. The city’s top industries are healthcare and manufacturing. ECU Health North Hospital is in town, along with Smurfit WestRock, a worldwide leader in packaging. The river remains a power source, with Dominion Energy operating a hydroelectric power plant along the water.
Roanoke Rapids was once a town dominated by textile mills.
ECU Health North Hospital offers an array of medical and surgical services, including 24-hour emergency care, backed by the latest technology.
1/2
Kit homes, mill workers’ housing and waterfront property
The median price for a single-family home is $184,000, well below the state and national median. However, waterfront properties along the Roanoke River and Roanoke Rapids Lake can top $600,000. The city’s architectural styles include small cottages, ranch-style homes, New Traditional designs and Colonial Revivals. The city has a notable collection of mill workers’ housing and kit homes from the early 1900s. As a city along a river, Roanoke Rapids has experienced flooding. In 2012, nearly 80 homes and businesses were damaged when roughly a foot of rain fell over several hours.
A sprawling waterfront property with a covered
There are many home types in Roanoke Rapids.
1/2
Roanoke Rapids Lake in town, Lake Gaston nearby
Created by Dominion Energy’s Roanoke Rapids Hydropower dam, Roanoke Rapids Lake anchors the city’s recreational offerings. The Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Area is a summer hot spot for swimming and fishing, while the city boat ramp nearby provides an entry point for cruising around the water. The Roanoke River offers even more water-based adventure. The Roanoke Canal Trail provides cyclists and runners with several miles of dirt paths. The trail passes by the city’s original red brick power plant from the mid-1800s, now the Roanoke Canal Museum. Small neighborhood parks and playgrounds dot the city.
Lake Gaston, a regional vacation destination for watersports, is about 25 miles west. “The draw to this area is Lake Gaston. There’s not a lot of commercial development, but there are half a dozen restaurants you can reach by car and by boat,” says Watson, who adds that the lake is a popular second-home location for Virginians and North Carolinians.
The Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Area is a hot spot in the Summer, it's currently closed for winter.
The Roanoke Canal Museum sits at the trail head.
1/2
Reviving Main Street Roanoke Rapids
National retailers and department stores sit near Interstate 95 for everyday needs. Roanoke Avenue serves as the city’s Main Street, hosting dozens of local businesses, including antique stores, dance studios and longtime restaurants. As a downtown in a rebuilding phase, some brick storefronts sit empty, but the Main Street Roanoke Rapids organization is renovating buildings and beautifying this historic district. Completed projects include a brick pedestrian crossing adorned with garden beds and a pocket park featuring murals and a sculpture.
While a small city, Roanoke Rapids serves as the home base for The Halifax County Arts Council. The organization’s downtown gallery is the centerpiece of the annual Arts on the Avenue, where the public can enjoy the works of area artists while hearing the latest tunes from local musicians.
The famous Rainbow Mural in Downtown Roanoke Rapids.
The Halifax County Arts Council is located in Downtown Roanoke Rapids.
1/2
Roanoke Rapids Graded School District’s castle-inspired school
Roanoke Rapids Graded School District earns an overall rating of B from Niche. With about 2,900 students, this small school system has six schools. The B-minus-rated Roanoke Rapids High School rests in the city center and is unique for its Tudor Revival and Gothic-inspired architecture, which makes the building look like a medieval castle. Halifax Community College rests just outside Roanoke Rapids in the neighboring town of Weldon.
Roanoke Rapids High School is 1 of 2 high schools in the Roanoke Rapids City Schools.
Halifax Community College is a public community college in Weldon, a town in Halifax County in North Carolina.
1/2
Quick access to Interstate 95
Roanoke Rapids is a car-dependent community. Interstate 95 runs along the city’s eastern edge, heading north to Richmond, Virginia, and south to Raleigh. Both capital cities are roughly 85 miles away. U.S. Route 158 is an east-west highway for trips to Lake Gaston. Choanoke Public Transportation Authority offers a point-to-point ride service throughout Halifax County. Raleigh-Durham International is the closest airport for a commercial flight, while Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport is nearby for private and business aviation.
Roanoke Rapids is easily accessible by several major highways.
Roanoke Rapids is known for it's historical sites and some occasional art.
1/2
Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Scott Brotherton
Video By
Tyler Newbold
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mahala Landin,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Roanoke Rapids, NC sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Roanoke Rapids, NC over the last 12 months is $175,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE REDUCTION! Two pristine residential lots located in Roanoke Rapids, offering close proximity to the Roanoke River and the Roanoke Rapids Trail. Ideal for those seeking a water-oriented lifestyle, these build-ready lots present an excellent opportunity to construct a custom home or invest in future residential development. No HOA currently in place, allowing for added flexibility. Parcel
Imagine owning over 31 acres of land to call your own.This rare offering includes two parcels--28.73 acres and 2.32 acres--sold together.Parcels: 1205597 and 1203878.Zoned residential and full of potential, this property is the perfect blank canvas for your dream home, family estate, or long-term investment. Bring your vision. Bring your plans. Bring your offer.
Looking for space, privacy, and convenience? This brick home sits on over 8 acres with a wide-open yard, garden space, and fenced area—perfect for outdoor living, pets, or hobby farming. Relax on the front porch and enjoy the peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Inside features hardwood floors and a comfortable layout, while outside offers a storage building and a 2-car garage. All this just a
Commercial Opportunity | Rail-Served Property | Roanoke Rapids, NCPrime 3.428 acre commercial property located in Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County, NC, featuring over 900 feet of railroad frontage and ample road frontage for easy access and visibility.This versatile site offers city water and sewer availability and is currently generating $21,000/year in rental income, providing immediate cash flow
Many opportunities with this property. Motivated seller. This property also includes 2091 West 10th St. and is a wonderful set up for someone wanting to have a home and business together or live in 1 side and rent the other side. It was owner occupied with a TV repair shop attached in the past. Great visibility for a business! The shop side has renovation updated with new sheet rock and is ready
The Monroe Plan from our Liberty Series combines thoughtful design andeveryday functionality, offering 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and1,804 square feet of well-planned living space.This single-story home features a split-bedroom layout for added privacy. At thefront of the home, you'll find three secondary bedrooms, a full bathroom, and aconveniently located
This well-maintained home is situated on a corner lot in a great neighborhood, directly across the street from three city parks, including the recreation center with 2 indoor basketball courts, an indoor and outdoor walking paths, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and 4 tennis courts. It is also within easy walking distance of the elementary and high school. Key features of this move-in ready
Discover the perfect blend of productivity, privacy, and potential with this 31 acre tract located on Sam Powell Dairy Road. Currently being farmed, this beautiful parcel offers 31 acres wooded acres. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of country living while remaining just a short drive from shopping, dining, schools, and other everyday conveniences. Whether you're looking to continue farming,
Affordable Roanoke Rapids Lake home situated on the Main Lake. Property has approx 150 feet of waterfront on the main lake, meets Dominion's requirements for a pier/boathouse with approval. The small subdivision is located minutes away from the NC Wildlife Boat Landing & close to all the conveniences that Roanoke Rapids has to offer. This home was custom built by TCD Construction featuring an
Prime Location! Ready to build, CORNER LOT! Visible, cleared, seeded, level lot with road 173+/- frontage on Gregory Drive & 166 +/- road frontage on Kathryn Drive. The area's newest & fastest growing commercial/medical/business subdivision. Great location for medical or office business. Adjoining establishments within the subdivision are: Veterinarian, Dentistry Offices, Various Medical
Elizabeth RobinsonThe Pointe Realty Group (Littleton)
The Jefferson Plan from our Liberty Series redefines spacious living,offering a layout designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. This2-story home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and agenerous 3,396 square feet of living space.Unique to this plan, it includes two primary bedrooms, each with aprivate bathroom -- one conveniently located on the main level
Beautifully restored 1910 historic home has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and over 3,200 sq ft on a 0.36-acre lot. Features include 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, granite countertops, butler's pantry, plantation shutters, 3 gas fireplaces, and a stunning primary suite with a spa-like bath. Recent updates include a newer roof, newer upstairs HVAC, downstairs HVAC, and tankless water heater. Step
Stateside Landing at Roanoke is a 64 unit, 3 building apartment community in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. All units will be finished with solid surface wood-like flooring throughout, and carpeting in the bedrooms. Unit amenities include Energy Star appliances, washer and dryer hook-ups, ample storage space, and a balcony or patio with outside storage. Community amenities feature a clubhouse
2 bedroom, 1 bath home with living room, dining room, kitchen, and utility room. The home comes with a stove, refrigerator, washer. There is dryer hook-up. The home has central heat and air with gas pack, and has new paint and new LVP flooring downstairs. Located in the Manning Elementary, Chaloner Middle, and Roanoke Rapids High School districts. Located on corner lot. 1 Pet allowed up to
Please click the link below to schedule a self-guided tour (available daily between 8am-8pm):3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with open kitchen/dining area, dishwasher, stove cook top, oven, refrigerator, washer/dryer hook-up, central heat and air, living room, den, utility room, single attached carport. Washing machine left in unit. New tenant can have it or we can haul it off. Owner
Please click the link below to schedule a self showing (available daily between 8am-8pm):2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathroom townhome located in Weldon City School system. Home has been renovated with new flooring and new HVAC system. Includes stove, refrigerator, dishwasher washer/dryer hook-up, and central heat and air. Home is located in quiet area near schools, shopping, medical
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
