Roanoke is for food lovers
With its official designation as the Unique Dining Capital of Texas, Roanoke is a foodie’s dream. “There’s quite an assortment of different restaurants,” says Realtor Ann Brehm with Coldwell Banker Realty, who lives in the area. “You have a variety, and they’re really good.” That assortment adds up to more than 60 restaurants throughout the city. Whether it’s authentic Texas barbecue, Cajun comfort food or fine Italian dishes, there’s a restaurant for every craving in Roanoke. And while the 10,000 residents here take pride that their food scene tops much bigger cities, what they value most is that the area has retained its quiet, close-knit atmosphere.
Downtown serves as the hub for dining
The historic downtown area is the hot spot for dining and entertainment. Oak Street has been restored recently and is now lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and public gathering spaces. Stop in Hard Eight BBQ for smoked meats and cold beer. Patrons can choose from several cuts of meat, including brisket, pork ribs and chicken, plus all the sides and desserts expected from a barbecue joint. The wood and stone building is full of neon signs and beer décor that give it a honkytonk vibe, but the restaurant is known as a family-friendly establishment.
Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill is another local favorite for catfish or shrimp and grits in a relaxed setting. Inzo Italian Kitchen down the street serves classic Italian dishes in a comfortable yet refined space with exposed brick inside. Locals rave about the calzones and the shrimp scampi. After eating, head to Austin Street Plaza, a small outdoor venue that hosts a free concert series on Thursdays during the spring.
Roanoke offers a variety of home styles
Houses in this suburban city range from vintage farmhouses to brand-new traditional brick homes. Home buyers will find modest homes downtown, including ranch-style houses and Craftsman cottages on good-sized lots. Mature trees frame the streets and provide shade over the yards. There are some larger luxury homes near downtown as well, including modern Spanish-style designs with red tile roofs and stone facades. Further away from downtown, there are newer planned subdivisions full of tract homes. These are typically stately brick houses with four or five bedrooms and two or three-car garages. They are closer together than the homes downtown, giving the area a close-knit feel. Sidewalks line the streets, providing walkability for residents.
Brehm says homes in Roanoke offer more value than in nearby cities. “You can get more house for the money than you would in Southlake or Colleyville,” she says. Older three-bedroom homes in Roanoke hover around $350,000, but newer homes will cost more. A four-bedroom house can be listed for anywhere from $600,000 to $750,000.
Support local farmers at the Roanoke Farmers Market
To stock up on groceries, residents can choose from Walmart Supercenter and Aldi on Highway 377. In addition, the Roanoke Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from April through September at City Hall Plaza on Oak Street. It offers local produce and baked goods, as well as yoga, live music and cooking demonstrations.
Students zoned to attend top-ranked Northwest Independent School District schools
Public school students may attend Roanoke Elementary, Medlin Middle and Byron Nelson High. Part of the Northwest Independent School District, all three schools earn straight A Niche grades. In compliance with Texas law, the schools have armed security officers on site to protect students and staff.
Enjoy the outdoors at Cannon Parkway Park
The city has several public parks that make it easy to get outside for recreation. FairPlay Park on South Walnut Street accommodates adult and youth sports, with a softball and a little league baseball field. The park also has a swimming pool and playground. At Cannon Parkway Park on Cannon Parkway locals can shoot some hoops, catch air at the skatepark, or meet up with friends for a game of tennis or sand volleyball.
Roanoke residents have easy access to Interstate 35 and State Route 114
Interstate 35 traces Roanoke’s western edge and State Route 114 runs through its middle, making it easy for residents to get around the Metroplex for work or play. A 33-mile trip southeast via Texas 114 leads to Dallas and Fort Worth is 21 miles south by way of Interstate 35.
![Jessica Haddad]()
Written By
Jessica Haddad
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Photography Contributed By
Brandon Benham
