Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke, Virginia, is a scenic city with a rich railroad history. Norfolk & Western Railway opened its headquarters here in 1882, bringing economic prosperity in the form of rapidly growing industries like coal transportation and manufacturing. The city's population grew from about 670 residents in 1880 to over 38,000 by 1910, and Roanoke became synonymous with the steam locomotive, an icon of American engineering that was critical for transporting coal through the Appalachian Mountains. Today, the city’s over 97,000 residents can learn about their boomtown’s history at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, but healthcare has become Roanoke’s leading industry. Carillion Hospital employs over 10,000 residents across its downtown campus and several clinics in the city. The city is also an epicenter for outdoor recreation, with access to the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Roanoke River. “Because of the outlying area near the mountains, Roanoke is an outdoor destination,” says Realtor and Roanoke local Bob Chandler with MKB Realtors. “Mountain biking is huge, there are tons of trails, and we have a marathon that they say is one of the toughest on the East Coast.” Atop the outdoor destination of Mill Mountain, an illuminated star glows all year, earning Roanoke the nickname "The Star City of the South."
There is a duality to life in Roanoke. On the one hand, the downtown area is alive with small businesses and weekend festivities; on the other, a residential patchwork of suburbs as close as half a mile away offers seclusion and privacy. The suburban areas are home to big box retailers ideal for weekend shopping, while downtown has more nightlife. Venturing farther afield leads to the Blue Ridge Mountains, where adventurous Virginians hike, cycle and camp, even choosing to plant roots far from downtown.
Gilmer residents can drive to see the collection at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
Gilmer offers a convenient and assessable location to residents.
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Blue Ridge Mountains offer outdoor experiences
Roanoke experiences all four seasons, with warm, humid summers and winter snowfall. Spring and fall offer temperate climates and beautiful scenery. Wildflowers bloom when it gets warm, and the crisp air and autumn foliage draw drivers to the Blue Ridge Parkway to view the changing leaves. The largest city along the Appalachian Trail and tucked in the mountains, Roanoke offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, and numerous trails surround the city, from easy strolls to strenuous treks. The Star Trail on Mill Mountain leads to the 88.5-foot-tall Mill Mountain Star, the largest free-standing, manmade star in the world, which lights up and shines over Roanoke. “It’s like our Hollywood sign,” Chandler says. The 3-mile Mill Mountain Greenway also leads to the landmark, in addition to passing through 200-acre Elmwood Park, one of the city’s most popular green spaces. Elmwood Park gets the most traffic during the Budweiser Summer Concert Series at its amphitheater. Ice skaters circle the rink from November to January, while kids run around the fountain spray park and pirate-themed playground when it’s warm. About 3,000 runners end the Blue Ridge Marathon at Elmwood Park’s Finish Festival in April. Due to the course’s 7,000-foot elevation gain, the race is often called “America’s slowest marathon.” In May, the Local Colors Festival, a multicultural event, brings diverse performances, food and educational opportunities to Elmwood Park.
Contouring the Roanoke River that cuts roughly through the city's center, the Roanoke River Greenway spans 25 miles from Roanoke to Salem. Walkers or bikers will find multiple attractions along the path. “The best part about the greenway is that it runs throughout Roanoke with cute little spots where there are different neighborhood vibes,” says Realtor and Roanoke local Bailey Jenkins with MKB Realtors. Piedmont Park’s small playground and manicured green space with scattered benches have river views; River’s Edge Sports Complex features tennis courts, baseball diamonds and football and soccer fields; and Wasena Park offers a skatepark and other athletic facilities.
Blue ridge parkway has trails with overlooks that point towards the city.
The Roanoke Star, steps from Downtown Roanoke is the world's largest illuminated man-made star.
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Roanoke's entertainment venues and museums
Roanoke has a thriving cultural scene. “There’s lots to do downtown,” Jenkins says. “There’s art, museums, breweries and restaurants.” Downtown Roanoke hosts many galleries and murals, as well as the Jefferson Center, a 1920s brick venue for music and performing arts. A retro red and blue sign lights up over the Grandin Theatre, a historic movie house that plays vintage films and new releases. The Berglund Center’s arena has over 10,000 seats, accommodating traveling Broadway shows, major concerts and large-scale cultural events. There are also many museums in the city. The Virginia Museum of Transportation showcases Roanoke’s railroad history, with exhibits like vintage train cars; the Taubman Museum of Art displays modern architecture and diverse art collections; and the Roanoke Pinball Museum features vintage and modern pinball machines.
The Taubman Museum of Art in Downtown Roanoke was designed by Randall Stout.
The Delta Dental Party in Elmwood in Downtown Roanoke is fun for all ages.
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Roanoke City Market and commercial areas
Downtown Roanoke hosts many of the city’s shopping and dining options. Victorian, Gothic Revival and Art Deco buildings line brick sidewalks, where period streetlamps glow when the sun sets, and the mountains are visible in the distance. Open seven days a week since 1882, the Historic Roanoke City Market sells local produce, flowers and plants alongside fresh meat, cheese, baked goods and artisan crafts. For medical services, Carillion Hospital’s main campus is also downtown. Away from the city center, the Valley View Mall in Roanoke’s northern region and the Tanglewood Mall in the southern region host various retailers and are surrounded by big-box stores. The open-air Tower’s Shopping Center on the city’s south side also offers big-box shopping and grocery stores, and many shopping centers are scattered throughout town.
City Market in Downtown Roanoke and the restaurants that surround it come alive at night.
Gilmer residents like to come to Valley View Mall for its many attractions.
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Historical neighborhoods and variety of housing
Roanoke’s neighborhoods showcase an array of housing options. In the historic Old Southwest neighborhood, stately American Foursquares once housed wealthy railroad tycoons, while the Craftsman-style homes in the Wasena and Belmont neighborhoods sheltered the working-class men who laid the tracks. The 1900s buildings in Downtown Roanoke have transformed into modern condos, lofts and apartments, making it a hub for urban living, dining and entertainment. Close to Downtown, South Roanoke is known for its quiet streets and suburban feel, while Greater Deyerle offers post-war housing on secluded country roads. The city’s median housing price is about $275,000, lower than the national median of $430,000.
On the western edge of Downtown Roanoke, bungalow and foursquare styles dominate.
On the far western edge of Downtown Roanoke exists a few options for a few house styles.
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Roanoke City Public Schools, private and higher education options
Roanoke City Public Schools, a district that receives a B-minus from Niche, serves the area. High schools Patrick Henry, which gets a B, and William Fleming, which receives a B-minus, offer Advanced Placement courses alongside strong athletics and arts programs. For private education, there’s North Cross School, which educates third to 12th graders and earns an A-plus from Niche, and Roanoke Catholic School, educating eighth graders to high school seniors and earning an A from Niche. Roanoke also has higher education opportunities, with Virginia Western Community College offering a range of associate degrees, workforce training and transfer programs. Nearby colleges, such as Hollins University, a prestigious women’s liberal arts school, and Roanoke College, a private institution founded in 1842, also draw people to the area.
Patrick Henry High School has received an overall B rating from Niche.
William Fleming High School is a short walk for many of its students in the area.
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Getting around Roanoke
Roanoke’s historic ties to the railroad are still evident today. The city is a stop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line, providing direct train service to places like Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. For car travel, Interstate 81 and U.S. route 220 connect to the nearby cities of Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Lynchburg. The Valley Metro bus system serves Roanoke and neighboring communities, while the Roanoke River Greenway accommodates walkers and bikers. Additionally, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers flights to Charlotte, Atlanta and Chicago, ensuring residents can travel to domestic and international destinations.
Crime rates compared to national averages
According to the FBI data, both the violent crime and property crime rates in Roanoke are higher than national and state averages. Between 2022 and 2023, reports of property crime decreased by about 9%, while violent crime reports dropped by 6%.
As a committed Real Estate Agent in Virginia with a focus on the Roanoke, Bedford and Lynchburg areas, Jennifer is dedicated to bringing her clients a smooth transaction as possible whether you are buying or selling a home. Jennifer has lived in the Southwestern Virginia area for many years and brings that knowledge to benefit her clients.
As a second generation Realtor, Jennifer understands the importance of buying and selling properties whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned property owner. Clients choose to work with Jennifer for her consistent communication, knowledge of the area, ethics, and expertise.
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.
