Why Live in Riverdale
Riverdale, located about 2 miles southeast of downtown Roanoke, is a historic neighborhood undergoing significant transformation. Once home to the former American Viscose Plant, the area is being reimagined through the large‑scale Riverdale redevelopment project, one of Roanoke’s most ambitious economic initiatives. Plans include apartments, retail, dining, office space, arts facilities and recreational amenities, with phased development expected to extend over the next 20–25 years. The project aims to create a vibrant mixed‑use district that blends creativity, commerce, and community while retaining many existing local businesses.
Riverdale offers convenient outdoor access via the Roanoke River Greenway, with nearby entrances providing scenic routes for biking and walking. Golden Park adds playgrounds, a basketball court and open green space. The neighborhood features a mix of housing, including early 20th‑century Cape Cods, bungalows, and Colonial Revivals, along with newer construction. It remains one of Roanoke’s more budget‑friendly areas, offering both starter homes and rental options such as the Mount Pleasant Villas.
Residents rely on Bennington Place for daily essentials, while downtown Roanoke’s restaurants and entertainment are a short drive away. Major roads, including U.S. 581, ensure easy regional access, and Roanoke‑Blacksburg Regional Airport is about 8 miles from the neighborhood.
Riverdale is served by Roanoke City Public Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverdale a good place to live?
Riverdale is a good place to live. Riverdale is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Riverdale has 3 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.2 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $29,177 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 3.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Riverdale are renters, with 58.1% of residents renting and 41.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Riverdale can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Riverdale neighborhood guide.
Is Riverdale, VA a safe neighborhood?
Riverdale, VA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 8 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Riverdale?
The median home price in Riverdale is $210,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $42,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.18%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,030 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $44K a year to afford the median home price in Riverdale. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Riverdale is $29K.
What are the best public schools in Riverdale?
The best public schools that serve Riverdale are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Riverdale, Roanoke, VA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Riverdale, Roanoke, VA?
Home Trends in Riverdale, VA
On average, homes in Riverdale, Roanoke sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverdale, Roanoke over the last 12 months is $217,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$217,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$205,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$175
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
25
Median List Price
$210,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%