Why Live in Wasena
Wasena, a historic neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia, is known for its early 20th-century homes and vibrant community life. The area, which became Roanoke’s first bus suburb in the 1920s, features a mix of bungalows and American Foursquares, many of which are adorned with garden landscaping. Wasena is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has seen a resurgence with trendy restaurants and shops in repurposed historic buildings. Main Street, near the Roanoke Valley Greenway, is home to popular spots like Roasters Next Door Coffee House, Hang 10 Hawaiian Ice and Cream, and The Green Goat. The neighborhood is highly social, with community events, trivia nights, and the annual Wasena Weekend. Wasena Park, part of the extensive 400-mile Roanoke Valley Greenway, offers basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamonds, a playground, and a temporarily closed skate park. Smith Park, also on the greenway, provides picnic pavilions and a playground. Roanoke Mountain Adventures facilitates outdoor activities such as e-bike rentals, tubing, and kayaking. The yearly Floatilla to Star Hill-a event and the December last-minute market are local highlights. While the Main Street Bridge is under repair until 2026, residents can use Franklin Road to Grandin Avenue to reach downtown, which is 2 miles away. The neighborhood has access to major roadways and Amtrak services. Flooding can occur along Wiley Drive near the Roanoke River, but the city’s stream gauges help predict such events.
