Why People Are Moving to Roanoke (And What to Know Before You Do)

Roanoke Is Having a Moment

Over the past few years, I've noticed a shift. More people are asking about Roanoke—not as a place to visit, but as a place to live. Remote workers from Northern Virginia. Families priced out of Richmond. Retirees looking for mountain views without mountain-town prices.

If you're researching a move to the Roanoke Valley, here's what you should know.

The Cost of Living Is Real

Let's start with the number everyone wants to know. The median home price in the Roanoke Valley is significantly lower than Northern Virginia, Richmond, or most East Coast metros.

What does that mean in practice?

• A 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in a good neighborhood: $250,000–$350,000
• A starter home or townhouse: $180,000–$250,000
• Land and new construction options still exist at reasonable prices

Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are also below the national average. If you're coming from the DC metro area, your dollar stretches noticeably further here.

See current prices: Check out our interactive market analytics dashboard to explore median prices by ZIP code.

The Outdoor Lifestyle Is the Real Deal

This isn't marketing fluff. Roanoke sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains with immediate access to:

• The Appalachian Trail – passes right through the region
• Blue Ridge Parkway – one of America's most scenic drives, minutes from downtown
• Carvins Cove – 12,000+ acres of trails, fishing, and kayaking
• Smith Mountain Lake – 30 minutes away for boating and lake life
• Mill Mountain & the Roanoke Star – hiking trails overlooking the city

If you bike, hike, fish, kayak, or just like being outside, you'll use these regularly—not just on vacation.

It's a Great Place to Raise a Family

Roanoke County and Salem both have highly-rated public schools. Private school options exist too. The area is safe, with the kind of community feel where neighbors still know each other.

Youth sports leagues, community events, farmers markets, and local festivals are part of the rhythm here. It's not a place where you're anonymous—and for families, that's often the point.

The Local Scene Is Growing

Downtown Roanoke has transformed over the past decade:

• Local restaurants and breweries – a legitimate food scene has emerged
• Farmers markets – year-round options for local produce
• Arts and culture – Taubman Museum, local theater, live music venues
• Community events – First Fridays, festivals, and neighborhood gatherings

Is it Austin or Asheville? No. But it's not trying to be. It's a mid-sized city with enough going on to stay interesting without the crowds and costs of trendier destinations.

The Pace Is Slower (In a Good Way)

Traffic exists, but a "bad commute" here is 25 minutes. You can get across the valley in the time it takes to get across one interchange in Northern Virginia.

People here aren't in a constant rush. There's time to talk to your neighbors, coach your kid's soccer team, or actually use that kayak sitting in your garage.

For remote workers especially, this is the trade-off: you give up proximity to a major metro, and you gain time and space.

What to Know Before You Move

Roanoke isn't perfect. Here's the honest version:

• Job market: Healthcare and education are strong. Tech is growing but limited. If you're not remote, research employers first.
• Airport: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional (ROA) is small. For cheaper flights, many residents drive to Charlotte, Richmond, or Dulles.
• Nightlife: It's not a late-night city. If you want clubs open until 2 AM, this isn't the place.
• Diversity: The region is less diverse than larger metros. It's improving, but worth noting.

None of these are dealbreakers for most people considering Roanoke—but they're worth knowing upfront.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Every area has its own personality:

• South Roanoke – established, walkable, popular with families
• Grandin Village – eclectic, artsy, near the independent movie theater
• Salem – family-oriented, great schools, its own downtown
• Vinton – affordable, growing, good for first-time buyers
• Roanoke County (Cave Spring, Clearbrook) – suburban, newer construction, excellent schools

Explore more: Check out our neighborhood guides for detailed breakdowns.

Ready to Explore?

If you're thinking about relocating to the Roanoke Valley, I'm happy to answer questions—whether you're ready to tour homes or just researching from afar.

Considering a move to Roanoke? Reach out and tell me what you're looking for.