The Guide to Living in Roanoke, Virginia
A historic Virginia city with mountain views and modern amenities
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The History of Roanoke, Virginia
Established as an independent city in 1884, Roanoke, Virginia is among the most historic in the Mid-Atlantic.
Dubbed the Star City of the South, Roanoke, Virginia’s foundations were fueled by the origins of the railroad industry and a major hub for the now defunct Norfolk and Western Railway. Due to its key location in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke, Virginia quickly became a thriving urban center in the early 1900s and earned its nickname as The Star City of the South.
Roanoke, Virginia boasts a mix of architectural styles, from the historic homes in Old Southwest to the Art Deco buildings downtown. Noteworthy structures include the Hotel Roanoke, a Tudor Revival-style hotel built in 1882 and the Taubman Museum of Art, a modern architectural gem. Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Roanoke, Virginia is the Mill Mountain Star, a 88-foot neon star overlooking the city of Roanoke, Virginia from nearby Mill Mountain.
Today, Roanoke, Virginia is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail nearby. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with a growing focus on sustainability and community development.
Modern Mountain Retreat of Flint Hill, Virginia. Image courtesy of John Cole.
THE ART OF LIVING
The Homes of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Discover the most iconic homes of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
“Located at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke, Virginia offers a unique vision of modern mountain living.”
Skyline Drive in Front Royal, Virginia. Image courtesy of Venkatesan P.
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A Weekend in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
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ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about life in Roanoke, Virginia, including the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and more.
WHAT ARE THE TOP SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
As one of the Mid-Atlantic’s oldest and largest cities, Roanoke, Virginia has many unique sights and attractions. Perhaps the most notable is the Mill Mountain Star, an 88-foot tall illuminated star overlooking the city from the top of Mill Mountain. The Hotel Roanoke, a historic 330-room Tudor Revival hotel originally built in 1882, is among the most architecturally significant hotels in the United States. Just beyond city limits, Smith Mountain Lake offers unmatched opportunity for fishing and boating.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
Roanoke, Virginia has many great restaurants, including Texas Tavern, a family-owned diner dating back to the 1930s
WHAT IS THE PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
Property taxes for Roanoke, Virginia are $1.22 per every $100 of assessed value.
HOW FAR IS ROANOKE, VIRGINIA FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.?
Roanoke, Virginia is approximately 240 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The most common method of travel is by car via Route 81.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HOME IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
The median sale price for home in Roanoke, Virginia is $163,500, which about half of the national average of $308,980. Ready to buy the home of your dreams? Browse homes for sale in Roanoke, Virginia presented by Sotheby’s International Realty.
HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
According to the 2020 Census data, the Roanoke, Virginia has a population of 101,187 people, making it one of the largest cities in Virginia. Residents of Roanoke, Virginia are on average 40 years old and earn a median household income of $45,894.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
Roanoke, Virginia features an abundance of great neighborhoods, including Raleigh Court and Grandin Village, an active commercial hub anchored by the Grandin Theatre (the city's only surviving historic theater).
WHAT IS THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR ROANOKE, VIRGINIA?
Residents of the City of Roanoke attend Roanoke City Public schools. Residents who live outside of the limits of the City of Roanoke attend Roanoke County Public Schools.
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