Roanoke area...anyone? (Rocky Mount, Boones Mill: relocate, apartments, rental)

[j1n]

Calling anyone who has relocated to the Roanoke area from "somewhere else"...how did you do it??
I am running into one dead end after another as I try to procure a rental before I get there!
I need to rent a place...a 2 bedroom, for under $500/month that allows a small dog and is within a comfortable (not more than 30 mins) commuting distance to Boones Mill.
I don't need "city" or "downtown". In fact, I'd rather live in Rocky Mount than in Roanoke. We'd like to buy in a year or so, but in the meantime almost anything will work...apt, house, trailer, etc. I'm not too picky. However, I am a resposible father who needs to get this lined up and written in stone before I arrive. I don't think it would be too prudent to show up with my life in a truck, go to a realtor only to find out "we don't have anything available right now".
Anyone with any leads, I'd appreciate the info.

[DBAGuy]

I replied on your other post also.. Try heatherwood apartments in Boones Mill. 400-500 per month.

[Mahdiya]

Downtown Roanoke is much cheaper than Roanoke County.