Best way to find decent rentals within hour of Blacksburg (Roanoke: apartments, townhouse)

[girlwithnolife]

Hi all, My daughter has been accepted to Va tech (out of 20000 apps they accepted only 5000) and I am very proud. I now live, and have always lived, in Maryland but have been looking to move for awhile. I'm no longer working so job isn't an issue. I am looking to rent within an hour or so of Va Tech. We are actually traveling there this weekend for open house so I plan to look some then. Am looking for 1 or 2 bedroom around 500-600 a month. Is this doable? and what areas are safe as I have an elderly mother and a teenage son to worry about. Don't know if mom will be coming yet but also have 2 small dogs which I don't want to get rid of. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I saw some apartments in Salem but they were income based and had some not so great reviews. Thanx again, Steph

[j1n]

Originally Posted by girlwithnolife

Hi all, My daughter has been accepted to Va tech (out of 20000 apps they accepted only 5000) and I am very proud. I now live, and have always lived, in Maryland but have been looking to move for awhile. I'm no longer working so job isn't an issue. I am looking to rent within an hour or so of Va Tech. We are actually traveling there this weekend for open house so I plan to look some then. Am looking for 1 or 2 bedroom around 500-600 a month. Is this doable? and what areas are safe as I have an elderly mother and a teenage son to worry about. Don't know if mom will be coming yet but also have 2 small dogs which I don't want to get rid of. Any suggestions will be appreciated. I saw some apartments in Salem but they were income based and had some not so great reviews. Thanx again, Steph

This area (Roanoke, Salem, etc) seems to suffer from a lack of communication to the outside world regarding it's available apartments. The best things, in my opinion, are found by driving the target area and finding a "for rent" sign in a window or a yard. There are lots of them. I would NOT go by craigslist, as the prices on there seem to be high and not really a good representation of the actual rental costs in the area. Roanoke (city or county) will put you within an hour of B-burg. Salem will put you even closer. Salem would be good for you, your mom, and your son (good schools). Roanoke would be good as well. Look into areas of Roanoke city like Southwest, Grandin, etc. Also, don't rule out places like Radford, Christiansburg, etc.

[girlwithnolife]

Thanks so much for your reply. I really was hoping maybe Christiansburg. Also, would rather have a private rental vs apartments. I have been in a 3 bedroom townhouse with good landlords except when it comes to keeping the place up. But... my rent of 900.00 a month has never been raised in 10 years. Also, we are very good renters, pay rent on time, don't trash the place, etc. They have only recently replaced the dishwasher and nothing else here has broken yet. Would like new carpeting but hey, for no rent increase it's all good.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by girlwithnolife

Thanks so much for your reply. I really was hoping maybe Christiansburg. Also, would rather have a private rental vs apartments. I have been in a 3 bedroom townhouse with good landlords except when it comes to keeping the place up. But... my rent of 900.00 a month has never been raised in 10 years. Also, we are very good renters, pay rent on time, don't trash the place, etc. They have only recently replaced the dishwasher and nothing else here has broken yet. Would like new carpeting but hey, for no rent increase it's all good.

Overall, Christiansburg is less expensive than Salem and only about 15 mins from Blacksburg.
Housing in Radford is less than Christiansburg, and about a half hour from Blacksburg.
You should have no problem finding something suitable in your price range and within a reasonable proximity of the college. And in my opinion, it's waaaay nicer here than anywhere in MD.

[girlwithnolife]

Thanks again. And I am sure you r right about it being nicer