If you are looking for "semi-rural" on the outskirts of Roanoke/Salem... (Norfolk: real estate, crimes)

[Watchful]

Lately I seem to see a lot of questions from folks who want to be within a reasonable drive of Roanoke, but prefer a rural or semi-rural setting....usually with some natural beauty. Usually talking about Roanoke County - outside the city limits of Roanoke and Salem and outside the town of Vinton - or perhaps one of the adjacent counties of Franklin, Botetourt or Bedford. (Actually you can even find a few semi-rural options that are still within Roanoke City.)

Often the question is "Which direction should I go?"

On the whole, I think most folks should look ALL directions.

These homes may not turn over quite as quickly as the thickly developed urbs and surburbs, but there are multiple options in all directions.

One of the nice things about the Roanoke Valley is that you find breathtaking natural beauty in all four directions. You can find quality schools in all four directions. You will be delighted to learn that you can find semi-rural settings that are actually quite close to all the amenities of the city. Options are everywhere you turn. Roanoke has not paved over paradise.

Personally I prefer URB to suburb or rural....but in order to find your dream property at the right price, I would suggest keeping your options as open as possible.

Last but not least - I really feel for you if you are trying to do all of this from a distance sight unseen.

You really need to plan a trip and check it out.

Now.

Did I mention you need to plan a trip and check it out??

[Anita Lebeck]

Thank you Watchful...I am taking your advice and have a trip booked for the third week in June. I plan to visit Roanoke, Salem, and Hollins. Your posts and maps have been extremely helpful. Thanks again

[NJBoy3]

Thanks Watchful.. Ain't that the truth. Feet on the ground as opposed to playing at the computer. But glad Anita pointed me to your top thread which I had missed. I spent a lot of time this past week studying greater Roanoke. And I will spend time this week studying your thread.

Hope to make the trip late summer.

[Watchful]

And just to clarify - when looking for an urban location - I think choosing the right neighborhood is extremely important. You can have the perfect house on a lousy block, and you won't be nearly as happy as if you are in an OK house on a great block.

Pretty well true for the SUB-urbs too!

I am just thinking that is less the case with the rural-ish locations.

Once you see it you will get a feel for the place that is right for you!

[NJBoy3]

I know. Been having trouble sleeping just thinking of all this..

What about brake-ins in the rural, semi-rural areas. Not many talk about it up here in NJ but it can be a problem. Greatly appreciate your comments.

[Watchful]

Originally Posted by NJBoy3

I know. Been having trouble sleeping just thinking of all this..

What about brake-ins in the rural, semi-rural areas. Not many talk about it up here in NJ but it can be a problem. Greatly appreciate your comments.

I am only 3-4 miles from downtown but it is semi-rural - in SE Roanoke County - and you rarely, if ever, hear much about property crimes. It is much more of an issue closer in to downtown. I like having the windows open at night so I leave the front door open at night to keep the air coming in through the screen door. Don't think anything about it honestly.

My experience is limited so hopefully others will chime in if they know anything.

[NJBoy3]

Thanks.

[CJ52]

Thanks! We've been to Roanoke once recently, and we have another excursion planned for this weekend. We need a house within 2 months! Feeling a bit panicked but we are hoping that meeting with our real estate agent on Friday will make us feel better. He's going to show us some neighborhoods to help us narrow down our search area.

The tricky part is finding the right neighborhood with the right house in it. There may be lots of "right houses," but the neighborhood can make or break it. (We currently live in an awesome house in NC but the peaceful looking neighborhood is actually super noisy. Someone with kids might not mind all the noise. We hoped to hear birds instead dogs and basketball....)

[Watchful]

Originally Posted by CJ52

Thanks! We've been to Roanoke once recently, and we have another excursion planned for this weekend. We need a house within 2 months! Feeling a bit panicked but we are hoping that meeting with our real estate agent on Friday will make us feel better. He's going to show us some neighborhoods to help us narrow down our search area.

The tricky part is finding the right neighborhood with the right house in it. There may be lots of "right houses," but the neighborhood can make or break it. (We currently live in an awesome house in NC but the peaceful looking neighborhood is actually super noisy. Someone with kids might not mind all the noise. We hoped to hear birds instead dogs and basketball....)

The SAD news about Norfolk Southern cutting 500 jobs from Roanoke may work in your favor in finding a house.

What TYPE of our neighborhood do you have in mind. Old houses, close in and walkable, or suburban, tidy and sidewalk-free??

LOTS of great choices here!

[CJ52]

Originally Posted by Watchful

The SAD news about Norfolk Southern cutting 500 jobs from Roanoke may work in your favor in finding a house.

What TYPE of our neighborhood do you have in mind. Old houses, close in and walkable, or suburban, tidy and sidewalk-free??

LOTS of great choices here!

We want to be within a few miles of downtown, preferably something south of Roanoke (i.e., southwest, south, southeast). We are interested in a suburban feel with mature trees and large lot. Walkable would be great. We don't really mind if houses are older or newer as long as we are not jammed in on other houses (we've tried the newer communities with .25 an acre and few if any trees and we hated it. I do love being within a 15 minute drive of shops and restaurants, though).