Areas around Roanoke (Salem: rental, job, house)

[Teebyrd86]

Hello, I have been in Roanoke for about 8 months now (almost 6 of those in my apt.) when my lease is up in August I am thinking of moving somewhere else in the outskirts of town. My main purpose of moving is to take in a little bit more of the mountain scene and be a little futher from my work. I am 21 will be 22 in August and am very quiet. Where do you think I should look? I am looking at possibly renting a house and sub-leasing to roommates.. Any ideas??

[Steven2149]

The first places in general that I would suggest would be either North County (Catawba, Salem) or South County (Along 220 or 221). You should start by riding around each area for a while and getting a feel for which you prefer. They are both quite different from one another. SW county provides a more rural, yet slightly suburban feel. Once you go up highway 311 towards catawba, you feel completely and absolutely country. Having said that, 221 is a litle easier to deal with in harsh weather. Catawba Valley can take a while to improve. Another area to consider is that along Sugarloaf Mountain Road. That runs from sw county back over into salem. It is a very scenic area.

[seanpecor]

I've got friends out along Sugarloaf Mountain Road and I suspect that you'd find more rental properties there. You'd get that mountain feel and enjoy some "back" roads to get into town. The issue with too far out on 311 and 221 into the mountains is traffic congestion issues. 221 has more stop and go. 311 has the weather issues. I think if your job was on the southern side of Roanoke County or downtown then I'd look into Route 220. One place to look for more rental choices off of 220 would be Garden City. Try the 24014 area code?

Sean

[Steven2149]

I think that the mountain views would be much better on 311 or 221, personally.