Why do so many people on here choose Roanoke? (Jefferson: campgrounds, living)

[burgundyporsche]

someone on this post said what place has a downtown like roanoke's?? well actually a lot of places, knoxville's downtown is like roanokes only about 4 times as big. savannah's downtown is also similar but much bigger, and savannah is about the same pop as roanoke. roanoke is ok... if u are married and want to raise children. but it lacks real growth economically and population wise. if u like to work hard and play hard u need to find somewhere near the cost or a bigger faster growing area like raleigh or greensboro. roanoke can't compete with those two cities..

matt

ps- i have a friend who lives in chattanooga and its cleaner, bigger, and is nicer than roanoke... also has a huge lake

[thejoe]

After a year and half in Central / Southwestern Va I concur with the lack of growth and progress of the Roanoke / Lynchburg areas as compared to other southern cities in NC and TN for example. They just don't have it. Ok maybe some stat man can come around and show me some numbers that may prove otherwise, but spending time in both locations, you can really tell the difference in lifestyle!

[badger74]

Anyone coming to a city of 70,000 expecting another Charlotte or RDCH is stupid. It's a much smaller area that offers plenty for its size with a lower COL and less traffic and crime. For many of us that's more important now. We have lived in much larger better cities than Charlotte or any other city in the South so we know what is an is not so important to us now.

[roanoker 4]

I have noticed Roanoke seems to be gaining some momentum in attracting tourists to the area. I spoke with a market merchant recently and he told me the vendors down there have never seen so many out of town visitors coming here. I have noticed more tour buses and the Hotel Roanoke is always
booked! On weekends the market area is always busy now. It is amazing how
the downtown has progressed especially since none in Roanoke or Virginia have a clue on how to promote tourism. The strange part is that places like
Chattanooga, Savannah, etc actually spend much more money in advertising.
Can anyone imagine the benefits of spending money to make money? In the Roanoke Valley, it is ONLY the CITY of Roanoke that is responsible to pay for tourism adverstising, not the surrounding areas. Virginia has let its roads deteriorate and it has generally "written off" Roanoke, Southwest & Southside Virginia in favor of the more populated parts of the state. BTW, the new city manager just quit his job as Savannahs city manager in favor of Roanoke. Odd? In TN, NC, GA they think as a team or as ONE state, but in VA we fall behind as usual.

[titaniummd]

Originally Posted by aschenputtel

I have lived in Roanoke for many years and this still amazes me. I have been many other places that I would prefer to live and am currently waiting to finish grad school to get out of here! Why are there so many people wanting to come to Roanoke? I don't understand. Please help me to. Is there something I am missing?

This should be a sticky.

[MrRational]

I haven't read more than the last page of this thread but my thoughts on the appeal of the area... for outsiders over 50.... has more to do with things OTHER THAN the town itself as the reason... principally access to the BRP, a moderate 12 month climate, generally reasonable prices for mostly well built houses and a moderate overall cost of living.

No place hits it on all cylinders all the time...
But a few weekend get away's per year are enough to compensate for the lesser theater, museums, restaurants, ball games, beaches, seafood etc.

[roanoker 4]

In my view from reading posts by people living in NoVa, Richmond, Hampton Roads generally the comments are negative. Most of the comments about Roanoke are positive from not only residents but from newcomers. Most of the negative views come from people who MUST move somewhere to advance their careers as this area has never been known as having a high growth potential.
I believe depending on your stage in life a place will be right for you!

[badger74]

Originally Posted by MrRational

I haven't read more than the last page of this thread but my thoughts on the appeal of the area... for outsiders over 50.... has more to do with things OTHER THAN the town itself as the reason... principally access to the BRP, a moderate 12 month climate, generally reasonable prices for mostly well built houses and a moderate overall cost of living.

No place hits it on all cylinders all the time...
But a few weekend get away's per year are enough to compensate for the lesser theater, museums, restaurants, ball games, beaches, seafood etc.

Perfectly said. Towns like Roanoke and Lynchburg (which attracts the same or more newcomers and more retirees) are perfect places for people who have done the big cities most of their adult lives and no longer need to be in one. My lists of major cities lived in goes from NYC, LA, Atlanta, Chicago, Seattle to mid-sized ones like Austin to Madison and Boulder.
All I need to be very happy now are a few decent restaurants, Starbucks, a hospital or two, good cable TV, access to college sports, and most of all a lower COL in a nice neighborhood with low crime and nice scenery nearby. I could not care less about the symphony, the theater, night clubs, and pro sports or restaurants that cost over $100 for two.
So to me Lynchburg is just fine with the added benefit of being closer to Richmond and DC if I want the city for shopping or just a visit.

[Tico49]

What changes did you make after the move and the difference in living cost.
How's the hunting and fishing?

[sregorat3]

Originally Posted by Tico49

What changes did you make after the move and the difference in living cost.
How's the hunting and fishing?

Savannah, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro- they don't hold a candle to Roanoke or Lynchburg when it comes to hunting or fishing (freshwater, of course).