Why do so many people on here choose Roanoke? (Richmond: coops, mortgage)

[ConceivedinKY51]

Originally Posted by Jerry_Williams

Ok, I’ll try to explain.
I also feel the need to stress that I do think Roanoke is an OK place, I just fail to see what makes it SO AMAZING. On an scale of 1-5, it would get a solid 3. Lynchburg would get a weak 2, just out of the “strong 1.5” area……
OK, what is it that Roanoke lacks? A more modern job market (Biotech/life science research & development, information and IT/telecom jobs). More concerts both modern and classical (yes I know Keith Urban and Kid Rock are performing in a few weeks, not my kind of music….). I do think the Jefferson Center does a decent job, but I would like more of this. Maybe some traveling art exhibitions so one could see some Matisse or Whistler.

I like the newly renovated old downtown and I would like more of this. A better selection of radio channels, way to much county. Also, too much rebel flags on trucks. Few things can spoil an area as this IMHO.
An airport were things take of and arrive on time or at least within the same day!!! Many parts of Roanoke seem very worn and ragged.

Just as with Lynchburg one feels quite isolated from the world out there as well.
…plus if you want to get really picky (whiny?), the summers are ridiculously hot and hardly any snow in the winter. I love snow! (The falls are quite nice!)

As I said, I do not think it is a bad place by any mean. I just wonder what I am missing since people are talking about it as if it is the best place on earth…..however, compared with Lynchburg it probably is! ;-D

"The summers are ridiculously hot" in Lynchburg?

[ConceivedinKY51]

Originally Posted by j1n

hey JackJM...

To answer your question above...Roanoke.

Well, that also depends on what you are looking for as far as work goes. But Roanoke has all the amenities, variety of neighborhood choices, etc. We're transplants from NJ and live in Franklin County; when we drive into Roanoke, you almost get the feeling that you are leaving behind a lot of the Dixie flags and many backward mentalities. Roanoke is a breath of fresh air, and seems pretty progressive compared to where we live. Nice mountain views too...from pretty much everywhere in the city. SML is generally pricier, and in my opinion, not such a great deal or "destination"...lots of new development on a man-made lake.

Hi--What is SML? I'm still torn between Lynchburg and Roanoke and Chattanooga!

[j1n]

Originally Posted by ConceivedinKY51

Hi--What is SML? I'm still torn between Lynchburg and Roanoke and Chattanooga!

Smith Mountain Lake...big lake near Roanoke.

[ghog69]

Originally Posted by smalltownusa

Why Roanoke? Do you believe in love at first sight? We discovered Roanoke 15 years ago when we went to visit family that had been transferred there. When we 1st drove into town, it felt like I had come home....yeah yeah, sounds real corny but it's true....and I felt like a Southern Belle trapped in a Yankee body!

We've stuck it out in upstate NY as we made the decision to keep our kids planted in the same school until graduation (2011 the last one crosses the stage ). Meanwhile, we grew tired of the ever-rising cost of living in NY and the vicious winters.....so south we will go.....

In simple terms, Roanoke is "just enough" for us: the location is just enough south, the winters are just enough mild, the summers are just enough hot, and overall, the feeling we have for the area is just enough perfect....

We are visiting in April on the way up from Myrtle to check out the area as we prepare for the day NYS is just a dot in my rearview mirror..... 29 months and counting!!!!!

That's funny. The wife and I are on the same time-table as far as moving when the boy graduates.

We want to move south, but not too far south. We are hoping for a little less snow and a little more warm. (Just seeing the pictures of Seanpecor's property makes us want to move yesterday.)

We are finding that land is less expensive than in PA (where we are now) yet we don't need to live completely away from civilization. We would like to expand on our organic gardening creating an edible landscape in the process. We have a great local farmers market here and I was glad to hear of something similar in the Roanoke area. It would be wonderful to have neighbors with similar interests and hopefully we can become a part of a tight-knit community.

I have been through the area many times, although not recently, so we will be taking some trips down the Interstate to visit the area. Maybe we'll even meet a few of you and possibly one day be neighbors.

Have a great evening everyone!

[FiftyFiftyAboutCO]

Originally Posted by j1n

Hey Jerry, nicely put. I agree with you on the "3 out of 5" rating. I also agree that Roanoke should "step into the present" with regards to job market. I do think it's moving that way already. I too would like a more vibrant art and music scene downtown...more variety. (But then there will be those that equate that with Roanoke turning into a Greenwich Village.) I agree also about the music on the radio. Where are the college radio stations?! And I wholeheartedly agree with the whole Confederate flag thing.
I think what you are seeing here (on city-data) are a lot of folks (northerners?) who have moved out of their previous, overcrowded, overpriced, generally un-neighborly flatland existence and into the greater Roanoke area.
For example...someone moves from NJ (way overcrowded, crazy traffic, crazy taxes, ridiculous humidity, etc) where they've just sold their 3 bedroom/1.5 bath home on .25 acres for 750k. Then they drive through the lazy, hazy Blue Ridge Mountains to arrive at someplace like Smith Mountain Lake. Your new home costs half of what your previous one just sold for. AND you get 1-2 more bedrooms and bathrooms, more square footage, with waaaaaay less taxes...on some land to boot! You can have a little snow, but don't have to shovel your driveway anymore; and the summer humidity is cut down by the mountains.
If you telecommute or have a really good job, this place could be paradise! On the other hand, I got an email the other day from someone who asked how we ended up in a "hellhole like VA.
My idea of paradise would probably be the San Juan mountains of sw Colorado. Maybe Utah or Wyoming. But there are folks who can't deal with the sheer drop-offs, altitude, lack of greenery, etc and honestly prefer the Shenandoahs.
I think it's truly a matter of where you are coming from.

Hi everyone; just found this forum. I highlighted in red what I want to comment on.

So.....my geographical history in a nutshell is: grew up in NJ, worked in MI, Denver, Dallas, retired to Austin, then Grand Junction, CO, area, and now live in Montrose, CO -- the back of my house has a wall of windows aimed directly at those gorgeous San Juans. I live at around 5700' altitude, which isn't that high by Colorado standards -- but still pretty good.

I guess the main point of my post here is that the grass is ALWAYS greener, no matter where people live, assuming they are the types who like to move around. I know cause I'm one of them. I sit here night after night surfing houses on realtor.com -- always looking for my utopia. If I ever find that utopia, I'm sure I'd be bored in a week cause I don't like dead ends. I'll quit moving around when I breathe my last.

J1N says the San Juans would be paradise. I've found they're paradise when you're a tourist, but move here and the dream is over. This area is full of so many unhappy people (locals and newcomers alike). There's nothing to do here unless you're into volunteering and "make-work" stuff.

I miss the "green" of the east -- the mountain laurel, the dogwood, the songbirds. Out here, we have great stuff like dry air, scenery, elbow room. So, list all your "likes", then see what place provides the most of the items on your list. Move there and make the most of it, but there isn't anywhere on earth that'll be "paradise" every day -- or even most of the time.

Hey, I forgot to mention I miss the lilacs. But, then again, there's no ski mecca as good as what we have out here in the West. Yes, I ski.

The latest place I've thought about moving to is Abington, VA. Any comments on that town from anyone? I'm retired and live with my 2 dogs and do NOT like nightlife and hassle. Thanks in advance.

[Eeeee22895]

Often, wherever you're from seems like Dullsville. I don't care where it is. (For example, I always wondered where high school kids from Ft. Lauderdale go for Spring Break. Probably the Bahamas.)

But if you've got a young family, and you're not from here, Roanoke is extremely attractive with it's family-oriented atmosphere, sports programs, good schools, safe neighborhoods and conservative values. It's big enough to have a lot of services and small enough that you run into people you know all the time.

[Luv4ThePaws]

Originally Posted by Eeeee22895

But if you've got a young family, and you're not from here, Roanoke is extremely attractive with it's family-oriented atmosphere, sports programs, good schools, safe neighborhoods and conservative values. It's big enough to have a lot of services and small enough that you run into people you know all the time.

What does that mean exactly?! My husband is considering a job in Roanoke and I am very worried about being in a rebel-flag waving, narrow-minded anti-gay Southern town. I am not trying to offend anyone, but I gathered from various posts on here that it is very much like what I described up there. We are going to adopt an orphan from Ethiopia and I don't want to get the condescending, judgemental attitude so many "Christians" seem to portray in these Southern towns. It is a shame that so many Christians are really not Christ-like in their actions! I mean, just the attitudes we have encountered here in NC over the years is shameful! I do not want to raise our (future) children in a town that would promote bigotry, ignorance or intolerance but we would welcome a more small-town kind of life. We are very easy-going people and are adaptable, and would appreciate any info! Thanks!

[mccamp]

Originally Posted by Luv4ThePaws

What does that mean exactly?! My husband is considering a job in Roanoke and I am very worried about being in a rebel-flag waving, narrow-minded anti-gay Southern town. I am not trying to offend anyone, but I gathered from various posts on here that it is very much like what I described up there. We are going to adopt an orphan from Ethiopia and I don't want to get the condescending, judgemental attitude so many "Christians" seem to portray in these Southern towns. It is a shame that so many Christians are really not Christ-like in their actions! I mean, just the attitudes we have encountered here in NC over the years is shameful! I do not want to raise our (future) children in a town that would promote bigotry, ignorance or intolerance but we would welcome a more small-town kind of life. We are very easy-going people and are adaptable, and would appreciate any info! Thanks!

I can help to put your mind and heart at ease. We, too, are a multi-racial family. I have children from all over the world. We are black and white and Asian and Hispanic. And we're also adopting from Ethiopia next year.

We moved here from Boston last year, and haven't had to deal with any racist rants. My older kids decided on the city schools because they were tired of being the only kids of color in their classes. (We sent them to a private school in Boston.) They are both super smart and are being challenged day in and day out. Not once have I come across anyone who has looked at us sideways.

Our oldest boys were adopted from Haiti. They were walking down Brandon Avenue on their way to the DQ for some ice cream. They came home so excited because three police cars drove past and didn't look twice at them. If the boys were outside our little village in Boston, they were always questioned. Never hurtfully, of course. But if you live in an all-white community and then see two teenage black boys walking through your town, well, it raises some questions. (Eventually, the police got to know our sons and left them alone.)

This is what we found in Roanoke and the surrounding communities: People vote Republican. People vote Democrat. Among our peers, it's been running 50/50 along political lines. I'm a communications consultant who works for various Republican campaigns and causes. And I've gotten my fair share of flack for working for "the enemy." I always take that as a good sign.

One set of neighbors is a lesbian couple raising their newly adopted daughter. (We talk attachment parenting all the time!) Our other neighbors are deeply invested in their Baptist Church. We're Catholic. The folks across the street are Jewish. And I hear that a Muslim family lives somewhere in our neighborhood. (I'm sure we'll meet them at the block parties and picnics this summer. I hope so--my second oldest son's birth family is Muslim and he's always asking questions.)

We all get along just fine. The only comments I've ever received are "You adopted!" In fact, people are always wanting to connect me to other interracial adoptive families in the area.

Generally, people are respectful in Roanoke. The poster, EEEE, is a conservative, of course. So, he or she will give you the conservative view. Others are progressive. And still others fall somewhere in the middle.

Roanoke is moving forward. There's a lot happening in and around the city. They are attracting industry. The cost of living is phenomenal. And it is a great place to raise a family. The city is Southern, but not so Southern that they're still fighting the Civil War.

Churches are everywhere, and you do have to play "Beat the Baptists to the IHOP" if you want pancakes on Sunday morning. (The Baptist church lets out about 5 minutes before our services. If we don't beat it out of church immediately, we're waiting in line with all the Baptists for our pancakes. The Baptists told us that they play "Beat the Catholics to the IHOP," so it's all fair ) But it's not a place that shoves so-called Christian values down your throat. You'll get some "God Bless You's" and you'll see some "Jesus Loves You" Bumper stickers. For the most part, people will let you be. They may pray for you in private if they think you really need it, but they won't be yelling Praise Jesus! at the end of every sentence and dancing a jig.

May I suggest that you look up Richard Florida's book, Who's Your City? Florida is an urbanist and does lots of research on what cities attract forward-thinking people. Anyways, Roanoke is considered one of the best places to live if you're a gay couple.

Yeah, it took me by surprise, too. Then I looked around and realized how many gay people I knew of--and I had only been living in Roanoke for four months. (Our realtor. One of my son's speech therapists. Our neighbors.)

We're happy that we made the move. You can send me a Private Message with your email address and we can correspond off-line if you'd like. Having a multi-racial family comes with its own sets of challenges (and so many joys). I can tell you what I've encountered in Roanoke and help to guide you.

Many blessings in your adoption journey. It's a wonderful, beautiful gift that's filled with grace.

[Luv4ThePaws]

Originally Posted by mccamp

I can help to put your mind and heart at ease. We, too, are a multi-racial family. I have children from all over the world. We are black and white and Asian and Hispanic. And we're also adopting from Ethiopia next year.

We moved here from Boston last year, and haven't had to deal with any racist rants. My older kids decided on the city schools because they were tired of being the only kids of color in their classes. (We sent them to a private school in Boston.) They are both super smart and are being challenged day in and day out. Not once have I come across anyone who has looked at us sideways.

Our oldest boys were adopted from Haiti. They were walking down Brandon Avenue on their way to the DQ for some ice cream. They came home so excited because three police cars drove past and didn't look twice at them. If the boys were outside our little village in Boston, they were always questioned. Never hurtfully, of course. But if you live in an all-white community and then see two teenage black boys walking through your town, well, it raises some questions. (Eventually, the police got to know our sons and left them alone.)

This is what we found in Roanoke and the surrounding communities: People vote Republican. People vote Democrat. Among our peers, it's been running 50/50 along political lines. I'm a communications consultant who works for various Republican campaigns and causes. And I've gotten my fair share of flack for working for "the enemy." I always take that as a good sign.

One set of neighbors is a lesbian couple raising their newly adopted daughter. (We talk attachment parenting all the time!) Our other neighbors are deeply invested in their Baptist Church. We're Catholic. The folks across the street are Jewish. And I hear that a Muslim family lives somewhere in our neighborhood. (I'm sure we'll meet them at the block parties and picnics this summer. I hope so--my second oldest son's birth family is Muslim and he's always asking questions.)

We all get along just fine. The only comments I've ever received are "You adopted!" In fact, people are always wanting to connect me to other interracial adoptive families in the area.

Generally, people are respectful in Roanoke. The poster, EEEE, is a conservative, of course. So, he or she will give you the conservative view. Others are progressive. And still others fall somewhere in the middle.

Roanoke is moving forward. There's a lot happening in and around the city. They are attracting industry. The cost of living is phenomenal. And it is a great place to raise a family. The city is Southern, but not so Southern that they're still fighting the Civil War.

Churches are everywhere, and you do have to play "Beat the Baptists to the IHOP" if you want pancakes on Sunday morning. (The Baptist church lets out about 5 minutes before our services. If we don't beat it out of church immediately, we're waiting in line with all the Baptists for our pancakes. The Baptists told us that they play "Beat the Catholics to the IHOP," so it's all fair ) But it's not a place that shoves so-called Christian values down your throat. You'll get some "God Bless You's" and you'll see some "Jesus Loves You" Bumper stickers. For the most part, people will let you be. They may pray for you in private if they think you really need it, but they won't be yelling Praise Jesus! at the end of every sentence and dancing a jig.

May I suggest that you look up Richard Florida's book, Who's Your City? Florida is an urbanist and does lots of research on what cities attract forward-thinking people. Anyways, Roanoke is considered one of the best places to live if you're a gay couple.

Yeah, it took me by surprise, too. Then I looked around and realized how many gay people I knew of--and I had only been living in Roanoke for four months. (Our realtor. One of my son's speech therapists. Our neighbors.)

We're happy that we made the move. You can send me a Private Message with your email address and we can correspond off-line if you'd like. Having a multi-racial family comes with its own sets of challenges (and so many joys). I can tell you what I've encountered in Roanoke and help to guide you.

Many blessings in your adoption journey. It's a wonderful, beautiful gift that's filled with grace.

WOW!!! Thank you so much! We are about to take our dogs for a walk but I just wanted to tell you how much we both appreciated your comments and your invaluable wisdom! We only just heard about this possible opportunity up there and your immediate reply and advice helped ease the burden from our minds. We are so excited to adopt from Ethiopia in the near future when we are settled. Right now we are comparing agencies and checking out the numerous adoption blogs on the web! It is a good thing we didn't start our journey already as we both lost our jobs in the past three months! I think someone was trying to tell us perhaps we needed to be in the right place before we continued on with our quest!

I will definately PM you when I think of all the fun questions to ask you that always come at 2am! So many decisions to make and so much to find out!

Thanks again!!!

[j1n]

Originally Posted by Luv4ThePaws

...and I am very worried about being in a rebel-flag waving, narrow-minded anti-gay Southern town. I am not trying to offend anyone, but I gathered from various posts on here that it is very much like what I described up there. We are going to adopt an orphan from Ethiopia and I don't want to get the condescending, judgemental attitude so many "Christians" seem to portray in these Southern towns. It is a shame that so many Christians are really not Christ-like in their actions!

I would not characterize folks from Roanoke in these ways at all. Before Roanoke, we lived right across the Hudson from NYC...and rented from "rebel-flag waving, narrow-minded anti-gay" southern-wannabe's.
I would actually say that Roanoke is a pretty open-minded place. I've met folks who are very Christ-like in their actions. A lot of it has to do with who one chooses to surround themselves with. And in Roanoke, like most places, you can find all kinds.