Why do so many people on here choose Roanoke? (Richmond: low income, incomes)

[lsarahi.amaya]

Thank you Watchful and Cam4tv! You guys only prove my point on how friendly most people are in Roanoke!

[lsarahi.amaya]

Watchful-How was your first year in Roanoke? Where did you move from? Was it difficult finding a job? Place to live, etc?

Thanks and any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Watchful]

We have had no regrets - quite a bit of snow for that first winter!! We moved from Texas and were happy to be back in a four seasons climate - I had my job lined up before coming which provided housing, so that removed a few customary worries...we will eventually be looking for our own place for "permanent" retirement!

My wife is a school teacher and did not line up a position - so she simply did substitute teaching last year - hoping for a position for next year, but it is hard coming in as an "outsider."

[roanoker 4]

Roanoke is a place where people WANT to live. I believe in the not too distant future many people will migrate to places like
Roanoke-Lynchburg-Blacksburg where quality of life is very high. I predict technology will make it increasingly easier for many
workers to work at home, therefore foregoing buying an overpriced home in the suburbs and fighting traffic that never quits.
I have often wondered why so many government workers don't get displaced to this part of the state, thus saving jobs and trimming salaries. I know there are many people here who want Roanoke to remain the same but we must look forward.

[lsarahi.amaya]

Watchful-
Thanks for the information!

[gvlscrkeva]

From someone who was born, raised, worked for the local city gov't, and then left for "greener pastures" elsewhere, I am proud to hear that Roanoke is progressing!

The issue that I always had with Roanoke was the mentality of the majority that wanted to keep Roanoke stuck in the old country southwestern VA mindset. I remember when Roanoke hired Darlene Burcham who was the city manager who was VERY FORWARD thinking and she burned A LOT of bridges because she saw the potential that Roanoke had and it ruffled up a lot of feathers down at City Hall. I will say that I wish nothing but the best for Roanoke as every time I come home to visit, I do see changes taking place with infrastructure, the community, the overall vibe of the city. MAKES ME PROUD!

Hopefully Roanoke can become a major hub but also too I know that it takes cooperation with the Town of Vinton, City of Salem, and Roanoke County to make it work!

**I wish nothing but the best!

[roanoker 4]

Originally Posted by gvlscrkeva

From someone who was born, raised, worked for the local city gov't, and then left for "greener pastures" elsewhere, I am proud to hear that Roanoke is progressing!

The issue that I always had with Roanoke was the mentality of the majority that wanted to keep Roanoke stuck in the old country southwestern VA mindset. I remember when Roanoke hired Darlene Burcham who was the city manager who was VERY FORWARD thinking and she burned A LOT of bridges because she saw the potential that Roanoke had and it ruffled up a lot of feathers down at City Hall. I will say that I wish nothing but the best for Roanoke as every time I come home to visit, I do see changes taking place with infrastructure, the community, the overall vibe of the city. MAKES ME PROUD!

Hopefully Roanoke can become a major hub but also too I know that it takes cooperation with the Town of Vinton, City of Salem, and Roanoke County to make it work!

**I wish nothing but the best!

There must be something happening here as there seems to be a lot more tourist buses, people taking pictures, downtown residents walking their spoiled little dogs and a more professional look in dress from both men and women. I liked Darlene Burcham but I think her problems here were more about her management style rather than her forward thinking agenda. Bern Ewert a city manager from the 70's really got Roanoke thinking about its downtown. Center in the Square, City Market Building,
Market Square, Va Tech Research Ctr and just about everything downtown has his imprint, not to mention Ed Walkers projects.
I wish his new project along the river a big success!

[Just the Facts Ma'am]

I think the river project will be a key for Roanoke's future. It certainly seems like Ewert's development is coming along nicely. They just announced a commercial tennant.

Of course, if you were alive around 1990-1992, you also remember that it seemed as if Roanoke was about to really hit a growth spurt with several new developments at the time. For whatever reason, it never quite happened.

I certainly hope that this isn't another false dawn. It's time for the Star City to have a little growth.

[Scott94]

Roanoke was recently named as one of ten best small cities on the rise, so I do believe the word is getting out.

[cam4vt]

Originally Posted by scott1094

Roanoke was recently named as one of ten best small cities on the rise, so I do believe the word is getting out.

Just literally posted that in another forum. Great minds!