Salem vs Hollins vs Cave Springs vs Vinton (Roanoke: houses, neighborhoods)

[timcou]

Which would you choose to live in if you had to choose from these four. Or would you pick another spot in the Roanoke area?

[Watchful]

Say a little more about criteria - all of these are great in their own way. But I'm picking Raleigh Court in the city haha! I want a walkable urban neighborhood, not a suburban one. Vinton and Salem do have a few walkable urban neighborhoods though.

(Not everyone knows that WALKABLE doesn't mean you can walk around your neighborhood but it means there is something you can actually walk TO!)

[primetime00]

I've lived in Cave Springs and Hollins. I worked in Salem, and I have family in Vinton.

I like all those areas except Vinton.

- Walking up and down Main street in Salem is pretty nice. Almost everything you'd need is on one long street. Salem is a nicely run city.

- Cave Spring and south Roanoke in general was my favorite area. It wasn't very walkable, but it is close to downtown / tanglewood. A lot of stores and parks are convenient to this area.

- Hollins is closer to the Valley View area. Also not walkable really, but you can find some value in houses out there.

- Downtown Vinton is nice, and they have a nice new library, but the outskirts of Vinton is a little run down.

[timcou]

Thanks for your replies. I have been to Salem and thought it was nice but was wondering about these other areas which get good ratings in the Roanoke area. The whole area seems like a good place to live. I am in Delaware right now which is OK and tax friendly but as a retiree on a fixed income, I can consider moving.