What's it like living in Roanoke? (Franklin: hoa, mcmansions, income)

[happygal0000]

Originally Posted by kaptn35

I too will be moving in around that timeframe! I lurked the boards here today and got such nice information. So is the Hidden Valley and Cave Springs Schools area kind of like the higher up area there in the Roanoke County as for living???

Hi there kaptn35,

Yes, I guess you could say that the Hidden Valley and Cave Spring areas are more upper-middle class. But all the areas in Roanoke have their own upper-middle class sections. However, Hidden Valley and Cave Spring have quite a large share -- and it's reflected in the real estate values and parent support at school, the atmosphere of the schools, and the quality of teachers.

We live a very modest life in SW county, so you don't have to be a doctor or lawyer to fit in. But you should be willing to make your children's education a priority, since you will be asked to help with the school carnivals, wrapping paper drives, band boosters, room mothers, sell refreshments at the local football games, etc. And the teachers pay attention to which parents help, and which parents do not (because they are volunteers, too!). I'm not saying the children of those involved parents receive special treatment, just that those parents have a better working relationship (more personal) with the teachers than the parents who do not. Having that relationship is always helpful, this is a small town, after all.

I have said it before and I'll say it again: SW county schools are the best in the Roanoke valley. I'm not saying they are perfect -- just that they are far and away better (academically, socially, parental participation/financial support, teachers) than the other county schools. I, personally, think they are better than the private schools.

The only exception I will make to that is Community School. It is an alternative school, very nurturing and kind. Great for those kids who are more creative or who need less rules and more of a voice in their education. It's not fancy, and it's mostly humanities-based curriculum than science or math. But they do a wonderful, hands-on job of teaching math and sciences. If you need something different than a typical public school, check out Community School, just across the street from Hollins University. They offer scholarships, if you aren't able to afford the tuition.

Enjoy your home search and thanks for letting me ramble!

happygal0000

[SV2012]

I agree with copyguy! i have relatives in staunton and they love it as do i when i visit but Roanoke is my favorite "big" city! where i used to live you had to go to roanoke to actually shop! I have seen a HUGE increase in traffic especially on I-581 i love Valley View Mall but its "over growing" with more restuarants going up in the parking lot of the mall makes Christmas time A NIGHTMARE! over all i love roanoke i wouldn't live in the city or county to much for me but surrounding counties are ideal for a god taste of Roanoke! and for downtown the new art museum looks smooshed down there like it doesn't belong. & i'm a nerd, i love taller skyscraper like buildings! I took a trip to NYC and i love those buildings i would love to see buildings in downtown roanoke like the ones in Richmond or Norforlk they arent to big but not to small

[roanokers]

I've lived in Roanoke for two years, and plan on leaving before making it a 3rd. It is a beautiful area, but way too small town-ish for me. The mentality of us (the haves) versus them (the have nots), is not how I want my kids to grow up. Contrary to popular belief, Southwest county is not the center of the worlld!!!! We've enjoyed our time here, but after I get my degree, I'm out.

[StuckPA]

Are you referring to Cave Spring by any chance?

[j1n]

Originally Posted by roanokers

The mentality of us (the haves) versus them (the have nots), is not how I want my kids to grow up.

I'm not sure that I understand. Do you mean the attitude of some of the "more money'd" folks towards the "less money'd folks"?

[roanokers]

Originally Posted by j1n

I'm not sure that I understand. Do you mean the attitude of some of the "more money'd" folks towards the "less money'd folks"?

exactomundo!!!!

[j1n]

If you and the good "haves" that you associate with make a conscious effort to not perpetuate that attitude, perhaps it become less prominent. For instance...hanging out downtown around the Market...or putting in some volunteer time with the city's homeless...will really put the "haves" in touch with the "have nots". Once a person is interacted with as an individual, there is really much less of a division than most folks might initially think. Personally, I don't see that division in Roanoke all that much. I have friends who are big "haves"...maybe some of the biggest(?) I don't see that attitude in them. I'm a "have a very little". I've lived in some really oppressive "us v them" scenarios and places where there is too much diversity for there to really be an us or a them. I think Roanoke is a very middle-of-the-road place.
Where will you be heading to when you leave the Roanoke area?

[roanokers]

Whoa, first off I am not a "have", although I do know a few. Another example of what I'm talking about: My wife has a friend who is a "have", and my wife was telling her that she wanted to purchase a "Save Darfur" T-shirt, because some of the proceeds go to help the refugees there. Her friend told her she was "crazy" to want to help the people who live there. Also, I have volunteered, although my schedule doesn't really allow time, because of school and family obligations. As far as not being able to see the racial and economic divisions in Roanoke, you probably aren't looking hard enough. Alot of it isn't really overt, but that doesn't mean it is not there.

There are definately places around this area where Black and Brown people are not welcome. Southwest county in my opinion is one of them, although their may be a few more outside of Roanoke. I look at that area as where all of the white people who don't want to live around black people move to.

When we were looking at houses we got the worst stares from people. One man stopped cutting his grass, crossed his arms, and stared at us the whole time we looking at a house in S.W. county. Similar things occured during our home search, so we decided to look elsewhere.

North County is a little more diverse, but a lower median income range. Schools are good but not as good as S.W. so you can see that there is a trade off. Although we could afford S.W. not a very comfortable atmosphere for our family. Maybe you may not notice these things, but they do exist. When people belong to a privileged demographic group, they take their privlege for granted until is threatened.

Maybe that is why many of the privileged are afraid of BARACK OBAMA!!!!

[seanpecor]

Ugh. I've no doubt that you've experienced racism but your characterization that certain areas of Roanoke are racist strongholds is - in my opinion - flat out wrong. In fact looking back through your posts I must say that you seem to be guilty of your own form of racial or cultural xenophobia. I wish you the best in your journey to find a more tolerant place. Hopefully in that journey you learn to be a little more tolerant also.

Sean

[roanokers]

I don't consider it racism, just speaking truth to power, that's all. People are okay with disenfranchisment happening to other people as long as no one points it out.

Many of the "haves" profit from the work of poor people, and reap those profits happily. In the same breadth they turn around and complain about "entitlements". Give me a break.