SW Roanoke County vs. Salem (houses, established neighborhood, schools)

[gimme it]

What are the advantages to living in each of these places, especially if you have children? Thanks.

[Steve Turner]

Both are wonderful, I grew up in Roanoke County and went to school in Salem. Both have wonderful schools, comparable tax rates and costs of living. Salem is more of a "home town" community and VERY proud of their community. You can't go wrong in either location.

[gimme it]

thank you. does salem have a lively or charming downtown? what about activities for kids? Also, which of the two areas has more established neighborhoods and less new developments? thanks again

[j1n]

Originally Posted by gimme it

thank you. does salem have a lively or charming downtown? what about activities for kids? Also, which of the two areas has more established neighborhoods and less new developments? thanks again

I'd say that SW Roanoke (if are we basically talking about the Grandin Rd/Wasena/Raleigh Ct area?) is made up of older, established neighborhoods...lots of really nice older houses...interesting architecture. Salem has a different feel to it than SW. Both are nice. SW reminds me of trick-or-treating when I was a kid...sidewalks, lots of neighbors, lots of houses on the streets, big trees lining the streets, etc.
To me, Salem is sort of one big downtown. Main St has most of the shopping. Toward the Roanoke end of Main St, there's a farmers market and it's more of a walkable, old-town feel. As you go west, it gets more strip-mally feeling...not as "walkable". Everything you need is right there though, basically.

[Steve Turner]

Good reply from J1N - very descriptive. Below are the City of Salem Website, Roanoke County Website, & Roanoke City Websites, that may be helpful for you.

City of Salem Virginia, Official Government Web Site

Roanoke County Home

www.roanokeva.gov

[gimme it]

A big thanks to those who responded. Looking forward to checking out your neck of the woods