Teaching in Roanoke/Commuting from Blacksburg (Radford, Vinton: work, homes, service)

[Teacher1812]

I was wondering if other teachers/parents could provide a pro and con of the Roanoke City Public Schools System and/or if Roanoke Residents could tell me what they think the area between 581 and Vinton...above the Roanoke River is like.
Additionally, if anyone commutes from Blacksburg to Roanoke I am interested in knowing about how long the commute is and expected traffic on 581/81 at 8:00am and 4pm.

[roanoker 4]

Although I live in the City I don't know much about the Roanoke City Schools. Most of the respondents I'm sure will tell you to look at the County Schools. After all, why did many of these folks move to the County anyway but to get their kids out of the City Schools? The City Schools are more racially and economically diverse with higher drop-out rates. The big minus is of course they do not have cappucino makers in the lunch room. The more aflluent areas do have better schools and apparently better teachers. Thats a fact today in public education everywhere.
The commute from Roanoke to Blacksburg takes about 45 minutes. Its still only 2 lanes in each direction. Personally, I would never commute on this truck dominated highway. The Good News is that there is a Smart Bus, operated by the City which provides commuter service from Roanoke to Blacksburg.
The areas that you refer to toward Vinton is generally "middle class" if there is such a designation anymore and I am sure many respondents will tell you to stay away from Vinton. There is just something not "chic" about the word
Vinton I guess.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by Teacher1812

I was wondering if other teachers/parents could provide a pro and con of the Roanoke City Public Schools System and/or if Roanoke Residents could tell me what they think the area between 581 and Vinton...above the Roanoke River is like.
Additionally, if anyone commutes from Blacksburg to Roanoke I am interested in knowing about how long the commute is and expected traffic on 581/81 at 8:00am and 4pm.

the area east of 581, north of the river, and before you hit Vinton, is the 'Belmont' section of Roanoke. Like much of Roanoke, it's good and not-so-good...depending on the block, the street, the side of the street, etc. Seriously...nice, well-kept homes next to ones that are seemingly ready to fall down.
I know someone that commutes from Vinton to Radford for work...I think he said @ 50-55 minutes.