Where should I move-Radford, Salem, Christiansburg, Roanoke? (Blacksburg, Vinton: renting, low crime)

[ramair5.7]

I may be transferring to Radford University to complete my Masters this Fall. I am fairly familiar with this part of Virginia, having visited numerous times before. Even so, I do not possess intimate knowledge that you only get once you have lived somewhere. I have a 12 year-old daughter so I'm most concerned with low crime rates, decent schools for her. If someone can make a recommendation on what woulod be a good community in which to live where I can still commute to RU within a reasonable amount of time, I'd greatly appreciate it. If you need any advice on Central PA, I would be happy to share. Thanks in advance for your response.

[j1n]

Originally Posted by ramair5.7

I may be transferring to Radford University to complete my Masters this Fall. I am fairly familiar with this part of Virginia, having visited numerous times before. Even so, I do not possess intimate knowledge that you only get once you have lived somewhere. I have a 12 year-old daughter so I'm most concerned with low crime rates, decent schools for her. If someone can make a recommendation on what woulod be a good community in which to live where I can still commute to RU within a reasonable amount of time, I'd greatly appreciate it. If you need any advice on Central PA, I would be happy to share. Thanks in advance for your response.

someone I know works at Radford and commutes from Vinton (eastern flank of Roanoke) in approx 50 minutes. So you could live in Salem and cut your commute by maybe 15-20 minutes. Salem schools are good. Glenvar (immediate westerly neighbor of Salem) supposedly has a really, really good school system. Salem and Glenvar, I imagine, both have a ridiculously low crime rate.
Even if you were to live down near Radford or Christiansburg, I think you'd probably find yourself running into R-noke pretty often.

[alice_61]

I would live in Radford. That way you avoid communting on ice and snow. Radford schools get good scores on state tests. Radford U. has an Ed school and the town seems on top of their schools and library. Radford is a small town that a 12 year old could get around. There is a Rec Center, nice library, etc., reasonable housing prices.

[sharpeyes]

I think living in Radford would work out great as it would be a home base for both you and your daughter. You can drive elsewhere when you want, but you won't have to actually commute.

The people I've met in Radford are very involved in the community, have diverse backgrounds, and are very welcoming. One suggestion would be to live in a family neighborhood, rather than too close to to the party neighborhoods adjacent to the campus. Good luck in your move. I am new to the town myself and like it a lot.

[WillV]

Radford is a pleasant small city and (having had a child in its school system) I can say its schools are first class....good luck..

[indmtns]

Hi Ramair,

I don't know much about Salem and Roanoke. I recently moved to a town right outside of Radford (Fairlawn) with my almost 10 year to finish a program at Radford. I can tell you that my son and I are really enjoying the Radford area. The parents I meet with children in Radford schools seem very happy with the school system.

A word to the wise - I assumed the place I am renting was actually "in" Radford because of our Radford mailing address (seemed logical at the time)

There are a couple areas with Radford zipcodes that are outside of the city. Residents of these areas cannot send their children to Radford schools. I ended up placing my son in a very small Christian school to avoid the public school my son would otherwise be enrolled in.

All the best with the move!! Let me know if I can answer any specific questions about the college or the area.

[Diamond Dave]

It's a LONG commute from the Roanoke Valley to the New River Valley. It may just be 50 minutes, but that's 50 minutes of 65-75 mph hard driving on I-81, up and down the mountain, fighting trucks the whole way. And if there's a wreck on Christiansburg mountain-forget it. There's no exit between Ironto and Christiansburg. You're stuck.

I've done that commute. Live in Radford, Christiansburg, or Blacksburg. Radford for proximity, Christiansburg for shopping, and Blacksburg for schools and QOL.

[cheerbear]

Congratulations on your transfer! I also transferred to RU for my Master's program, and overall, it's great. If you have any questions about the school, feel free to ask!

I reccomend living in either Radford or Christiansburg. As Dave pointed out, Roanoke is a long commute. On one hand, you could avoid I-81 and take Route 11, but then it will take you over an hour to commute. It's best to just stay nearby for your gas money and sanity's sake. Radford really isn't a bad place to live. Overall, it's a quiet, small town that's easy to navigate. I've also heard good things about their public high school.

Do you know if you are buying a house or renting? That's one deciding factor to look into. If you are renting, then I'd reccommend finding an apt. in west end (part of town farther away from the school). East end tends to be populated by party animal undergrads. If you wanted to escape the student aspect entirely, you could live in Christiansburg. They have nice apts. and townhouses that are good for families. Even better, you'll be closer to shopping and possible entertainment. However, if you are buying a home, then either city would probably meet your needs.