Roanoke - Is it nice? (high school, military, friendly)

[daisy]

My husband and I are looking to settle down after he separates from the military, and the last thing we want to do is choose a place that we'll wind up regretting.
We are a young, interracial couple with multiracial children. Is Roanoke an open-minded city?
We also hope to find a place with a good selection of jobs (business professional and pilot) and a good school system for our kids.
We also like the idea of having mountains nearby, but we also like parks and lush green grass.
Anyone who knows Roanoke, please give us some advice and guidance. If not Roanoke, what cities in VA are best for us? Thanks!

[bethybb]

I just moved here myself, but there is definitely a large ethnic variety, with a large representation of African-American families. As for tolerance, I am white and I haven't seen any problems personally, but I don't know how the African American community feels they are treated. Seems like there is racism anywhere, but people are definitely friendly where I've been. I think my sister told me that mixed-race couples are sort of the trend at her daughter's high school?

[daisy]

Thank you for your input!