Crime in Roanoke?

[snowlandcook]

Glad to hear "northerners" are accepted. I wondered about that!

What would you say is the best thing about living there? And what would be the best (safest, cleanest, nicest, most affordable...) area to live in?

[seanpecor]

Originally Posted by snowlandcook

What would you say is the best thing about living there? And what would be the best (safest, cleanest, nicest, most affordable...) area to live in?

For me there are alot of reasons for living in Virginia. You have four beautiful seasons and the winters and summers don't buckle your knees. I'm from Vermont, and if you visit the Vermont forum here, you'll hear from time to time "Yes, the five to six months of cold dreary weather get you down, but then Spring comes in late April and it's all so beautiful it just makes it all worth it." Yeah, well, good luck with that. I'll take a winter that hangs around for three months and then takes leave before it wears out its welcome And just in case someone's keeping score, it's equally as beautiful in the Roanoke Valley as it is in Vermont, as much as I hate to say it

The best and safest and blah and blah is entirely on a case by case basis. I think if you like mountains and larger towns and smaller cities and lots of lakes, then you'd absolutely love the Roanoke Valley. If you like to live in or near the big cities then look Eastward and you'll find paradise over there. If you want affordable rural living then look into SWVA. Good history, check out the Shenandoah Valley. Virginia is a wide state with many climates, there is just about something for everyone here.

Sean

[Erin1264]

I get the same kind of response when I say I grew up in New England. I hear "Oh it's so beautiful up there," "I love Boston or New York," or wherever they've visited.

I like living near and working in a smaller city. It is nice that we've escaped long commutes to work and the big-city traffic. In no time at all, I can get downtown to enjoy great restaurants and cultural happenings, but I can also get to the Appalacian Trail or Blue Ridge Parkway and it's trails.

I love the natural beauty and serenity of the area. The climate is great for landscaping at our house and having a garden. Not too hot like Florida, not too cold like New England (I've lived lots of different places).

[snowlandcook]

When I think of weather in VA, the first thing that comes to mind is hot, muggy summers, but then I've never been there. So glad to hear I'm wrong.

Others? Positives and negatives? So far, I've only heard positives....

[seanpecor]

Originally Posted by snowlandcook

When I think of weather in VA, the first thing that comes to mind is hot, muggy summers, but then I've never been there.

The humidity ranges in VA. My father in-law grew up in Arlington and called it a quagmire of heat and humidity during the summer. His own experience when he visits here (western Virginia in the Roanoke area) during the summer is that it's less humid here and a light omni-present breeze helps make the heat more enjoyable.

Sean

[JDF]

Snowlandcook,

I just wanted to add to Seanpecor's comments on the acceptance of northerners in the south. My wife is from upstate NY, and while she doesn't have a strong 'northern' accent, people definitely know she is not from 'round here. I grew up in Durham, NC, which is thriving culturally due in large part to the constant influence of folks moving in from other areas of the country, especially the North. Roanoke is not as progressive as some larger cities, but since living in Roanoke, my wife and I have met nothing but accepting people (relatively speaking). I have lived in California, New York, and Maine, and decided to return to the south because of the lower cost of living, and employment opportunities...Anyone who thinks Roanoke might be a little economically depressed, well they should live in rural Maine. If you love the outdoors, and want to buy a house for under $200K, hey Roanoke might be good for you.

[starcity]

What the hell does Ted Bundy have to do with Roanoke? And what the hell do you know about liberals? If you check the passed three large scale elections your "Lexington Area" voted for liberal Democrats.

Originally Posted by duff30329

Criminals in Roanoke get a pass from the liberal establishment. Instead of punishment/prison they get " rehabilitated'. LIberals go along with the theory all life is worth saving. Ted Bundy, in Roanoke, would have been under house arrest and a years probation instaed of being executed as he was in Florida.
Otherwise, Roanoke is close to the Blue Ridge parkway and I-81 will take you to the greatest little ol' village-anywhere! That would be Lexington, Va.
A college town, Wash&Lee univ, VMI....that would be my choice if I had my druthers.

[roanoker 4]

Crime in Roanoke? That is an odd question. I returned to Roanoke after living in Washington, DC for almost 30 years. I remember about a year ago there was a hold-up at an ATM at a local mall, a few gun-shots at a Taco Bell,
the usual robberies, tire slashings. You know, the all-american crime stuff.
No, I can say that crime is not a problem here. If you want crime, North Carolina is only about an hour away!!

[shortty]

I absolutely love living in Roanoke! As far as low crime areas- I recommend southwest county- very low crime rate, great schools, nice clean safe area.

[Stonecoldharbours]

How are things outside of the city, up north a bit? Going towards the Covington and Clinton Forge areas? I would love to hear some comments on these areas, any to steer from? Or gravitate towards? THANKS!