Botetourt County, Salem, Hidden Valley ?? (Roanoke, Hollins: houses, neighborhoods, schools)

[Anuschka]

I realize there have been numerous threads out there, and I have combed thru them all, but I would love more general feedback on all and any of the above mentioned areas in and around Roanoke as we are relocating very soon, and can't seem to come to any consensus.

I am specifically looking for feedback, on every day life, shopping, things to do. We love the outside, hiking, walking dogs for long walks, on either trails, neighborhoods, etc. Salem seems nice, but very hit and miss, Hidden Valley has very small lots from what we have seen, so at the moment we are gravitating to Botetourt County around Daleville.

Schools are important, but I also homeschool. Services for autism would also be very helpful.

At this point any ideas, thoughts, ramblings...anything would help

Thanks

[Diamond Dave]

Salem and the Hidden Valley area bump up against each other, so from a "things to do" standpoint, there's no difference. And really, there's no difference in Daleville, either. You're still 15 minutes from downtown Roanoke, tops (From exit 150 to 143 on 81, then 5 miles down 581). In fact, anywhere in the greater Roanoke Valley, you have access to all the same stuff within a short drive. It's a relatively compact area, geographically speaking.

The only difference is schools. Salem and Roanoke County schools are good but less diverse than Roanoke City schools. I hear good things about Botetourt Schools, the main difference being that Botetourt is mostly a rural county except for the Roanoke sprawl around Daleville and Blue Ridge. So, you get more country kids than you'd get elsewhere. Nothing wrong with that, just a different vibe than you'd find at William Fleming in Roanoke City.

[Anuschka]

Thanks Diamond Dave .

Actually I am really looking forward to moving down there and getting settled. This should be a more final move for us ( we have been all over the place ) , so we just want to make sure the area and house is right, and it is tough figuring out what to do , especially in this economy.

We will be back in Roanoke this weekend, looking at more houses, and also checking out Roanoke College.

Still hoping to get some more feedback

[Waterfront]

"We love the outside, hiking, walking dogs for long walks, on either trails, neighborhoods, etc."

I think you would love the walking trails at the Botetourt Center at Greenfield! My wife and I live in the Hollins area in Roanoke County and go there several times a week. There are lots of greenways and walking trails in the area, but Greenfield is our absolute favorite -- it has wonderful views of the mountains, a creek and lake. We also see other folks there with their dogs. Here are some pictures.




And the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt 220 in Daleville and across Rt. 11 in nearby Troutville. I was up on Tinker Mountain Monday afternoon and ran into several day hikers. This is the view of Daleville from the top.



The major complaint I hear from folks who live in the area is that bottleneck intersection of Rt. 11 and 220. One woman told me that she had her cell phone programmed to reply "At The Stoplight" when her husband and kids called.

Happy hunting!

[Teebyrd86]

The Bonsack area of Roanoke county is close to Beautourt/Daleville area you are talking about. The schools are great.. Its a little closer to downtown Roanoke. I think it would be a good choice! You sure picked a crummy weekend to come down hehe. Hope u had a good time!

[Anuschka]

Waterfront, Great post and love the pics The sports complex and trails in that area is one of the main reasons we are focusing our search there.

Teebyrd86 , not sure why we have not yet looked at that area, but will check it out today, as we head back to Roanoke again. And yay!! it is not raining The last couple times we went it was pouring, like you pointed out ...