Possibly moving to Roanoke/Radford area. (Chesapeake, Christiansburg: safe area, movie theater, best school)

[JBrock]

Hi,

I am trying to get some information on the outlying areas, if needed, around Roanoke. I have a possible job offer in Radford, VA. My family will be making the move from Chesapeake to the area within the month if I choose to take it. My questions are pretty simple. I am interested in a safe area. I have three kids, 2 of which are in school. We want a good school, elementary, for my children who are in K and 2nd. I don't mind commuting an hour to work, would it be better, in your opinions, to move to the suburbs of Roanoke or to a small town like Radford and go into Roanoke for needs? I am a city guy, so for me the answer is simple, but I don't know everything about the area and Radford may not be the best choice for us.

We are a mixed couple as well, my wife is from Bolivia and I am white and from here. We are a single family income and I will make 52k/yr there.

Any guidance is helpful. Thanks a lot.

[NoSlowBuffalo]

I would not want to commute 2 hours a day. That's just my opinion though.

Radford is a great small town. It is technically a city but honestly, it's tiny. It's very nice but if you are a city person, Roanoke is the better choice. If I were you, I wouldn't want to drive all the way to Roanoke and back every day anyway. Obviously, you may not mind, but I drive to Roanoke quite often and I dread it every time. 81 is not exactly a fun road.

[cheerbear]

If it were me, I wouldn't want to commute very far. However, Radford, as much as it tries to market itself as being a family oriented town, has a heavy student population and you'll get all the disadvantages that come with it. If you decide to move there, live on the outskirts of town to avoid heavy noise pollution, but I'd recommend the neighboring town of Christiansburg. It's a small city, but it has a decent amount of shopping and a new aquatic center (along with some really cool stuff you won't find in many places, like a drive in movie theater). I think you'll have a much better chance finding family friendly housing there. Furthermore, it's only a short commute from Radford.

ETA:

I second the above comments about 81. It is one of the most dangerous roads in VA. Someday I am going to set up a booth at either end and hand out t-shirts and keychains that say "I survived I-81."

[hucareshokiesrul]

I don't know what disadvantages you're talking about. I've lived near RU my whole life and have never had a problem. There is less traffic when the students are gone (not that there is really that much to begin with), but other than that, the college students aren't really a problem. It actually works out pretty well because the students tend to stay in their own parts of town, so you get the benefits of the University (economic activity, cultural events, etc) without much downside at all.

If you're sure that you are a city guy, though, Radford probably isn't for you. it is a great place to raise a family, though. They have very good schools (95% of students further their education after high school, and RHS is probably the second best school its size in the state http://www.rcps.org/rhs/guidanceweb/...e%202008-9.pdf). If you're concerned about being a mixed couple in Radford, you don't need to worry. Radford is a pretty white town, but I don't think racism is much of an issue.

I have only ever lived in Radford and New Haven, CT (the nice part), and I personally would trade the shopping and dining for the peacefulness of Radford anyday. I don't know what needs you would have to go to Roanoke for other than do to some more high end shopping. Roanoke is a fun place though with lots of festivals.

I love Radford and couldn't think of a better small town, but if you can't do small towns, then Radford may not be best

[cheerbear]

hucares,

We must be talking about a different group of students, then. The students I've observed drive like maniacs, throw loud drunken parties, and have generally turned East End into an eyesore with all that littering. Whenever I have talked with the locals about the town, they roll their eyes and comment on the conduct of the student population(of course, not all of them are rowdy, and some are studious, but adding one good apple to the bunch won't clean the barrel). As you pointed out, West End is more peaceful, but you'll probably still have to drive through East End to enjoy those economic activity and cultural events (i.e. the Main Street shops, school events, etc.).