Walking to Civic Center --- Safe? (Roanoke, Jefferson: crime, safe area, live)

[Caodhan]

Hello everyone,

I'm from Greensboro, but unfortunately I've never visited your city. I know it may sound weird seeing as it's only two hours away!

But anyways, in July, I'm going up there to check everything out. I'm going to be seeing a concert on a Saturday night at the Civic Center.

I was wondering if you would think it would be safe returning to my lodging (which is at Rose Hill B&B on Washington Avenue SW) by walking as to avoid a ridiculous parking charge. I looked it up on Google, and the safest walking route is 1.8 miles, which is very doable. (I walk a lot around here in Greensboro)

I'm just wondering if I'll be walking in a relatively safe area. I know the neighborhood my B&B is in is very nice, and from Google Street View everything appears to be fine, but I'd just like to see some locals' input. I know part of the way I'll be passing through downtown, so there should be plenty of folks walking around on a Saturday night. So that part should be fine?

Here's what Google Maps Walking Directions tells me:

1. Go down Washington towards 5th Street SW
2. Take a left down 5th Street SW (walk for .5 miles)
3. Take a right down Campbell Avenue SW (walk for .7 miles)
4. Take a left on Williamson Road (walk for .6 miles, civic center will be on left)

If you know of a better alternative walking route, or if you'd advise me not to do it at around 11 PM to 12 AM (about the time the concert should end) please tell me so.

I can handle the distance, I walk a lot around here, so that should not be a reason for not telling me to walk. I just want safety/crime reasons.

Thank you very much! I can't wait to check your city out! Especially the market!

[OuttaFlorida]

I wouldn't worry....I'm not too familiar with the washington ave area, but once you get to cross streets of Franklin and Jefferson you're fine. Just through downtown and up williamson rd. No problems there. Just always be mindful of your surroundings....but that's true anywhere ya go.

[Teebyrd86]

The around surrounding the Civic Center is a bit dicey at night. Especially the around behind it on the other side of I-581, I wouldnt advise messing around it too long in the dark but there should be plenty of people around since the concert is going to be letting out. Once you get into the downtown area all the way to your B&B you should be fine. I have been to the Sheetz across the street at midnight or later numerous times and not had any problems except the ocassional bum asking for money. Like the last poster said just be mindful of your surroundings. Roanoke in general is a pretty safe place.

[Caodhan]

Thank you all for your help. I just wanted to get the locals' perspective on it. Only if someone advises me definitely NOT to do it, I'll be hoofing it. It'll be a great way to enjoy the mild summer night!

Can't wait to see Roanoke!

[seahaven]

That area is not safe at night. I have lived in Roanoke most of my life, and I would not be caught walking around the civic center after dark. There have been multiple robberies and shootings in that particular area.

[Erin1264]

I would ditto that. Haven't been here my whole life, but 3 years is enough to know the seedy areas and that's one of them!

[Teebyrd86]

It's really not that bad. Just be careful of your surroundings. Would I go walking on Melrose at night? no. Would I walk from the civic center to downtown? Yes.

[OuttaFlorida]

I've never felt unsafe at any point anywhere in Roanoke. I've been in some sketchy neighborhoods for EMS calls here and still never felt unsafe. Besides from some garbage and litter, the area around the civic center is not that bad. You can stop by dominoes and call yourself a cab if you feel its unsafe.