Salem/Roanoke (Cave Spring, Williamsburg: real estate, rentals, how much)

[blanda]

Greetings -- I may have an opportunity to take a job at Roanoke College, and I had a few questions....

1. If I took the job, I'd love to walk to work....how much would I need to pay to live in Salem within a mile of the Roanoke campus? I do have kids and would need at least a 3 bedroom home.

2. How are the Salem area schools?

3. It looks like you have a great quality of life.....anything that I need to be concerned about?

Thanks!

[seanpecor]

The Roanoke college campus is really neat and I've been to one of the homes that seems to be literally on campus and it was a gorgeous early 20th century house. Salem real estate isn't overly elevated but anything within walking distance of the college is probably going to be elevated relative to the rest of Salem.

The Salem area schools are quite good.

Sean

[tyandhope]

Salem is wonderful place to live, I lived there almost my entire life and now we are about to relocate to Williamsburg. Salem is more expensive to live in with it's taxes and housing but it is well worth it. You can definately tell that they care and take care of their town. Roanoke College is a very nice campus. It is located right off of Main St. which has lots of shops and restaraunts. Salem has a great school system too. Good luck to you!

[Erin1264]

Yes, Salem does have some nice facilities and does take good care of its citizens. The schools are good too, so I echo what the others have said. The city has some good little restaurants and plenty of parks and festivals and events to attend.

The property tax rate is a little higher than other areas, however, but I don't think you could go wrong choosing to live in Salem if you have kids in school and wish to walk to work.

[Stevedawg]

I'm sure you could probably find easily affordable housing near Roanoke College. Salem isn't that big and its pretty walkable. Salem high school is a very good school, it's very close knit. If you walk around Salem you'll see lots of people wearing Salem high school jackets, its a little weird if you are not from Salem. Salem High School Football is a real big deal there. The houses are beautiful and old, with a lot of charm and character. I'm sure my grandma could help you out, she lives about a mile from RC.

[roanoker 4]

I agree with previous threads. Salem is a great place to live and raise a family. It scores very high!

[cellar]

I live in Roanoke, not far from Salem and I go there often for many reasons. Like some of the other responders to this thread, I am a real estate professional. I have long believed that home values in all of Salem are inflated compared to surrounding communities (with a few exceptions, Cave Spring, etc) Perhaps the residents feel this is justified, most of the small city is beautiful and quaint...but there are some run down areas as well. Of course near the college is pricey and beautiful. Another interesting note is the rarity of multi-family units becoming available anywhere in Salem. I understand that it is very easy to keep rentals full.