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We are very torn about a possible career move for my husband. He may have a really good job opportunity in Emporia and we really haven't heard a lot of good things about that area. We are leaning toward Roanoke Rapids as the place to live for him to commute, although I haven't read many good things about it either. Any other recommendations? Are there any cities that are better/more appropriate for a young active family?
We currently live in Raleigh and absolutely LOVE it here!! We have a preschooler and an infant, and are involved in a variety of activities. I'm an active community volunteer, my daughter goes to preschool and takes ballet, we frequent the museums, participate in playgroups, and love the variety of restaurants and nightlife. We are VERY spoiled by the lifestyle we have here, but could be willing to sacrifice *a little* for a good career move. I realize that no small town will ever offer the things that Raleigh does, but I'm hoping we can at least find a safe, clean, friendly town that we can make the most of.
Bear in mind that living in one state and working in another will create tax headaches--if you're going to be in Roanoke Rapids, you might as well be in Virginia itself if that's where your income is coming from. Unfortunately, that whole region (regardless of state) is pretty dull. It would behoove you to compare income/sales tax rates in both states, since you'll be right on the border either way.
Thank you guys for your ideas. We've actually moved closer to making a decision. We went up to visit Emporia and Roanoke Rapids this week and were pretty impressed with RR!! So I think we've definitely decided that's where we will live if he takes the job. (Just by doing internet research, I couldn't find ANYTHING on the Virginia side that even compares, so we'll have to deal with the tax headaches!)
Roanoke Rapids seems like a great place for a family with young children, not so much for the 'young and single' adult. It has a wonderful small town feel and EVERY single person we encountered was friendly and helpful; definitely a slower pace of life. We spent the day with the sweet ladies of Wilkie Real Estate looking at houses. We saw some gorgeous houses and great neighborhoods. The weather was nice, so we saw a ton of children out and about in the neighborhoods. Contrary to what I expected, based on 'cost of living' comparison Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitors sites is not allowed, the house in our price range in Roanoke Rapids are quite comparable to those in Raleigh, NOT cheaper. The only difference we saw was that you would get the same size house for the same price as a house in Raleigh with a bigger yard in Roanoke Rapids.
As with any small town, there were several businesses that apparently didn't make it and were abandoned scattered about town. However, I did see a JCPenny, Belk, Sears, Starbucks, and Walmart, among others. (I guess I can learn to live without a real mall or Target. lol) The 'downtown' area was really cute and charming. We enjoyed our dinner at David's, the downtown 'upscale' restaurant. Although they do not have a children's menu, they were quite accomodating to our two kids who had spent hours touring houses. (Normally we would never take our children to a 'fine dining' restaurant, but we were assured that David's was the place to go as most of the restaurants in town are chains.) We also heard the town has received a downtown revitalization grant, so more 'charm' is on the way! I think there's even a dance studio for my daughter!
It will definitely be a 'change of pace' for us, but I think we'll be able to make the most of it!
Im so glad you decided to move to Roanoke Rapids, Love it here, hope you make the most of it!! btw you should look into Cornerstone Christian School in RR.
Hi there, we are also looking at relocating due to a job for my husband and were wondering if you moved/currently live in RR and how things have gone? I have school aged children and am concerned with the low school ratings and high crime ratings I've been reading. Can you tell me more please? Thank you in advance
My husband's family has lived in RR for many generations. Crime is an issue and you will need to look at crime maps. There is a good reason why my husband's family seeks medical care outside of RR. Even in an emergency they drive because they know they may not get adequate care. It is rural and the only plus side I can see living there is being able to get on the lakes. Roanoke Rapids lake is there and then you are close to Lake Gaston.
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Roanoke Rapids
I think there's even a dance studio for my daughter!
