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Avery R.
moving
Moving to Roanoke with kids -good idea?
Hey everyone, It's a a small town city with about 9,947 people. Has anyone dealt with this?
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Brielle Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Elizabeth Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a electrician, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
39 upvotes
Addison Ramirez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mexican places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
35 upvotes
Robert Sanders
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Nathan Davis
I work in healthcare here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Eli Chavez
I work in finance here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is decent. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Christian Jones
I've lived in Old Town for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Angel Sanders
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Parker Watson
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
+1
14 upvotes
Emmett Gonzalez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Clara Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Santiago
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes