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Brenda W. jobs

Commute times in Roanoke -how bad?

Hey, Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
29 upvotes

9 Replies

Julia C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Houston it's tough.
29 upvotes
Sarah Brown
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Austin it's decent.
20 upvotes
Gabriel Allen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.

Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options

Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
loving_jameson94
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Lakewood for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Autumn Perez
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Easton Wilson
facts
13 upvotes
Violet Harris
bump
8 upvotes
Steven J.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Meadowbrook area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Madeline Wood
Moved here last year, no regrets.
5 upvotes
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