City Town Info

Roanoke, VA


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Roanoke, Virginia

Introduction to Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke is situated in the Roanoke Valley, west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city is known as the "Star City of the South" and features the prominent Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain. The Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway and a wine making region are nearby. The Roanoke River runs through the town. The city is a major center for health care and retail businesses for the region.

History

The town was founded in 1852 and was known as Big Lick. The name was selected due to the huge outcropping of salt in the area. Big Lick was chosen as a railroad junction which significantly increased the population and stimulated the economy. In 1884 the town was established as Roanoke. During the Colonial era the city was a prominent location for trails and roads. The Great Wagon Road was one of the busiest roads during the 18th Century and ran through Roanoke.

The Norfolk and Western Railway company produced steam locomotives in Roanoke and employed thousands of workers. The locomotives were manufactured in the city until 1953. Manufacturing companies moved to the city primarily due to the railroad. Regarding land, the city significantly expanded during the middle portion of the 20th Century due to annexation. Roanoke was once a prominent area for the garment industry.

Transportation

The city is served by the Roanoke Regional Airport. The Valley Metro provides bus transportation.

Attractions

  • The Center in the Square contains the History Museum of Western Virginia, the Science Museum of Western Virginia as well as the Hopkins Planetarium.
  • Virginia Museum of Transportation features locomotives which were constructed in the city.
  • Grandin Village.
  • Mill Mountain Star.
  • Texas Tavern.
  • Roanoke's Historical Fire Station #1.
  • St. Andrews Parish, State and National Landmark.
  • Roanoke Historic Farmers Market.
  • Hotel Roanoke is a historic building.
  • The Jefferson Center is a historic performance center.
  • Mabry Mill.

Activities and Entertainment

The surrounding area offers excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, camping and hiking. Some of the popular locations for activities and entertainment include:

  • Appalachian Trail
  • Virginia's Explore Park
  • Smith Mountain Lake
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Mill Mountain Zoo
  • Roanoke Civic Center
  • George Washington & Jefferson National Forest
  • Commonwealth Games of Virginia
  • Mill Mountain Theater

College

Higher education opportunities are provided at Roanoke College, Hollins University, Virginia Western Community College and the Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

High Points

Roanoke strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Virginia):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 9%Roanoke Affordability of Rents
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 13%Roanoke Public Transportation Use
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)		Top 15%Roanoke Affordability of Property Taxes

Comparative Profile of Roanoke, VA

Comparing Roanoke to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Virginia (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population95
Senior Citizens95
Age of the Population84
Well-Paid Single Women57
Children Under 5 Years Old58
Racial Diversity57
Well-Paid Single Men37
Male Share of the Population26

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married22
Average Household Size13

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults46
People Above Poverty34
People in Middle Class or Better35
Median Family Income24

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times88
Public Transportation Use79
Walking and Biking to Work58
Working at Home34

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Living Alone108
Affordability of Rents105
Affordability of Property Taxes94
Seasonal and Vacation Housing74
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals69
Housing Recently Built32

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime31
Low Violent Crime31

Detailed pages on related topics: Roanoke colleges • Roanoke travel • Roanoke mortgages and property.

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Additional Details

Roanoke CareersRoanoke Careers
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Roanoke CollegesRoanoke Colleges
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Roanoke Hotels & TravelRoanoke Hotels & Travel
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Roanoke MortgageRoanoke Mortgage
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