We will be moving to Roanoke soon because of a job transfer. Does anyone know of any good areas not directly in the city? Within ten or fifteen miles out perhaps? We have three kids one of whom spends all of is free time fishing. Would love to be in the country but not so far out that it takes 30 minutes to drive to the nearest grocery store. We want to buy a house with a view of the mountains for about $125,000. Is this even possible? Thanks for the help.

Karen. our married daughter and husband just moved to Roanoke, Va last week. Are we talking about the same city? There is also a Roanoke, Alabama- found that doing a search.
My "kids" are renting an apt. but try looking at www.roanoke.com for info and pictures.
Do a search for homes.
Good luck with the move and welcome to the South.

Bette,
I am talking about VA. I have already looked at Roanoke sites and have been on some realtor sites. I was hoping that someone who lives there could tell me about some of the neighborhoods. Realtors can't tell you which neighborhoods are better than others. I've lived in VA Beach but have a feeling that Roanoke will be totally different. I am looking forward to much warmer weather!

Come on folks in Roanoke - she needs help finding the right neighborhood. Let's answer

Hey Karen, I grew up in Roanoke! Left there 25 years ago, but had a majoy homesickness attack when I read your post. The Southwest area of the city used to have the best addresses, but there may be others now. There is a magazine called the Roanoker that publishes an annual issue will information about real estate, schools, neighborhoods, etc. You might find out about the magazine through the website that Bette mentioned. You might do a search on Roanoke County, which surrounds the city. Schools may be better.

Your son who likes to fish is going to love Smith Mountain Lake. Many Roanokers have second homes there, even though it's not far away. The downtown market area is authentic and a great place to buy produce directly from the farmer who grew it.

I loved growing up in Roanoke, a great family oriented city. I still miss the sight of the dogwoods blooming there in the early spring.

Where are you moving from?

Oops, make that a major homesickness attack, not a "majoy" one! Chalk it up to my surprise at seeing something about Roanoke on this site.

Traveler,
My husband and I are going to Roanoke in two weeks to check out the area and will probably be moving in June. We live in Wisconsin now but lived in VA Beach for three years in the 80's when my husband was in the Navy. Thanks for the tip on the Roanoker Magazine. I will check it out!

Southwest area of the city is still the best address.

Try Hunting Hills. There may be other good areas that I'm not familiar with.

I grew up in Roanoke also. Loved the mountains surrounding the valley. I agree that southwest is a good place to start (i.e. Hunting Hills). There is a neighborhood near Cave Spring High School that is built up on hillsides off Brambleton Ave (I hope that is correct). I think another good area is near Hollins College area. I hope you fall in love with Roanoke as much as I did. I left about 21 years ago and still go back as my parents still live there. Northside High School is where I went to school (great school - that is probably in the Hollins area district). Another area (I don't know how far out it is) is Boutetaut (sp) area. Good luck to you.
Kathy