Roanoke Named One of 2025’s Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability

Roanoke has once again earned national recognition, securing a coveted spot on Livability.com’s 2025 list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States.

Every year, Livability.com partners with Applied Geographic Solutions to evaluate more than 2,000 cities nationwide and rank them based on how well they attract and retain people who want a good life—young professionals, families, and anyone looking to thrive.

Roanoke ticks the boxes and stands out for its unbeatable access to outdoor recreation, a thriving regional job market, and a welcoming, connected culture. From our affordable cost of living to the endless outdoor fun, the Roanoke Region is making waves on a national scale.

Want an insider’s perspective? Here’s what Robyn Forbes, one of the Roanoke Region’s Talent Ambassadors, had to say:

I moved to Roanoke for school, but I stayed for the people. Something is always happening, and it’s easy to find your place here, whether you’re into the outdoors, music, or just meeting cool people.

Robyn Forbes, Roanoke Regional Talent Ambassador

Why the Roanoke Region Is the Best Place to Live:

• Affordability💲: Life in Roanoke is easy on the wallet. With a lower cost of living than many U.S. cities, Roanoke makes it easier to enjoy life while building a future. The cost of living is eight percent below the national average, and median home prices are 22 percent below the national average.
• Outdoor Lifestyle 🌄: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is the outdoor lover’s paradise and home to hundreds of miles of trails, rivers, and parks. Thanks to Roanoke Outside, the outdoor scene is no longer a “best-kept secret” but an adventure powerhouse in the national conversation.
• Economic Opportunity 🙌: Roanoke’s strategic location and growing sectors — including healthcare, logistics, and technology — make it a hub for career development and entrepreneurship.
• Community and Culture 🫂: From vibrant music and arts festivals to innovative startups and coworking spaces, Roanoke offers small-town warmth with big-city energy. And Get2KnowNoke is doing the good work of making everyone aware of the culture, job opportunities, and quality of life in the region. Connect with a talent ambassador for an insider’s scoop on the vibrant local scene. They aren’t just locals; they’re your go-to for making real connections.

Roanoke has been called a “hidden gem”, and now the whole country knows what we’ve been shouting from the mountaintops. It’s the place to be, and we think you’ll love it here.
To explore the full rankings and why Roanoke made the list, visit: Livability.com’s Top 100 List.