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Enjoy a shorter commute, bike-friendly streets, and the great outdoors right at your doorstep. With a cost of living 8% below the national average and housing prices 16% lower, you can afford your dream home and live large for less.
Dive into our vibrant arts scene, indulge in diverse culinary delights, and find ample job opportunities across multiple sectors. The Roanoke Region offers a community where you can truly thrive. Explore below and discover a better way of living.
Whether you're dreaming of a chic downtown apartment, an elegant historic home, charming farmland, or a spacious suburban palace, the Roanoke Region has it all. Imagine waking up to lakefront views or cozying up in a cabin in the woods. Whatever your lifestyle, it's within reach—and affordable! With a median home price of $289,950, 22% below the national average, your dream home is waiting in the Roanoke Region.
As a hub of learning and innovation, the Roanoke Region recognizes the importance of lifelong learning for all. Our region is rich with comprehensive, well-rounded educational programs, stretching from primary school to higher education. All high school graduates are eligible for FREE community college enrollment through CCAP - AND- our region boasts 25 institutions of higher learning.
At Get2KnowNoke, our #1 mission is to help you make connections and find your people. We hear it all the time - the best part of living in the Roanoke Region is the people, and the people make the place. The fabulous mountain views are just a BONUS! Start building your network and live a more connected life.
If the arts are your thing, you’ve found your place. The Roanoke Region is a hub for visual and performing arts. Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Opera Roanoke, Roanoke Ballet, or at one of the 20+ live music venues are just the start. The world-famous Taubman Museum of Art, trendy galleries, public art, and murals create vibrant and exciting spaces and are a true testament to the region’s commitment to art and artists.
Our adventures aren't just for outdoor lovers. Fine dining, farm-to-table, international fare, greasy spoons—no matter your craving or budget, Roanoke is a foodie’s dream. Cruise Williamson Road for a Bahn-mi sub, Cuban treats, or a killer taco. Satisfy that burger craving with a visit to Richee Freeze or the iconic Texas Tavern. If you're looking for leading edge, then try the famous Lucky bourbon cube or head to River and Rail's for award-winning Americana.
Indulge in innovative concoctions, craft cocktails, and over 30 local breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Roanoke's vibrant urban core is packed with unique happy hours and late-night spots. Venture to the historic main streets of nearby towns like Salem, Vinton, and Rocky Mount for even more charming options. Savor a craft cocktail (or mocktail) at one of our many bars or speakeasies. Beer lover? Try the award-winning brews at Olde Salem or Parkway breweries—perfect for a post-work drink or two.
1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails. Smith Mountain Lake. 25 rivers and creeks. 30+ miles of urban trails. State and national parks. The Blue Ridge Parkway. The Appalachian Trail. And that’s just the beginning. It's no fluke we've been voted "Top Adventure Town" consistently by Blue Ridge Outdoors readers!
WARNING: IF YOU MOVE HERE, YOU MAY BECOME ACTIVE. But seriously, head outside almost any day of the week and you will encounter dozens of people running, walking, road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, and playing sports. It's contagious and getting active will improve your quality of life. Between outdoor recreation, the sports leagues, fitness classes, and events throughout the region, it's easy (and fun!) to prioritize your health and physical fitness.
Downtown Roanoke alone has 14 live music venues, bars with live entertainment, and amphitheaters, offering something for every genre almost every night. But don't miss iconic venues like the Harvester in Rocky Mount, FloydFest, or the Salem Civic Center. Sports fans will love the Roanoke Railyard Dogs hockey team, the Salem Red Sox baseball team, and the NCAA Division I Virginia Tech Hokies with one of college football's greatest entrances at Lane Stadium!
We can't help ourselves! We just want to gather ALL. THE. TIME. We joke, but the struggle is real. Trying to pick between your favorite band, the annual sidewalk art festival, your mountain-biking club meet-up, a Virginia Tech football game, or a donut and mimosa run is hard! These are the types of problems you have when you live in Roanoke.
The Roanoke Region is known for it's collaborative and supportive approach to business. Our regional localities and stakeholders make life, business, talent attraction, and innovation easy. Learn more about our region's advantages including infrastructure, low-cost, workforce size, industry diversity, world-class research institutes, dark-fiber availability, bountiful power and water, and ample prepared sites.
The Get2KnowNoke ambassadors represent a wide range of diversity including location within the region, professional background, hobbies and interests, and cultural and ethnic. Find a few ambassadors that share something in common with you and reach out! The ambassadors are welcoming and happy to connect and help make sure you find your community.
Take pride in YOU—and find neighbors who will do the same. Roanoke has been a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment. With a well-established community and numerous events and resources, you'll feel right at home in Roanoke. Use our vetted safe spaces guide, and chat with an ambassador about their experiences in the region.
Okay, you're sold! But if you don't have a job, it's gonna be hard for you to move to this mountain-metro paradise. Let Get2KnowNoke help you take the "work" out of networking. Join our free talent network to get matched with jobs, employers, and events throughout the region.