Community Profile for Roanoke, VA
Community Profile Description


The Roanoke Valley is a metropolitan area of more than 300,000, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roanoke has amenities that you'd expect from a dynamic urban center, without losing the charming feeling of a smaller place. Expansion Management named Roanoke Valley one of its Five-Start Communities for quality of life. The ranking is based on a reasonable cost of living, affordable housing, low crime, excellent transportation access, good public schools, proximity to community colleges and universities, and educated workforce and low taxes.




  • Mild weather and four seasons


  • Bike the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike the legendary Appalachian Trail


  • Boating, camping, swimming at Smith Mountain Lake, 500 miles of shoreline


  • Theater, symphony, ballet, opera, fine arts, and museums


  • Two hours to ski resorts, with chalets or five-star lodging


  • US Department of Education has recognized Roanoke Valley Schools for being among the nation's best.


  • Roanoke County, Roanoke City and Salem City school systems have Advanced Placement classes and the international Baccaulareate program.


  • Nationally ranked & internationally acclaimed colleges and universities


  • The National Civic League named Roanoke an All-American City six times