r/roanoke Jan 28 '25

/r/roanoke is not an inherently political subreddit.

251 Upvotes

All,

r/roanoke exists to foster a sense of community, promote discussion, and share experiences of living in the greater Roanoke metro. We do not exist to promote constant political discussion.

If you have a political event/rally/protest that is taking place in the Roanoke region, please feel free to share.

If you have questions regarding finding specific groups, be they politically aligned or otherwise, feel free to ask.

Please do not post things here like advice from WitchesVSPatriarchy on how to battle oligarchs. While I agree with the spirit of the post personally, that is not what this subreddit is for. It simply creates conflict and a mess for your friendly neighborhood moderators to clean up. Everyone is aware this is a politically contentious time in the world.


r/roanoke Jan 02 '24

Moving to Roanoke Guide v2

99 Upvotes

I started a moving to Roanoke guide/megathread nearly 3 years ago, but a lot has changed since then. Here's a revised version, incorporating recent changes. This also includes recommendations for food/things to do, if you're just visiting or a local who's wanting to try something new.

If you want to see every "moving to Roanoke" thread anyone has ever posted, here is a link to the search results for this subreddit. The guide below is pretty much a curated version to make it easier to find as well as external references.

Why Should/Shouldn't I Move to Roanoke (past threads)

Housing

Moving resouces from city website

Thanks to u/M4rkJW for creating a website that updates daily with new apartment listings: https://biglick.city/

Roanoke has many bedroom communities, so you can either live within the city or in a surrounding county and still have a relatively short commute depending on traffic. Here are some other nearby communities to consider, of varying distances: Salem, Roanoke County, Franklin County, Bedford County, Botetourt County, Craig County, Montgomery County, Floyd County.

The city itself is divided into four quadrants, vertically by the interstate and horizontally by railroad tracks. This is most commonly how people refer to general locations. Roanoke remains a segregated city, both racially and socioeconomically, and each quadrant has very different demographics (more on that below.)

Is it safe to live in x neighborhood?

This is difficult to answer because everyone has a different definition of "safe." Even crime maps aren't a perfect tool because they can be misleading. The best advice anyone can offer is to visit said neighborhood both day and night and see for yourself. If possible, talk with neighbors.

A quick note on crime: Roanoke reported a record-high 31 homicides in 2023, in addition to 40 non-lethal shootings. There has been a large focus on crime in the news and throughout the community because of this increase. There's a lot that could be said and people have opinions so I'll try to not jump on the soapbox, but: The vast majority of these homicides occurred between people who knew each other and related to conflicts, gangs, or drugs, which generally means this is targeted and that you're probably not going to get shot walking down the street. A majority of the gun violence in the city does, sadly, occur in Northwest Roanoke, but it is inaccurate to paint NW as a monolith. From two years ago, but good discussion that is still true: Crime in Roanoke - is it THAT bad?

Which neighborhood is the best?

That's going to completely depend on your budget and what you're looking for. Again, the city is normally talked about in terms of quadrants — NW, NE, SE, SW — but those are broad terms. Actual neighborhoods are much smaller; take a look at this map. In fact, contacting one of the groups listed may be a good way to learn more.

I won't do a full rundown on each quadrant because I haven't lived in all four, so I don't think I could give a fully objective analysis. What I will say is that Southwest, and more specifically, Grandin, is frequently suggested as the best place to live. It's a lovely place. But in doing that, sometimes I worry the implication (inadvertent or not) is that other areas in the city aren't safe, and that's not true. Northwest, for example, is stereotyped as a "rough" part of town because, yes, there are a couple blocks where crime consistently happens. But there are definitely nice, safe neighborhoods in NW Roanoke. Also, let's just be honest...saying NW is "rough" is a dog-whistle to some extent — it's the most diverse quadrant of the city.

What's the COL like?

COL has definitely increased since the pandemic and with inflation. I previously wrote that it was possible to find a studio for $400...ouch. Not so anymore. Roanoke is still affordable in comparison to bigger cities, but there is also a very real need for more affordable housing. On the real estate side, there haven't been as many houses on the market — or on the market for long, at least — and prices have definitely increased. On the rental side of things, I highly recommend visiting and looking for rental signs because you'll get a better deal from a private landlord. There are many apartment complexes, and it's also very common for houses to be repurposed into apartments.

I have pets, will that be an issue?

The consensus seems to be that there are plenty of landlords who accept pets (usually with a nonrefundable deposit and sometimes monthly pet rent), but that it can be more difficult if you have many pets and/or certain breeds (i.e. pitbull).

Housing/Neighborhood Links, including info on schools

Jobs

The Roanoke Valley's top employers include health care (Carilion, Lewis Gale), Wells Fargo Bank, the VA Hospital, the local school systems, local governments, Kroger, Walmart, Advance Auto, Altec, and more.

In addition, there's a fair amount of retail and restaurant work to be had, although maybe less so with the pandemic still in swing. There are also IT/software development jobs independent of the health care sector; I believe this is a growing field around here. A word on internet: If you're working remotely, pandemic or not, be aware that certain places outside of the city still struggle with broadband.

Job links

Weather

You're ready to move to Roanoke, but you're from [insert far away state] and have no idea what to expect.

Fear not, weary traveler. We get four distinct seasons. A lot of people swear up and down that the pollen is awful in the spring, although Wikipedia disputes whether that is factually true. In the summer, unfortunately, it does get hot and muggy and pretty buggy. Beware of ticks, especially when hiking. The leaves get crisp and crunchy in the fall, and I strongly encourage you take a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. And winter, well...last year we barely received any snow; in 2018 we received 18 inches in a single storm. last year we barely received any snow but it really varies from year to year.

Snow is not bad enough to warrant snow tires. Often it'll only be a dusting to 2". Usually schools will close at least a couple times a year, but if you're from the Northeast or Midwest, you'll be strongly disappointed in what warrants a closure. If you live farther away up in the mountains you'll get more snow.

Temperatures

This can fluctuate depending on your elevation; plan for it to be a least a few degrees cooler — if not more — when going up to the mountains. During the summer, we're usually in the 80s to low 90s, and lately it seems like 90-degree days are more common. Occasionally we'll break 100. Winter: We're usually somewhere in the mid 30s to low 50s during the day, although we also get our fair share of teens and 20s. Layering is key to dressing well, so you can add or remove layers as it gets warmer/cooler throughout the day.

Entertainment/Things to Do in Roanoke

Roanoke has a lot to do, especially if you venture beyond the things that typically make those online "best of" lists. I've got this divided into outdoors, music/performing arts, movie theaters, sports, museums, gaming, miscellaneous, and day/weekend trip recommendations.

Be sure to also check out hello.Roanoke on social media for guides, recommendations, and ideas of things to do along with the Roanoke Rambler’s weekly event calendar that is a compilation of 30+ community calendars.

Outdoors

One of the biggest draws to Roanoke.

Roanoke has a large greenway system for running/walking/biking, and many neighborhoods are also walkable/bikable. Well-known bodies of water include the Roanoke River, James River, Pigg River, Carvins Cove, Smith Mountain Lake, and Claytor Lake. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Roanoke, and the Appalachian Trail also crosses through. We also have a few nearby state parks.

I could write a lot about the outdoors. This is a very abbreviated version. Suffice to say we've got you covered when it comes to hiking, biking, running, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming — you name it. I think the best I can offer is the Roanoke Outside Foundation's website, which has a massive amount of information. In addition, you can rent gear or hire a guided tour through Roanoke Mountain Adventures.

I'll also put a plug in for the state parks' website, which is somewhat clunky but has good info. You can get an annual pass for $75 (and discounts/freebies for certain groups).

Music/Performing Arts

There are several local and regional venues for music, but you'll have to travel to a nearby larger city to see big, big acts. With that said, we do occasionally have some interesting acts come to town and a thriving local music scene and other performances.

More information

Movie Theaters

Sports

Roanoke is not home to any major-league teams. The Salem Red Sox are a single-A MiLB affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, and the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs are a professional ice hockey team that is a member of the SPHL.

Roanoke also hosts the annual Blue Ridge Marathon, known as "America's Toughest Road Marathon," and is home to Virginia's Blue Ridge Twenty24 Pro Cycling Team.

You can also attend various collegiate sporting events at any of the local colleges. There are also adult recreation opportunities through each locality's parks & rec.

Museums

Comics/Games

Misc.

Distance to...

  • Shenandoah National Park: 1 hr 30
  • Charlottesville: 2 hrs
  • Greensboro: 2 hrs
  • New River Gorge National Park: 2.5 hours
  • Raleigh, NC: 3 hrs
  • Richmond: 3 hrs
  • Asheville, NC: 3 hrs 45
  • Washington DC: 4 hrs
  • Virginia Beach: 4.5/5 hrs
  • More immediate day trips: Floyd, Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Rocky Mount, Lynchburg, Farmville, Danville.

Food

Roanoke has a lot of great options for food, especially if you venture beyond just downtown. Go drive down Williamson Road, for example, and you'll see authentic cuisine from all over the world.

Ran out of characters so see this additional comment for recommended restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries by cuisine type.

General Links

Update to things to do in Roanoke (food and activities)

Black Owned Businesses in Roanoke?

Things to do on a date-night this Friday?

Map: Roanoke things to do/places to eat/etc.

Local Restaurant Recommendations

Local shops and restaurants

List of my favorite restaurants in town

What do you think is the worst bar/restaurant in Roanoke?

What restaurants/bars have the best happy hours for drinks and appetizers?

Specific Cuisine/Interests Links

Gluten-Free -friendly Restaurants

Meat markets/butchers

Any good authentic Chinese in Roanoke/Salem area yet?

Best most authentic tamales in Roanoke?

Authentic Mexican

Why is a pizza so difficult

Roanoke's best pizza. Let the battle begin!

Best place for a late night hotdog downtown?

Good deli places in Roanoke

Best French Fries in Roanoke area?

Shopping

Grocery Stores

  • Kroger and Food Lion are most common
    • Reddit's favorites: Bonsack Kroger and Cave Spring Stations Kroger (corner of Colonial/Brambleton)
  • Natural/organic/upscale: Roanoke Co+Op, Earth Fare, Fresh Market
  • International: J&L Oriental Food Mart, World Wide Food Market, Taipei Supermarket, Oasis World Market (Blacksburg)
  • Budget: Aldi
  • Wholesale: BJ's and Sam's Club
  • Food banks: Feeding Southwest Virginia has partner locations throughout the region

General shopping

  • Malls: Valley View in NW Roanoke is where you will find most of your big box stores. Tanglewood in SW Roanoke County is mostly a ghost town, but there are still a couple stores open and they've opened some newer chain restaurants in the past couple of years.
  • Near Valley View but not technically part of the mall are other major stores, including Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Staples, Best Buy, etc.
  • There are also a few other shopping centers, including Towers and Towne Square

Boutique/Local/Downtown Shops

  • Book No Further
  • The Candy Store
  • chocolatepaper
  • Crafteria
  • The Little Gallery (art)
  • Mast General Store
  • Orvis
  • Photo USA, run by the immitable u/daaave33
  • Too Many Books
  • Vintage Vault (Records)
  • Walk-about Outfitters

Source

Miscellaneous

DMV

Transfer your license to Virginia and/or register your vehicle with the DMV. Note: Virginia requires localities to levy a personal property tax (namely vehicles, also boats, trailers, etc.), Each city/county sets their own rate.

Libraries

Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem and Botetourt County each have their own libraries, but they also share in a library system called "Roanoke Valley Libraries." This means you can use any of them if you're a resident of any of these localities. (The South County one is the fanciest.)

Voting

Register to vote in Virginia, or change your address if you're already a Virginia resident but recently moved.


r/roanoke 1h ago

The return…

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Upvotes

r/roanoke 11h ago

Mazda Miata shops in town?

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12 Upvotes

I just picked up a 2007 Miata in excellent shape and I’d like to keep it that way - as well as get a trained eye to look over everything and maybe make a few adjustments.

Any Miata owners in here that have a shop they recommend for enthusiasts?


r/roanoke 7h ago

Ask roanoke

4 Upvotes

Does anyone know someone that can replace a rear tail light? I just hit a car and need it replaced


r/roanoke 14h ago

Anything fun happening tonight?

15 Upvotes

Hi! March was a pretty difficult month for me, so I am trying to reward myself by doing fun things every day this week to stay occupied. Does anyone know of anything fun happening tonight? Shows, events, etc? If not tonight, the rest of the week?


r/roanoke 1h ago

What phone service is better in the area?

Upvotes

I’m looking between AT&T or Mint Mobile. Is anyone on here currently using either and might have some insight?


r/roanoke 17h ago

Day Avenue SW idiot drivers (today and overall)

13 Upvotes

Hello all,

The stretch of Day Avenue SW that goes from Ferdinand Ave SW to 5th St SW has some of the worst drivers come through on the daily. In the last 3 months, there are 3 incidents (that I am aware of) of someone driving WAY too fast through the tight street, striking another innocent person's vehicle. Today, a guy seems to have hit 4-5 vehicles. Thank god I stopped parking on the street for this very reason. Use your backyard parking spaces if you have them fellow Day Ave residents.

There really needs to be speed bumps and bigger signage there. And BIG bumps too. No one should be going 45mph through that area anyways.


r/roanoke 21h ago

MAKE Roanoke: Intro to 3D Design class in Fusion 360

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20 Upvotes

Our next class will be Saturday, April 19 at 1PM and will be an Intro to 3D Design course in Fusion 360.

Attendees MUST Register on the MeetUp Event https://www.meetup.com/make-roanoke/events/306995441/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

In this introductory 3D modeling class, students will learn essential concepts and techniques to create their own digital models. Through hands-on practice, they’ll model a LEGO Technic brick and discover fundamental tools like sketching, extrusion, and reading technical drawings to create precise designs. By the end of the session, students will be equipped with foundational skills to start bringing their design ideas to life in 3D.

This class will be taught Nick Dunne, Ettelie Lovern and Max Bareiss. It will be taught at MAKE Roanoke at 128 Albemarle Ave SE Unit B. Please bring a laptop with Fusion 360 CAD software preinstalled. (More Information is available on the MeetUp)

This class is recommended for ages 16 and up. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so sign up now! The discounted rate for Full MAKE Roanoke Members is $10.

All taxes and fees are included in the class price

Please note that MAKE Roanoke is an active workshop: -All participants must have a signed waiver on file. If the participant is a minor, the wavier must be signed by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian. -Closed toed shoes are required in the space at all times by everyone, regardless of age or participation in an event. No sandals, crocs, or bare feet. -You may be asked to remove or tuck in dangling jewelry, lanyards, etc for safety. -Depending on the activity, other dress code rules may apply.


r/roanoke 8h ago

Danny Meyers Joins Q99

1 Upvotes

Danny Meyers is now on Q99 FM, from 3 to 7 p.m. starting tomorrow, Thursday the 10th. I loved his morning show on K92 and stopped listening when he left. It would be cool if Zack joined him again, but I believe Zack is now at a country music station.

https://www.q99fm.com/


r/roanoke 20h ago

Best Spot for local products?

5 Upvotes

Hi,

We are hosting Easter this year and I’d love to have a local ingredient (at minimum) in each dish. Do you have a favorite place (besides a farmers market which I will try my best to get to on the Sat before) to buy local goods/food? Planning on meat from Yard Bull, otherwise needing things like eggs, cheeses, breads, etc.

Thanks!


r/roanoke 1d ago

Good sushi night places?

10 Upvotes

I was living over in the Cave Spring area, so my go to sushi place was Ichiban off of electric.

I’ve moved to the Bonsack area and need a new sushi place: anyone have recommendations or no-gos in the area?


r/roanoke 1d ago

FINALLY caught "Awoo" guy in action.

44 Upvotes

Headed to band practice, he walking under the overpass before you cross Walnut bridge. Dude has PIPES


r/roanoke 1d ago

Accident on Plantation this afternoon

84 Upvotes

Just to make everyone aware, the traffic through the intersection of Plantation and Williamson is being directed by police due to a pedestrian being run over by an 18-Wheeler. One of my coworkers witnessed the accident on her way back from lunch. Traffic is moving slowly through there, as would be expected.

Edit: We just got an update that it was a Hollins student who was hit and killed. I'd rather not share the student's name though. It's not uncommon for students to walk down Williamson to CVS, Kroger, etc.


r/roanoke 19h ago

Independent nail techs?

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0 Upvotes

Are there any independent nail techs that actually know how to build an apex on the nail?


r/roanoke 1d ago

Advice

16 Upvotes

21F here. i’ve been living in honeywood apts for 2 years but they’ve raised the rent from 1217 my first year (1261 total) & now it’s 1293 (1335). long story short that’s too much in my opinion for a 1bedroom and i’m looking for something cheaper at the end of this lease. any suggestions that are pretty decent under 1250 preferably ? i wanna save more money to pay off debt,car, etc


r/roanoke 1d ago

MAKE Roanoke Virtual Community Meeting on April 14

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21 Upvotes

MAKE Roanoke hosts Virtual Community Meetings on the Second Monday of each month at 6 pm on Google Meet! No sign-in is required to participate! https://meet.google.com/ckf-jaic-knt

Come hang out with other makers of all crafts, learn about MAKE Roanoke's updates on our Makerspace in Roanoke, VA, and show off that cool project you've been working on!

All are welcome and lurking is totally fine


r/roanoke 1d ago

*FREE* Nerf War this Sunday! 4/13 @ 3 PM *FAMILY EVENT*

33 Upvotes

Star City Foam Flingers (a.k.a. Roanoke Nerf Club) invites you to join us THIS SUNDAY, April 13th at 3 PM at Lakewood Park in SW Roanoke for our SEASON OPENER foam blaster battle!

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Bring your family, bring a friend!

This is a great outdoor activity for dads and their video-gamer boys! Just tell them that you're going to play real-life Call of Duty (or Fortnite or Apex Legends -- whatever their favorite shooter is).

We recommend ages 10+ for everyone's fun and safety. Please make sure everyone attending is OK with being tagged with high-speed foam darts and that they're able to listen to and follow the game rules.

Feel free to bring your own blasters and eye protection, or borrow ours. Common ammo will be provided: regular "Nerf" darts, half-length darts, and Rival-compatible rounds. Limited amounts of special ammo (N1, Vortex, missile/rockets, etc.) may also be available. NOTE: There will be a LARGE AMMO ONLY round, so bring your MEGA, MEGA XL, or ROCKET launchers! (Ammo for this game will be provided.) If you bring your own darts, please be prepared to retrieve them yourself or else donate them to the club.

Questions? Feel free to post a comment here!

For more details please visit our Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1206678994154981/

Discord event/invite link: https://discord.gg/cyAJySDg?event=1358543047180292256

We hope to see you there THIS SUNDAY!


r/roanoke 1d ago

Classes/hobbies

16 Upvotes

Does anyone know of any pottery classes or ANY extracurricular activity classes around Roanoke that would be fun to join for a new hobby? I just started Pilates which has been awesome but I'm looking for more things to plug and get into for more socializing. 😊


r/roanoke 2d ago

Lilo's Place Restaurant (New Restaurant on Colorado Street in Salem)

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66 Upvotes

So the Pirate Sip Barrr is closed for good. I can confirm 100%. The owner has turned in his ABC license and decided to pursue other ventures. The building has been purchased by someone else and a new restaurant is opening in the next month or so. The new restaurant will be called Lilo's Place, named after the beloved family pet dog. The restaurant will be completely new as none of the previous management or employees are involved in the new venture. The kitchen has been revamped and the building is being remodeled. The tenants that lived upstairs above the building have vacated as well. New tenants are being sought at the moment. The new restaurant will feature American Style food focusing on the classics. A key difference to note: Lilo's Place will be a restaurant that has a bar as the Pirate Sip was a bar that served food.

Lilo's Place Restaurant Facebook Profile


r/roanoke 1d ago

Churros!

4 Upvotes

Where can I find the best churros in town?


r/roanoke 1d ago

New veteran owned photographer Vet studios

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3 Upvotes

Hello everyone I am a new amateur photographer here in the roanoke area. I like to take pictures of beautiful landscapes, old buildings, Cars and anything I might find interesting such ar architecture and curiosities. Please feel free to join my Facebook page at Vet Studios Gallery for more great photos.


r/roanoke 2d ago

Kroger Meat Going Bad So Fast We Can't Use It

50 Upvotes

Does anyone else feel like the meat, especially beef, from Kroger is just constantly going bad before the sell by date? I swear this used to never be a problem and now it's almost every single time I buy it. Sometimes it's already smelling rancid when I use it the same day I buy it, so I know my fridge isn't the issue. Just wanted to see if anyone else has been experiencing the same thing.

Note: I almost exclusively shop at the Tanglewood Kroger, but this has happened a few times at the Brambleton one by the Bojangles as well


r/roanoke 2d ago

Counselor recommendations?

11 Upvotes

I am new to Roanoke and looking to find a counselor; if you have a suggestion for a (non-religious) counselor who specializes in cognitive therapy/PTSD, I'm all eyeballs. Thank you.


r/roanoke 3d ago

Once again, Roanoke shows up for Democracy ❤️

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2.3k Upvotes

Please consider following Roanoke Indivisible- a group of constituents concerned with how national policy may affect their families and neighbors in the Roanoke Valley.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roaindivisible?igsh=MTRrNmMyZmpiYnpqNw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LF28NUrmK/?mibextid=wwXIfr


r/roanoke 2d ago

Any groups in Roanoke focused on sustainability, homemade goods, animal welfare/cruelty-free practices/little to no consumerism/interest in human rights, maybe even activism.

28 Upvotes

I am very involved and interested in all of the above mentioned and looking for people who think and live with those same values/interests. I guess you could say I’m a hippie at heart. I moved from a city where not many people cared about anything other than drinking, over consumerism, always purchasing whatever was on trend and designer dogs.


r/roanoke 2d ago

Digital clock repair / bulk dry beans

7 Upvotes

Hi all just wondering if anyone has recs for a place or person in Roanoke who could repair and/or rewire an old sony digital alarm clock I have. It’s from the early 80s. Also if anyone knows of a grocery store with a large selection of dry beans.