Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is a welcoming city that blends a laid-back pace of life with a surprising level of connectivity.
Known as the “Star City,” thanks to the Mill Mountain Star overlooking downtown, Roanoke offers families a balance of small-city charm, outdoor recreation, and modern amenities that make settling in straightforward and rewarding.
Life In The Star City
Roanoke’s population is just over 100,000, giving the area a friendly, community-oriented feel without losing the conveniences of an urban center.
Daily life runs at a comfortable pace, with an average commute time of about 20 minutes. Families who have relocated from larger metropolitan areas often notice how easy it is to get around town, whether driving to work, dropping kids at school, or running errands.
Affordability is one of Roanoke’s strongest draws. Housing prices remain well below national averages, with a median home value around $276,480 and typical monthly rent near $1,440 for units in 2025.
Roanoke’s everyday costs trend lower, too; the metro area’s overall price level is roughly 9% below the national average, helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality of life.
Education & Child Care Resources
Parents moving to Roanoke often begin by comparing public school options, which are divided between Roanoke City Public Schools and Roanoke County Public Schools.
Virginia’s School Quality Profiles website provides a detailed overview of each school, including standardized test performance, graduation rates, and attendance patterns. Reviewing this information before choosing a neighborhood helps families decide where to live.
Child care is another important consideration, and statewide benchmarks help set realistic expectations for budgeting.
According to Child Care Aware of America, the average annual cost of center-based infant care in Virginia is approximately $16,400, while toddler care averages around $15,600. Families considering in-home options can also find local and regional data to compare rates and costs.
For those mapping out family budgets, the MIT Living Wage Calculator provides up-to-date figures specific to the Roanoke area. The tool helps households understand the income levels that support different family types, offering valuable guidance when evaluating job offers or planning for a single- or dual-income household.
Getting Around The City (& Beyond)
Public transportation in Roanoke is straightforward and reliable. Valley Metro operates the city’s bus network along with the Smart Way regional line, which conveniently connects downtown Roanoke, the airport, and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg for a low fare.
Late-night microtransit options, such as MetroFLX, extend service hours, offering extra flexibility for families with busy schedules.
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service links Roanoke directly to Washington, DC, and other points along the Northeast Corridor for longer trips. Those who prefer air travel will find the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport efficient and increasingly connected, with passenger numbers reaching record highs in recent years and new nonstop flight options being added.
Outdoor Living & Family Recreation
Roanoke is a destination for families who appreciate time outside. With over 100 miles of trails and greenways, opportunities for hiking, biking, and casual walks are abundant.
The Roanoke River Greenway offers more than 10 miles of paved paths within the city, perfect for strollers, scooters, or leisurely weekend rides with the kids. Local parks and recreation programs offer a variety of year-round activities for people of all ages. The city and county maintain seasonal guides for classes, sports leagues, and special events.
Families will also find a variety of blueways and water access points for paddling and fishing, making it easy to plan weekend outings that combine fresh air with quality family time.
The Local Climate
Roanoke experiences four distinct seasons, providing newcomers with a full range of weather throughout the year.
The climate delivers an estimated 43 inches of total precipitation yearly, including about 15 inches of snow in winter. Summers are warm and humid, while spring and fall are often mild, making them ideal for enjoying the region’s outdoor spaces.
Utilities, Internet, & Everyday Essentials
Utility providers are easy to identify once you know your new address. Most households rely on Appalachian Power for electricity; rate details are available on the company’s website. The Western Virginia Water Authority, which provides water and sewer service, details how billing may be affected by seasonal usage averages.
High-speed internet is widely available, with Cox as a dominant provider in many neighborhoods and Glo Fiber expanding fiber connections across the city and surrounding communities. The FCC’s broadband map allows residents to check availability by address before signing up.
Budgeting For Taxes
Virginia’s state income tax uses a four-tier system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%. The Department of Taxation publishes detailed schedules each year.
At the local level, Roanoke imposes a personal property tax rate of $3.45 per $100 of assessed value, which vehicle owners should consider when calculating annual costs.
Employment Opportunities
Job opportunities in Roanoke span industries such as health care, education, and logistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks metro-level unemployment rates, which remain competitive compared to national figures.
The city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides helpful advice to those seeking local employment information and highlights the area’s major employers.
Moving Forward With Complete Confidence
Relocating to Roanoke offers a balanced lifestyle that combines affordability, convenience, and natural beauty. Families who make the move often find that the Star City quickly feels homey, thanks to its welcoming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
At MG Moving Services, we know how to make starting fresh feel stress-free and straightforward. So whether it’s a quick move across town in Virginia or a long-distance relocation to a new state, our experienced team takes care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling comfortably into your new space.
Every move, big or small, is handled with professionalism and careful attention so you can focus on starting the next chapter. Call us at (888) 707-7709 or request a free online moving quote today to start planning your move with one of the most trusted moving companies on the East Coast.
