Roanoke Tower (ROA)

📍 About ROA & Roanoke

Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its affordability, access to nature, and revitalized downtown, Roanoke is a hidden gem for both young professionals and families alike. It’s also within easy reach of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

🏡 Where to Live

Best for Singles & Couples

• Downtown Roanoke – Revitalized, walkable, bars and restaurants.
• Grandin Village – Historic charm, local shops, bike-friendly.
• Salem – Small-town feel, very close to the airport.

Best for Families

• Hollins – Quiet suburbs, good schools.
• SW Roanoke County – Larger homes, highly rated schools.
• Blacksburg – College town vibe, top-ranked schools.

🚗 Commute Times to ROA

• 5–15 min: Salem, Hollins, Downtown Roanoke
• 15–30 min: Grandin Village, SW Roanoke County
• 30–45 min: Blacksburg, Christiansburg

🎓 Top School Districts

• Roanoke County Public Schools – A-rated
• Salem City Schools – Small and well-rated
• Montgomery County Schools – Includes Blacksburg

🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours

• Mill Mountain Star & Park: Iconic overlook and hiking
• Blue Ridge Parkway: Scenic drives, camping, waterfalls
• Downtown Roanoke: Food, museums, breweries, concerts
• Smith Mountain Lake: Great for boating, summer day trips
• Day Trips: Blacksburg, Floyd, Lexington, Natural Bridge

✈️ Nearby Airports

• ROA: On-site – commercial service with Delta, American, United, Allegiant
• CLT (Charlotte): ~3.5 hours – major international hub
• DCA (Washington): ~4 hours – larger commercial airport

💰 Cost of Living

• Median Home Price: ~$230,000 (Roanoke) / ~$280,000 (Blacksburg)
• 1-Bedroom Rent: ~$950–$1,400/month
• Utilities: ~$160–$210/month
• Virginia Income Tax: 5.75% max
• Groceries & Gas: Below national average

☀️ Seasonal Weather

• Winter: Cold but manageable, occasional snow
• Spring: Pleasant, blooming, lots of green
• Summer: Warm and humid, 80s–90s
• Fall: Colorful and crisp, ideal for hiking

🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic

• Valley Metro: Basic bus service within city
• Car recommended: Most neighborhoods are suburban or rural
• Traffic: Very light – one of Roanoke’s advantages

🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care

• Carilion Clinic: Major regional healthcare provider
• LewisGale Medical Center: Full-service hospital
• Urgent care: VelocityCare, CVS MinuteClinic, others

🫂 Social Life & Community

• Young professionals: Bars, breweries, trivia nights, downtown events
• Families: Parks, children’s museums, farmers markets
• Volunteering/Church: Strong church and community service networks

🍽️ Dining & Food Scene

• Downtown Roanoke: Lucky, Fortunato, Jack Brown’s, Scrambled
• Local Favorites: The River & Rail, Hollywood’s, Local Roots
• Breweries: Big Lick, Three Notch’d, Starr Hill

🛫 ATC-Specific Tips

• Living in Salem or Hollins gives the shortest commute to ROA
• Expect shift rotations — good blackout curtains recommended
• Easy to connect with a small ATC community in the area

📦 Moving Tips

• Roanoke has many affordable rentals — look early if near Virginia Tech
• AWD not required, but helpful if you live in higher elevation neighborhoods
• Spring and fall are the best times to move

❓ FAQs

• Is Roanoke safe?
  Yes, especially in Hollins, Grandin, and Salem. Use caution in some downtown areas after dark.
• Can I live in Blacksburg?
  Yes, but commute is 45+ mins. Good if spouse works at Virginia Tech.
• What’s the vibe?
  Affordable, outdoorsy, with a growing food and arts scene.