The reasons why the Roanoke, Virginia, Region is such a great place are at every turn. This, I have learned since moving here to escape the concrete jungle in 2006.

Pleasant days

The Roanoke Region – Roanoke, Allegheny, Franklin and Botetourt counties – is in the middle of the Eastern Seaboard, where a milder climate keeps spirits from wilting...or icing over.

Aging well

We have the distinction of being part of the North Fork of Roanoke winemaking region. With five wineries just minutes from an urban center, wine lovers can pack a picnic and sip wine with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Wine Trail of Botetourt County is a relaxing drive on country roads along rolling hills.

National recognition

The region’s stable economy was mentioned in a recent USA Today article. Progressive Farmer Magazine voted Botetourt County one of the top 20 Places to Live in Rural America. In June, the Roanoke Region beckoned travelers flying US Airways in this extensive profile: http://www.usairwaysmag.com/city_profiles/city/roanoke_virginia/.

Get more for your buck

Here in Roanoke, the cost of living is well below the national average, so budgets go further. The region’s cost of living is lower than the national average. At 93.8, it’s the second-lowest in Virginia and better than Atlanta, Greenville, S.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C.

Cultural abundance

For those who relish urban excitement, there is plenty to indulge the cultural senses, from theatre, symphony and opera to art galleries and museums, without the traffic hassles. Chic boutiques and fine dining can round out a splendid day in the city. Last year, the $66 million Taubman Museum of Art, designed by Los Angeles architect Randall Stout, opened in downtown Roanoke. Galleries of contemporary landscape photography, Italian baroque art and American art cover 81,000 square feet.

In pursuit of the great outdoors

Sportsmen and women can step out of a museum or five-star restaurant and onto a wooded trail minutes later. Here, the air and water are clean, beautiful vistas embrace the region and outdoor recreational opportunities range from casual to high adventure. Whether hunting and fishing, hiking or biking, golfing or boating, there are limitless ways to experience the great outdoors.

A thing for neon

The Roanoke Star – a giant red, white and blue neon star shining atop Mill Mountain – is one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. The star was erected 1,045 feet above sea level on Nov. 14, 1949 by the Roanoke Merchants Association as a kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. At 88.5 feet tall, with 2,000 feet of neon tubing powered by 17,500 watts, it still is the world’s largest free-standing, human-made illuminated star.

Blue Ridge folklore
Rocky Mount, Va., in Franklin County is the “eastern gateway” to the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. The driving route connects several major music-related venues in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. Passed down from generation to generation, the traditional gospel, bluegrass and mountain music lives on through a wealth of musicians, instrument makers, festivals, concerts, radio shows and jam sessions along the way.

Homes, sweet homes

Home buyers looking to the Roanoke Region for a change of scenery have a wonderful choice of homes, large or small, lakeside or mountaintop; upscale condos overlooking historic downtowns, single-family homes in new neighborhoods, magnificent estates on large scenic plots of land.

Living life to the fullest

Grand lifestyles are in full swing along Smith Mountain Lake. One of southwestern Virginia’s best-kept secrets, it covers 22,000 acres and has more than 500 miles of shoreline. Its pristine waters host great fishing, boating, watersports and family fun.

Sweet simplicity

A traditional neighborhood development is in the making in historic Botetourt County for those seeking a simpler way of life. Daleville Town Center is an up-and-coming “rural village.” The first compact, walkable community of its kind in southwestern Virginia, it was designed using New Urbanism principles with a rural twist.

B&B California

Rose Hill Bed and Breakfast in the historic Old Southwest District is a charming inn built in 1909. Guests enjoy hearty gourmet breakfasts, high tea and owner Wendy Blair's wry wit. The Californian discovered Roanoke after being forced off the interstate during Hurricane Katrina four years ago.

A town is born

The town of Roanoke was born in 1882, the year Hotel Roanoke was built by railroad magnate Frederick J. Kimball in a wheat field on a hill. Roanoke was chartered as an independent city in 1884. Today, standing in contrast to the urban core is the Tudor style Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, a luxurious 331-room, five-star hotel.

Warm and friendly

There’s so much more to this great region. But perhaps best of all are the people, some 317,000 of us. Many are newcomers, having happened across this land of plenty and never looked back. Progressive in thought and true to the warm southern spirit, we invite you to share the riches of our lives.