If you check the statistics here for Roanoke, you'll see prices are rising and waaay above the national average. The vultures will tell you it's because they didn't over build like the rest of the country. Don't believe them, prices will rise right along side the rest of the country as they go up. Realtors here tell people to hold their ground and they will be rewarded soon. It's the realtors that artifically keep Roanoke housing inflated. There are pleanty of reasonable homes in nice areas outside Roanoke. Don't let the vultures talk you out of it.

Hi Lisa - I see you are also from my hometown..PA. I relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago myself, so I know what it feels like trying to buy something that expensive and not really knowing the area. Lucky for you, Roanoke is a pretty safe area, everywhere. We have a very low crime rate as well. I would be happy to help you find something if you have not already done so. Feel free to go to my website which also has crim stats for your review.

Melissa Brumbaugh, ABR
Remax All Points
540-815-4880 http://www.RoanokeMoves.com

Hello, It is more than what you would like to spend but you should look at Virginia Ridge in Hardy VA. Very nice neighborhood and about 12 miles to Roanoke. If you would like to see one of the homes for sale that is not a newly built one let me know.

Lisa,

I just relocated back to roanoke after 10 yrs away. Its really nice if you have kids and want to settle down, nightlife is OK, but NC is really close and there are lots of lakes here for play. Housing is not expensive (this is coming for a really frugal person) but be careful, a realtor cannot tell you what places are nice, and which arent. Just make sure you stay away from the Orange Ave-Laffayette-Hershberger triangle and some areas downtown are just slums. There are some really nice parts in the city and the county is great ($). You can definetly get something under 150k, trust me, you dont have to go outside the city, with gas the way it is you better stay in town. Good luck

Lisa --
I can recommend one of the best realtors in the area! Christy and Tony Crouch are great. I've worked with them and they are so knowledgable about the area. I know you've gotten lots of responses from agents but I did want to direct you to call the Crouch Team. I know they can give you solid advice about the area and community and on target information about the area. christycrouch@aol.com

Hello, Lisa,
Please let me chime in for a second. Please look at Roanoke and at the surrounding areas within a one-hour drive. I live and work in Martinsville; our lower home prices and cost of living compared to many of our neighbors makes us a very affordable alternative or consideration. I am not knocking Roanoke in any way; it just pays to look, look, look and this market if the best buying opportunity you may ever have if you work with a real estate agent you can trust.

Lisa,
I agree with all of these answers. Roanoke is a great place to live, we have beautiful mountains and wonderful waterways. I have lived here my entire life and when I go away I realize what a wonderful place I live. As far as the city/county I would suggest you look at http://www.city-data.com they have all of the statistics you are looking for. You can look at homes in the area and get to this website by going to my website below.

Happy house hunting!
Shelly

Hi Lisa,
What a great time to be looking. (Are you still?) Interest rates are great and although prices are not way down they are down some. I should explain that they are not way down because we have not had the large spikes upward seen in many places. The Roanoke valley has had a pretty steady market over the years with nice growth but not out of control. This is good for you as a buyer today and in the future. Contact any one of us and we can give you more detailed information.
Happy hunting

Hey Lisa, if you are still searching, I ran a quick search in various areas surrounding Roanoke and if a 20-30 minute commute isn't too long, I found over 90 different homes in Franklin County that may help you. I also have detailed buyer packets with information for buyers if you would like me to send them to you. Give me a call or an email if you want more information.

You'll have to decide what you want. Roanoke is great place to live, you can pick the city or the country and have either. The city is small enough that you can get around easily and large enough to have plenty of events and things to do. If you prefer the quiet country life you can be out of town in a short drive. You won't get a mansion for $150k, but you can find a decent home.

Rob gave you a great answer. I would add that you could also get close to Smith Mountain Lake. Come on down.

Hi Lisa,

There are many options available in your price range in the city of Roanoke ,as well as, the City of Salem and the adjoining counties. A quick search of our area MLS brought up about 70+ currently active listings. It really depends on what you prefer. Roanoke has an urban core ( fun nightlife, and many cultural amenities- A fantastic new art museum ( opening in about a year ), theater, opera, shopping, etc.).

Then, in about a 15 to 20 minute drive you are in the mountains and a more rural environment. The Appalachian trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway are both on the outskirts of town- very accessible.

There are many options. A good place to start might be the City website: http://www.roanokeva.gov

Best wishes