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Downtown Roanoke

Downtown Roanoke

Neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia

Roanoke City County 24011, 24013, 24016

$339,659 Average Value
$273 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

19th-century history and city center amenities in Downtown Roanoke

Originally developed upon the completion of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad in the late 1800s, Downtown Roanoke combines historic prestige and modern metropolitan conveniences. Former automobile factories have become condo complexes, while swanky steakhouses and longstanding dive bars reside in Italianate-style storefronts. Local farmers sell produce outside the City Market, an open-air market and food hall since 1882. Grass terrace seating surrounds the amphitheater at Elmwood Park, known for hosting numerous concerts and festivals. “This is a true city center,” says Steve Eller, a Realtor with Lichtenstein Rowan Realtors who has sold several properties in the area. “You’ve got museums, nightlife and walkability, all with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Though its original railroad is no longer operating, Downtown Roanoke’s Amtrak station on Norfolk Avenue allows residents to reach other East Coast cities.

Amtrak is super convenient to Downtown Roanoke with several departures per day.
Amtrak is super convenient to Downtown Roanoke with several departures per day.
Downtown Roanoke sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Downtown Roanoke sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Year-round produce at the Roanoke City Market and locally owned restaurants

Vendors sell seasonal produce, fresh flowers and artisan baked goods under Roanoke City Market’s outdoor awning every day of the week, no matter the season. “The City Market is busiest on Saturday morning during the summer. People will grab breakfast inside, then walk around and shop outside,” says Eller. A mosaic-tiled floor welcomes patrons inside, where they’ll find candy stores, clothing boutiques and craft cocktail bars also open year-round. A more comprehensive selection of groceries is available at The Fresh Market just 2 miles away on Colonial Avenue. Downtown Roanoke is home to numerous restaurants, from early-morning eateries to late-night locales. Two-seat bistro tables fill Bread Craft, a coffee shop and a pastry café with French and German roots. Frankie Rowland’s Steakhouse has a candle-lit, all-wood interior, 70 signature martinis and a 26-ounce ribeye. “It’s basically a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse if it was locally owned,” says Eller. “You go there to celebrate something.” Locals can walk across the street to grab after-dinner drinks at Corned Beef & Co., where the rooftop bar has hosted regular live music nights since 1985. The Roanoke Pinball Museum is another weekend hot spot, offering over 70 machines, some dating back to the 1930s.

City Market has a central indoor area with small restaurants in Downtown Roanoke.
City Market has a central indoor area with small restaurants in Downtown Roanoke.
Bread Craft in Downtown Roanoke serves tasty pastries to a ravenous crowd.
Bread Craft in Downtown Roanoke serves tasty pastries to a ravenous crowd.
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Condos and apartments in renovated buildings

Multi-family properties in renovated early 1900s buildings line Downtown Roanoke’s red-brick sidewalks. Located in an old automobile factory, The Fulton Motor Lofts has one-bedroom condos costing around $200,000. Three-bedroom units can sell for around $1 million in complexes like the 12-story Colonial Arms Building, a former bank known as one of Virginia's first skyscrapers. Renters will find one-bedroom apartments atop in mix-use buildings starting at $900 per month, while new-build options with two bedrooms may go for $1,500.

The Fulton Motor Lofts are one of many industrial condo conversions in Downtown Roanoke.
The Fulton Motor Lofts are one of many industrial condo conversions in Downtown Roanoke.
The Colonial Arms Building is another example of condo conversions in Downtown Roanoke.
The Colonial Arms Building is another example of condo conversions in Downtown Roanoke.
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Scenic walks and summertime festivals at Elmwood Park

Spanning 200 acres along Williamson Road, Elmwood Park is an epicenter of activity in Roanoke. Kids run around the fountain spray park in front of the amphitheater. A pirate ship-themed playground sits behind the public library, where weekly events include toddler story times and adult craft workshops. Ice skaters glide across the rink placed here from November through January. Bronze statues, silver sculptures and magnolia trees line the Roanoke Art Walk, which regularly rotates pieces created by local artists. The Mill Mountain Greenway also runs through the park, offering a paved 3-mile route ending at the neon red, white and blue Mill Mountain Star. “Elmwood Park is basically a concert venue and festival grounds,” says Eller. “Something is happening here every weekend the second the weather is nice.” Country artists like Lee Brice and Brett Young have performed at the park’s amphitheater for the Budweiser Summer Concert Series. Dubbed “America’s slowest marathon” because of its 7,000-foot elevation, the Blue Ridge Marathon’s Finish Festival is celebrated here every April with free beer and an award ceremony. The race closes 10 downtown blocks to car traffic from 5 a.m. until the last runner is done. K-pop performers, Puerto Rican food trucks and Kenyan jewelry makers dot the green space for Local Colors, a multi-cultural festival held in May.

The Amphitheater at Elmwood Park can comfortably seat 4,000 guests.
The Amphitheater at Elmwood Park can comfortably seat 4,000 guests.
Peter Pan playground sits atop Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke.
Peter Pan playground sits atop Elmwood Park in Downtown Roanoke.
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Locals can visit the Taubman Museum of Art or catch a performance at the Jefferson Center

Besides Elmwood Park, Downtown Roanoke has several other community hubs. For instance, over 2,000 pieces ranging from contemporary local work to ancient Egyptian ceramics fill the Taubman Museum of Art, located in an avant-garde metal and glass structure. Jazz musicians and comedians perform every weekend at the Jefferson Center, which opened as a high school in the 1920s before becoming a performing arts center in the ‘80s. Next door, The Kirk Family YMCA has a fitness center, an indoor pool and four racquetball courts. A three-story bell tower sits atop St. John’s Episcopal Church, a 600-seat Gothic Revival-style building here since 1892.

The Taubman Museum of Art in Downtown Roanoke was designed by Randall Stout.
The Taubman Museum of Art in Downtown Roanoke was designed by Randall Stout.
Jefferson Center in Downtown Roanoke have a large performance center and many other tenants.
Jefferson Center in Downtown Roanoke have a large performance center and many other tenants.
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Extracurriculars at William Fleming High

Children here can attend Highland Park Elementary, which has a B grade from Niche, and then continue to B-minus-rated James Madison Middle. Lastly, students may go to C-plus-graded William Fleming High, where clubs include Air Force Junior ROTC and the Future Business Leaders of America.

Highland Park Elementary School has a student to teacher ratio of 15:1.
Highland Park Elementary School has a student to teacher ratio of 15:1.
William Fleming High School is a public school located in Roanoke, VA.
William Fleming High School is a public school located in Roanoke, VA.
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East Coast cities are just a quick commute away on the Northeast Regional Route

Though Downtown Roanoke is walkable, it’s also convenient for several other types of travel. The Roanoke Amtrak Station follows the Northeast Regional Route, offering stops in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Numerous Valley Metro bus stops are also in the area. The Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is on South Jefferson Street, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 5 miles north. Interstate 581 spans the area’s eastern region, making Blacksburg a 40-mile drive south.

Carilion Hospital is convenient to Downtown Roanoke.
Carilion Hospital is convenient to Downtown Roanoke.
I-81 runs right through Downtown Roanoke.
I-81 runs right through Downtown Roanoke.
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Meghan Baker
Written By
Meghan Baker
Joseph Popovich
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Popovich
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Mark Hardin, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field)

12 min drive

Bus

3rd St Station Slip B

Bus

Roanoke

Bus

3rd St Station Slip M

Bus

Jefferson & Luck

Bus

Church & Market

Bus

Jefferson & Bullitt

Bus

3rd St Station Slip Q

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Roanoke US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$226,000
Median Single Family Price
$460,000
Median Townhouse Price
$250,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$289,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$273
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Months of Supply
8.00
Median List Price
$269,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-16%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
39
Median Year Built
2007
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,327
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,494
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,027
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Mark Hardin, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,929
Median Age
35
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,594
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,458

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.7%
College Graduates
62.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
29°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

89 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

51 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Roanoke