Why This Blue Ridge Mountain City Is Winning Over Retirees

Roanoke is known as the “Star City of the South,” and it’s one of Investopedia’s 100 best places to retire. Nestled in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the largest metropolitan city along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Situated in the Roanoke Valley in Roanoke County, it features the iconic Roanoke Star (also known as the Mill Mountain Star)—the world’s largest illuminated freestanding star.

Roanoke is fast becoming a popular destination for retirees, especially those who want to settle into an affordable, quiet life with access to recreation, arts, and culture, and take in its natural beauty.

Small-City Living and Community

Roanoke appeals to anyone looking for safe, small-city living without the pressures of a big city. It has an estimated population of 97,912. As much as 17.8% of the city’s residents are 65 and older. The city is widely regarded as a friendly, community-oriented place to live. Its vibrant downtown is expanding and boasts attractions, events, hotels, restaurants, and residential living.

The downtown core is highly walkable and bikeable. The Star Line Trolley runs in the city center for free every 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you’re traveling outside downtown, Valley Metro provides public transit in the Roanoke Valley, and Smart Way Bus connects downtown with the city’s regional airport and the New River Valley.

You’ll probably need a car if you’re living in the suburbs and want to access outdoor and recreational activities. The city is about 168 miles from Richmond, the state capital, and is halfway between New York City and Atlanta on I-81.

How Affordable Is Roanoke?

The cost of living in Roanoke is 8% lower than the national average and significantly lower than in many other East Coast cities. The median home value in the city was $268,725 as of Dec. 31, 2025, compared to the national average value of $357,275. The median listing price was $276,642 in Roanoke and $396,267 nationally.

Roanoke’s Mountain Scenery and Outdoor Recreation

Living in Roanoke gives you immediate access to outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge region. You’ll enjoy activities like paddling, biking, climbing, and hiking. There are over 1,000 miles of trails to explore, or you can take in the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of Virginia’s best national parks and forests are close to Roanoke, including the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. Consider biking through Carvins Cove or hiking through the Appalachian Trail. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the region’s golf and disc golf courses, too.

The area’s climate makes it a perfect location to take in all four seasons. Temperatures average about 79 degrees in the warmer months between May and September, and just below 54 degrees in the colder months between November and March.

Culture and Local Attractions

Roanoke offers museums and galleries for history and art buffs. Take in the Virginia Museum of Transportation if you want to learn about locomotive history. The downtown core is home to the O. Winston Link Museum and the Taubman Museum of Art. These and other galleries are free on Art by Night, which takes place on the first Friday evening of each month.

The city celebrates “almost everything,” from beer to sunflowers, art to dogs, and music to strawberries. You’ll find art and live music festivals and fairs, along with indoor venues like the Berglund Center in the city center, where you can enjoy concerts and live productions.

Foodies will find something for every palate, and there’s a growing craft beverage scene in the city, along with lounges and bars that offer cocktails and craft spirits.

Stay active and fit by joining one of the athletic teams or clubs through the parks and recreation department. If you love the thrill of live sports, the region is also home to minor-league and college sports teams, including hockey’s Rail Yard Dawgs, which add to the community’s fan scene.

Healthcare Options for Retirees

If you’re relocating as a retiree, it’s important to find an area where you can access quality healthcare. The city is home to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. The former provides all healthcare services, including emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services, while the latter is a community hospital dedicated to inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient surgery.

There are many other options for healthcare in the region, including HCA Virginia Health Services. The VA Medical Center in nearby Salem has a teaching hospital catering to veterans and those with special health needs.

The Bottom Line

Roanoke is a great place to retire to if you’re looking for life in a small city without having to sacrifice big-city amenities. It’s a friendly city with a community feel, offering a lot of outdoor activities and a rich arts and culture scene. The cost of living in Roanoke is lower than the national average, so you don’t have to give up your financial security after leaving the workforce.