10 Best Independent Living Communities in Roanoke, VA

 

Learn More About Independent Living in Roanoke, VA

 

Roanoke is a small but friendly city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia. The city is famous for the illuminated Roanoke Star, which sets atop the summit of nearby Mill Mountain.

Independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — in Roanoke, Virginia are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Roanoke retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Roanoke, VA

The median monthly cost of independent living in Roanoke is about $1,800 in the city proper and $2,000 within the metropolitan area. The median monthly cost of independent living in the state of Virginia is around $2,500.

 

Learn More About Roanoke, VA

 

Cost of Living

 

The cost of living in Roanoke is considered extremely affordable compared to the national average. Index scores are an average of 25 points lower than the national average across the board, and residents of the city enjoy relatively low rent.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses	Health Care	Insurance	Entertainment	Grocery	Clothing
76	79	73	70	78	75

 

Income and Housing

Median income age 45-64	Median income age 65+	Median household income	Average individual income	Median employee salary	Average property tax	One-bedroom apartment gross rent estimate
$37,861 per year	$28,302 per year	$31,698 per year	$16,363 per year	$34,344 per year	$424 per year	$476 per month

 

 

Local Hospitals

 

The top hospitals that service Roanoke, VA include:

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

• Facility type: acute care
• Bed count: 710+
• Specialties: Level 1 trauma center, specialty and advanced clinical care

Salem VA Medical Center

• Facility type: Veterans Administration acute care
• Bed count: 10+
• Specialties: veterans services

Lewisgale Medical Center

• Facility type: acute care
• Bed count: 360+
• Specialties: intensive care unit, emergency room services, senior health

 

 

Weather and Climate

 

Roanoke’s climate is classified as humid subtropical, which means the city experiences hot and muggy summers and cool but mild winters, with above average precipitation. The average humidity level is 63%, and humidity levels are often highest during September at about 71%.

 

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average	January Maximum	January Minimum
35.2°F	45.6°F	24.8°F

 

July Average	July Maximum	July Minimum
76.5°F	87.3°F	65.7°F

 

Air Quality

• Relative Air Quality Index: 80

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

• Average Annual Precipitation: 45.3″

 

 

Demographics and Values

 

Population Statistics

Median age	Percent of population over 65	Population	Population Density	Average Household Size
46.2	15.9%	99,143	17.9 per square mile	2.5

 

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native	Asian	Black	Hispanic or Latino	Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.2%	3.1%	28.7%	6.1%	<0.1%	3.6%	59.0%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

 

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

• Non-discrimination laws in Roanoke, VA: 00/30
• Overall inclusivity: 22/100

 

2016 Presidential Election Results for Charlotte County

Democratic	Republican	Other
37.2%	60.1%	2.7%

 

 

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

 

Roanoke is tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia. The city’s most dominant feature is the illuminated Roanoke Star, which sets atop the summit of nearby Mill Mountain. The entire Roanoke Valley is surrounded by beautiful scenery and stunning mountains, making it a great destination for those who love the outdoors. The town of Roanoke boasts a thriving arts and cultural presence, and hosts a number of events each year, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Kite Festival, and the Salem Fair. Roanoke also prides itself on having an eclectic music scene that ranges from bluegrass to funk. You can catch a show almost any night of the week at one of the great venues and clubs located within the city.

At the middle of the local arts scene is Center in the Square, a revitalized space located downtown that is home to a number of businesses, art galleries, and restaurants. Center in the Square houses 12 arts and cultural organizations, including the Arts Council, the Art Museum, and the Mill Mountain Theatre. Other popular attractions in the city include the Mill Mountain Zoo, the Taubman Museum of Art, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which celebrates the region’s railroad heritage.

 

Transportation

Public transportation in Roanoke is provided by Valley Metro, which operates fixed route services, event shuttles, and specialized transportation options for the elderly and those with disabilities. Regional transportation is available through the Smart Way Bus, which connects Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley with the greater Shenandoah region.