Best for affordability: Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
What Stands Out
Deterministic summaries based on the data in view.
Roanoke, Virginia looks like the easiest place here to live with less financial drag. It comes out ahead on rent burden and rent.
Roanoke, Virginia is the sharpest split in this comparison: strong on affordability, weaker on safety.
Blacksburg, Virginia needs a closer look before you get too attached, especially on rent burden.
| City | ||
|---|---|---|
| Route | ||
| General Info | ||
| Population | 100,011 | 44,215 |
| Population Density | 2.3k /sq mi | N/A |
| Elevation | 935 ft(285 m) | 2,077 ft(633 m) |
| Housing & Wealth | ||
| Median Home | $268,725 | $403,494 |
| Median Rent | $1,353 | $2,126 |
| Median Income | $51,523 | $42,012 |
| Rent Burden | 32% | 61% |
| Climate & Risks | ||
| Sunny Days | 307 days/yr | 305 days/yr |
| Avg. High | 69°F | 66°F |
| Comfort Score | 63/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Temp Swing | 43°F | 42°F |
| Annual Rainfall | 44"(112 cm) | 40"(102 cm) |
| Annual Snowfall | 4"(10 cm) | 4"(10 cm) |
| Air Quality | AQI 39 (Avg)1 days > 100 | AQI 39 (Avg)1 days > 100 |
| Infrastructure & Lifestyle | ||
| Walk Score | 23 | N/A |
| Safety Score | 61 / 100 | 89 / 100 |
| School Rating | 7.9/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Flood Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal Risk | N/A |
| Fire Risk (FEMA) | minimalMinimal | N/A |
| Internet Access | Fiber: 56%Cable: 98% | Fiber: 5%Cable: 87% |
| Demographics | ||
| Median Age | 38.1 years | 21.7 years |
| College Educated | 28% | 67% |
| Remote Workers | 10% | 15% |
| Nature Access | ||
| Local Nature & Reserves | Finding... | Finding... |
| Scouting & Local Help | ||
Plan a first lookWays to plan a first visit or connect with a relevant local partner. | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Roanoke | Featured Local Partner ADYour logo Partner spot available For organizations that can help someone land in Blacksburg |
Essays and data-led lenses on climate, cost, geography, and the shape of daily life.
Collections group cities around a decision lens, not just a category.
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