AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Roanoke, VA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Roanoke neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$950/mo
Median Rent
100,011
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Carilion Clinic
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Roanoke? What Renters Need to Know

The average rent in Roanoke is around $950 per month, making it one of the more affordable mid-size cities in Virginia. Prices range from about $780 in Southeast Roanoke to over $1,100 in walkable downtown areas.

Quick Facts

Population 100,011
Median Rent $950/mo
Top Employer Carilion Clinic
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$950 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Roanoke median rent is $550 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Roanoke is Carilion Clinic, making the Grandin Village area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Roanoke

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Grandin Village

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 7/10
#2

Old Southwest

Score: 79/100
Safety B
Walk Score 62
Avg Rent $975
Schools 7/10
#3

Downtown Roanoke

Score: 76/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 6/10

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#4

Wasena

Score: 77/100
Safety B
Walk Score 60
Avg Rent $990
Schools 7/10
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#5

Garden City

Score: 65/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $850
Schools 5/10
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#6

Williamson Road

Score: 61/100
Safety C
Walk Score 48
Avg Rent $820
Schools 5/10
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#7

Southeast Roanoke

Score: 55/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 38
Avg Rent $780
Schools 4/10
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#8

Hollins

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $920
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 Roanoke Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Roanoke Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Roanoke renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Roanoke.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Roanoke properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Roanoke

What is the average rent in Roanoke, VA?

The average rent in Roanoke is around $950 per month, making it one of the more affordable mid-size cities in Virginia. Prices range from about $780 in Southeast Roanoke to over $1,100 in walkable downtown areas.

Is Roanoke a good place to live?

Roanoke offers a low cost of living, outdoor recreation access via the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail, and a growing arts scene. The job market is anchored by healthcare and manufacturing, and the downtown area has seen significant revitalization.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Roanoke?

Grandin Village and Old Southwest consistently rank as the safest and most desirable neighborhoods, featuring historic architecture, walkable streets, and strong community character. Wasena is also well-regarded for families.

How is the job market in Roanoke?

Roanoke's economy is driven by healthcare (Carilion Clinic is the largest employer), manufacturing, and freight/logistics given its rail hub history. The metro area unemployment rate typically stays near the Virginia average.

Is Roanoke walkable?

Roanoke is primarily car-dependent outside of downtown and Grandin Village. Most daily errands require a vehicle, though the Greenway trail system offers good biking infrastructure between neighborhoods.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.