Roanoke VA Moving Companies

Roanoke, Virginia

A steadily growing job market, harmoniously diverse population, the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Parkway--the city of Roanoke, Virginia has it all. It's no wonder you are moving to Roanoke, Virginia. Located midway between New York City, and Atlanta, Georgia, Roanoke has flourished as a hub of transportation, finance and industry for the southwestern part of Virginia. As you start calling moving companies in Roanoke, take a moment to get to know more about the city that combines the spirited thump of a dynamic urban center and the down-home charms of a small Southern town.

Economy:
From the mid-19th up to the early 20th centuries, the economy of Roanoke developed around the railroad. The first railroad was laid through the valley in 1852. Called the Virginia and Tennessee, the railroad ran from Norfolk to Memphis and became an important source of supply for the Army of Virginia during the Civil War.

Numerous railroad junctions and mergers later, Norfolk and Western Railway was formed in 1882 and established its headquarters in Roanoke. Manufacturing industries flourished until the railroad, now called Norfolk Southern, moved its main offices to Norfolk. Although no longer headquartered in Roanoke, Norfolk continues to operate its machine shops and marketing offices there, while Roanoke remains one of the major hubs for the company's freight rail system.

Apart from the railroads, its central East Coast location has been the key to the economic growth of Roanoke. The Roanoke Regional Airport offers more than 50 scheduled flights daily and can accommodate passenger airlines, airfreight carriers, and corporate aviation. Because Roanoke is well-connected by air and rail, the city is able to provide affordable access to markets for sales, distribution and manufacturing operations. Roanoke has created a sustainable business climate that benefits both small and large enterprises, from healthcare to manufacturing to moving companies. Located in a right-to-work state, Roanoke offers a broad range of job opportunities and comparably low cost of living. A five-time winner of the All-America City award, Roanoke lives up to its reputation as one of America's Most Liveable Communities with its diversity initiatives, pro-business climate, and top-ranked institutions of higher education. Roanoke movers must be very busy servicing the huge number of people moving to Roanoke.

History:
Before its settlement, the area now known as Roanoke Valley was characterized by salt marshes, or salt licks, which attracted buffalo, elk and deer and the Native Americans who hunted them. In the mid-1700s, pioneers from eastern Virginia and Pennsylvania began moving into the western regions of Virginia and soon the animal trails gave way to wagon trails bearing more settlers moving to Roanoke. The new settlers started farming in the Roanoke Valley in the 1740s, and before long, formed new communities and villages. One of the first villages established was Big Lick.

When the railroad came in 1852, it missed Big Lick. Not the kind of village that passed up a chance at progress, Big Lick uprooted itself and moved to a new place along the tracks, taking its name with it. The old village that Big Lick had occupied became Old Lick, while the relocated town was chartered in 1874 as the town of Big Lick. The arrival of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad seven years later brought rapid growth to the town, and Big Lick was renamed Roanoke, after the river and the county to which it belonged. In 1882, Roanoke became a crossroads for the railroad, which had now merged with Norfolk and Western, further propelling the town's development. By1884, the town had grown enough to be chartered as the City of Roanoke.

Tourism:
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke basks in all of nature's glorious splendor so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to attractions, lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The spectacular mountain range alone provides the perfect playground for hiking, mountain biking, climbing and horseback riding. The city's most prominent attraction is its 100-foot star and overlook platform, which is perched on the pinnacle of Roanoke's beloved Mill Mountain. On clear nights, the glow of the illuminated steel and concrete star can be seen within a 60-mile radius, an apt landmark for the place known as the "Star City of the South." Nearby attractions that are sure to appeal to every member of the family include the Mill Mountain Zoo, the Discovery Center, and scenic nature trails.

Another place worth visiting is the Historic Roanoke City Market, the oldest continuously operating open air market in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Open year-round except on Christmas and New Year's, the historic farmer's market serves up an inviting display of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants during growing season. There is so much to see and do that you won't regret moving to Roanoke.

Colleges/Universities:

• Virginia Tech
• Virginia Western Community College
• Radford University
• New River Community College
• Roanoke Higher Education Center

Interesting Facts:

• The name Roanoke came from the Indian word "Raw-re-nock," which referred to shell beads worn by the Indians and used for trading.
• The original name of Roanoke was Big Lick, after the salt licks or salt marshes that were prevalent in the Roanoke Valley before settlement
• The Mill Mountain Star, also called the Roanoke Star, is the world’s second-largest illuminated star.
• Singer Wayne Newton, author John Payne and wrestler Tony Atlas are some of famous celebrities who call Roanoke home.