DISQUS

Yes Charlotte offers a better social life for young professionals. The question is; What came first to Charlotte, the young professionals, or the better social life to attract young professionals?

The geographics of both the Charlotte region and the Roanoke/New River Valley region are similar. Both reside in the South where traditional conservatism is typical. Yet areas like Charlotte, Athens, GA, and Asheville, NC possess a progressive attitude similar to towns and cities in the West that is not overly present in Roanoke/New River Valley. What inspires that attitude in those towns, but not here?

The town of Blacksburg has a "Zero Growth" policy, making it impossible to develop housing or even businesses. Apparently they rely on Virginia Tech as their "Cash Cow" and have no need to encourage positive economic development in other areas. The town of Christiansburg outside of Blacksburg and Botetourt County adjacent to Roanoke are quickly growing over with unnecessary sprawl. The complete opposite end of the spectrum from Blacksburg.

The abundance of outdoor activities and natural beauty in the Roanoke/NRV area is some of the best I've seen on the East Coast. Certainly more than what Charlotte has to offer. As this is becoming a more important attribute for the 25-34er's on where to live. It needs to be promoted and marketed much better as an aid in attracting that demographic to the Roanoke/NRV area.

I lived in DC for a few years before moving down here only 3.5-4 hours away and had no idea of the amount of outdoor activities that were available here. Needless to say as an outdoor enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised.