same $100k income, fresh start from Anchorage

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Roanoke, VA cityscape

swapping out of anchorage

Roanoke

va · metro 314k

photo: Joseph Fuller / pexels

a dispatch from

roanoke

VA

37.27°N

79.94°W

Roanoke is the Star City of the South, named for the enormous illuminated star on Mill Mountain that's been lighting up the valley since 1949. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right past town. The downtown has come back beautifully with the Taubman Museum, breweries, and a thriving market. The surrounding mountains are gorgeous in every season. Smaller and more scenic than people expect.

metro314k

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01 · the verdict

the verdict

$148

more expensive each month than Anchorage

Roanoke edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
landable, recorded on the roanoke entry

02 · the money

a quick ledger.

01rent

$1,382/mo

19% cheaper than Anchorage(vs $1,713/mo)

02state income tax

5.75%

$479/mo more in state tax than Anchorage

vs 0% in Anchorage

03after rent

$6,472/mo

$148 less than Anchorage

gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.

04a house here

$296k

32% cheaper than Anchorage

vs $438k in Anchorage

05metro size

314k

vs 401k in Anchorage

03 · the life

field notes, weather & such.

179

pleasant days a year, in roanoke.

Anchorage keeps to 93 pleasant days a year.

·outdoorscore

69/100

1% higher than Anchorage

vs 68/100 in Anchorage

Closest outdoor draw: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 22.3 mi.

·walk score®

94/100

19% higher than Anchorage

vs 79/100 in Anchorage

Walk Score® methodology

·nonstops

9

74% fewer than Anchorage

vs 34 nonstops in Anchorage

04 · see also

if roanoke appeals, also worth a look:

see also

chattanooga

$337/mo cheaper

turn the page

see also

el paso

$388/mo cheaper

turn the page

see also

lexington

more flight options

turn the page

compare roanoke with:

ChattanoogaEl PasoLexington