01 · the cities
Roanoke
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.
full dispatch→Lexington
Lexington is the Thoroughbred horse capital of the world, with bluegrass-fed horse farms surrounding the city in white-fenced perfection. Keeneland racetrack is one of the most beautiful in the world. The bourbon trail starts right here. Downtown is small but tightening up nicely with food and bars. The University of Kentucky's blue bleeds through everything.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,382/mo
$1,488/mo
$106/mo more than Roanoke (7%)
Median home price
Median home price
$296k
$324k
$28k more than Roanoke
State income tax
State income tax
5.8%
4.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,472/mo
$6,470/mo
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
179 days
171 days
8 fewer than Roanoke
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
2 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
21 days
19 days
days below 20°F per year
Roanoke and Lexington have remarkably similar weather profiles overall.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
69 / 100
60 / 100
9.0 pts behind Roanoke
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
9 routes
13 routes
4 more direct routes than Roanoke
Metro size
Metro size
314k metro
520k metro
Roanoke has 3.5x fewer events per month than Lexington.
the verdict
5
Roanoke
categories won
2
Lexington
categories won
Roanoke leads on money and weather and wins overall.
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