What's the story on Roanoke/Salem?

[Chris Wichman]

Last week on a lark I had my broker set up MLS alerts for 2+ units in Roanoke and Salem area. I'm not all that familiar with the area -- but reviewing a few deals they look like they could work. Employment base seems fairly stable (government, banks, health system), and the hospital system appears to be growing with partnerships with Virginia Tech. My Mountain Biking and outdoor friends speak highly of it - so it seems to have that "cool factor". Am I missing anything on my overall thesis that Roanoke/Salem is a good emerging market for RE investors in Virginia? Population growth isn't "rapid" compared to other areas of the state, but some of these intangibles are interesting.