ROANOKE, VA

BEST CITY FOR RETIREES

Population: 279,269
Cost-of-Living Index: 92 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 27.6%
Bohemian Indicator: 88
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 16.6%

Set near the Blue Ridge Mountains in western Virginia, Roanoke is a small city with big doses of scenery and festivals that bring the community together. It's known for its Chili Cook-Off, Local Colors Festival, Henry Street Festival and Strawberry Festival. It also is a health-care and economic center.

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