Why the Roanoke – Salem Region Is Great for Seniors

If there’s an area that has it all when it comes to retirement, the Roanoke – Salem Region is it!

There’s no surprise that the Roanoke – Salem Region is listed in the 2019 list of “Forbes Best Places to Retire” and the ShareCare Community Well-Being Index, ranking high in both for community, physical well-being, purpose, social opportunity, access to healthcare, access to resources, housing and transport, and economic security.  

It’s also the history and the beauty of the area, not to mention the resources specifically for seniors, that can help you truly thrive here.

History of the Roanoke – Salem Region

The area has a rich American history dating back to the 1740s when Roanoke was founded.

During colonial times, the Roanoke area was a transportation hub on the Great Wagon Road, which was a heavily traveled pathway from Philadelphia. Later in the 1800s, the railroads became dominant, which made the area an attractive site for manufacturing.    

Today the Roanoke - Salem Region is home to more than 316,000 residents. It’s one of Virginia's largest metropolitan regions and is a commercial and cultural hub for Southwest Virginia and portions of Southern West Virginia.

Resources for Seniors at Friendship Retirement Community

In November 1966, on what was formerly a cow pasture on Hershberger Road, the Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren generously founded Friendship Manor to care for seniors in the community.

Since then, our not-for-profit community has provided a friendly, safe, and comfortable place for seniors to live healthier, fuller lives. From the recovery expertise of Friendship Health to the thriving community of Friendship Living, we continue to offer seniors the resources and support they need to enjoy the lives they deserve.  

Today we feature three campuses in the Roanoke – Salem Region offering a range of services from independent and assisted living to memory care and more.

Retirement in the Roanoke – Salem Region at Friendship Retirement Community

At Friendship Retirement Community, we empower retirees to advance their own health and well-being by creating vibrant lifestyles that inspire creativity, support choice, protect dignity, and celebrate experience. We feature three campuses in the Roanoke – Salem Region offering a range of services from independent and assisted living to memory care and more. In addition, we help residents to live well during retirement in the Roanoke – Salem Region with the following:

• Freedom from the burdens of home upkeep with residence and yard maintenance and group transportation provided.
• Beautiful grounds with stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains and spacious accommodations with several different floor plans from which to choose.
• A location just minutes away from the Roanoke – Salem Region’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Conveniences including an onsite beauty salon.
• A full calendar of social events, activities, and outings, as well as clubs, classes, guest speakers, discussions on current events, and volunteer opportunities.  
• A state-of-the-art fitness center with a pool, fitness programs, health and well-being services, and chef-inspired menus prepared in collaboration with a nutritionist or dietician.
• Home care services that help keep you independent for as long as possible, award-winning therapy services, and multiple levels of care on the same campus.