Suburban Neighborhood in Roanoke, VA
Is Greenwood Forest a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Roanoke, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1
Medium1
Low1
Other6
215 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape45
Child involved96
Assault65
Other33
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an advanced life support medical transport was requested for a patient in the emergency room near Electric Rd in Salem. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 25, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an officer reported a possible suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a mall in Roanoke and indicated they would continue to watch it. | 4420-A Electric Rd, Roanoke, VA 24018 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jun 19, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates a possible crash or roadway blockage on the southbound highway near a home improvement store in Roanoke, with a fire truck attempting to move through heavy traffic. | Franklin Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014 | Traffic |
| Jun 15, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers coordinated with staff at a hospital to try to reach a male subject by phone before entering his residence and handling his belongings. Dispatchers also relayed that a magistrate had issued a protective order related to a domestic situation and that rescue crews responded to a reported cardiac arrest at a residence on Pop Court. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Other Crimes |
| Jun 1, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, air medical team transported a 77-year-old patient from Franklin Memorial Hospital to LewisGale Medical Center in Salem for continued care following a seizure and renal complications. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Medical Emergency |
| May 19, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an air medical crew was dispatched to transfer a 54-year-old man experiencing a possible stroke from a hospital in Salem to another medical facility for specialized care. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Medical Emergency |
| Apr 19, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical helicopter transported a 76-year-old woman from Danville ER to Salem ER for treatment of a gastrointestinal bleed. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Medical Emergency |
| Mar 24, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency personnel responded to reports of a train engine fire near Sterns Mill. According to radio communication, the crew had already cut off the affected engine and moved it to the side. The incident appears to have been handled safely without further spread of fire. | Garst Mill Rd SW, Cave Spring, VA 24018 | Fire & Arson |
| Feb 28, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews arranged a rapid medical transport to a local hospital in Salem. Dispatch coordinated with local fire rescue and the hospital emergency department. | Electric Rd, Salem, VA 24153 | Medical Emergency |
Median Home Price
$341,117
Average Rent
$2,453
Vacancy Rate
17.5%
Neighborhood Overview
Greenwood Forest is a suburban neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia, characterized by a mix of medium to small single-family homes and apartment complexes.
The area has a significant college student population, with 10.9% of residents currently enrolled in college, influencing the neighborhood's seasonal activity.
Vacancy rates are relatively high at 17.5%, exceeding that of most U.S. neighborhoods, indicating a notable number of unoccupied homes or apartments.
SuburbanCollege Student FriendlyModerate Income
Quick Facts
| College Enrollment | 10.9% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
The housing stock in Greenwood Forest consists mainly of medium-sized to small single-family homes and apartment complexes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1940 and 1969, with additional homes from 1970 to 1999 |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Mix of single-family homes and apartment complexes/high-rise apartments |
| Owner vs Renter Occupancy | Mixture of owners and renters |
What buyers will notice right away
Most homes were built mid-20th century, reflecting a well-established community.
Vacancy is notably high, which may affect neighborhood dynamics and housing availability.
Offers a range of housing sizes and types suitable for different household needs.
Families & Lifestyle
Greenwood Forest has a notable college student presence and a moderate income population, shaping its community character.
The neighborhood is rated highly for college student friendliness in Virginia, ranking above 85.6% of neighborhoods.
Amenities and services likely cater to students, from undergraduates to graduate levels.
Student-Friendly Environment — The large student population influences the neighborhood's activity and available services.
Moderate Income Community — Residents have a middle-income profile with a mix of occupations including executive and service jobs.
| College Enrollment | 10.9% |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
Demographics & Culture
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 41.9% |
|---|---|
| Sales and Service Occupations | 35.1% |
| Income Level | Middle income |
| Child Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| English Speaking Households | 92.4% |
| Foreign Born Residents | 11.6% |
| Top Ancestries | German (15.2%), English (11.1%), Irish (10.1%), Asian (9.2%), Italian (5.5%) |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have a relatively short commute and primarily use private vehicles to get to work.
Greenwood Forest residents mostly drive alone or carpool, with a majority enjoying shorter-than-average commute times.
Short Commutes — Over half of commuters spend less than 30 minutes traveling to work.
Car-Dependent — High rates of driving alone and carpooling indicate reliance on private vehicles.
| Typical Commute Time | 15 to 30 minutes (52.7% of workers) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 76.1% |
| Carpool Rate | 15.3% |
Homes for sale near 24018
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Greenwood Forest?
The median home price is $341,117.
How high is the vacancy rate in Greenwood Forest?
The vacancy rate is 17.5%, which is higher than 84% of U.S. neighborhoods.
Is Greenwood Forest a good neighborhood for college students?
Yes, it ranks higher than 85.6% of Virginia neighborhoods for college student friendliness.
What are the common commute methods in Greenwood Forest?
Most residents drive alone (76.1%) or carpool (15.3%) to work.