Natasha Taylor

I grew up on a farm near Abingdon, Virginia – a small town that is near the Virginia/Tennessee border. My entire family still lives in Abingdon, and I knew I didn’t want to move too far away after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2004. I was attracted to Roanoke, which is about two hours away from my hometown, when searching for my first job because I felt the city provided opportunities and plenty of things to do for people my age, yet still fostered a sense of community and felt a little like home.

I have found that Roanoke is a great place for a young person to start their career. There are job opportunities here, but rent and other living expenses are much more affordable than other urban areas in Virginia. We don’t have to deal with the long commutes and traffic either! I also like the way that Roanoke Valley neighborhoods form their own communities. I love to participate in my neighborhood’s events! It makes me feel like I am living in a small town within a city!

After living here for four years, I have some great friends and loved ones. Roanoke feels like home as much as the place where I grew up, and I don’t expect to be moving any time soon!

• Natasha’s Occupation: Student Activities Coordinator, Virginia Western Community College
• Natasha’s Hometown: Abingdon, VA
• Natasha’s Social Profiles: Facebook