According to the Zillow Home Value Index, Virginia offers numerous affordable neighborhoods with impressive growth potential. You might be surprised to discover that these 25 least expensive neighborhoods have shown remarkable resilience, with an average 5-year growth rate of 92.43% since 2020 despite economic fluctuations.
What’s particularly fascinating is how these affordable neighborhoods, predominantly located in Roanoke (20 out of 25), have consistently outperformed more expensive areas in percentage growth. The most dramatic long-term appreciation can be seen in Harrison, with a staggering 365.24% increase over the past 15 years, transforming what was once an ultra-affordable neighborhood into a notable investment opportunity while still maintaining relative affordability.
You’ll notice a clear growth acceleration trend when comparing the 5-year versus 15-year growth rates across these neighborhoods. While the typical 5-year growth hovers around 92%, the 15-year growth averages 161.84%, demonstrating how these areas have gained momentum over time rather than experiencing value stagnation that often affects lower-priced markets.
25. BRSC
- 2025 value: $174,994
- 2020 value: $123,815
- 2015 value: Data not available
- 2010 value: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 41.34%
- % Change 2015-2025: Data not available
- % Change 2010-2025: Data not available
Located in Charlottesville within Charlottesville City, BRSC offers you a rare opportunity to enter the Charlottesville market at a comparatively affordable price point. This neighborhood has seen steady growth with a 41.34% increase in home values since 2020, rising from $123,815 to $174,994 in just five years. While historical data before 2020 isn’t available, the neighborhood’s current trajectory suggests continued appreciation potential as Charlottesville’s appeal grows among both students and professionals.
24. Wellington Oaks
- 2025 value: $174,750
- 2020 value: $93,959
- 2015 value: $82,118
- 2010 value: $95,172
- % Change 2020-2025: 85.98%
- % Change 2015-2025: 112.80%
- % Change 2010-2025: 83.62%
Nestled in Norfolk within the broader Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area, Wellington Oaks presents an intriguing value proposition. You’ll find that this neighborhood has experienced a remarkable recovery and growth pattern, with values actually dropping from $95,172 in 2010 to $82,118 in 2015, before rebounding strongly to $93,959 in 2020 and then surging to $174,750 by 2025. This represents an impressive 85.98% growth in just the last five years, transforming Wellington Oaks from a post-recession bargain into a rapidly appreciating neighborhood that still maintains relative affordability compared to surrounding areas in the competitive Hampton Roads market.
23. Riverdale
- 2025 value: $174,533
- 2020 value: $102,104
- 2015 value: $81,816
- 2010 value: $86,136
- % Change 2020-2025: 70.94%
- % Change 2015-2025: 113.32%
- % Change 2010-2025: 102.62%
Situated in Roanoke City, Riverdale showcases the resilience of this southwestern Virginia market. You can observe how this neighborhood experienced a slight dip from $86,136 in 2010 to $81,816 in 2015, before beginning a strong upward trajectory to $102,104 in 2020 and then accelerating to $174,533 by 2025. The impressive 70.94% five-year growth rate reflects Roanoke’s emerging status as an affordable alternative to larger Virginia metros, with Riverdale doubling in value over the 15-year period with a 102.62% total increase.
22. Williamson Road
- 2025 value: $169,400
- 2020 value: $97,789
- 2015 value: $74,157
- 2010 value: $81,819
- % Change 2020-2025: 73.23%
- % Change 2015-2025: 128.43%
- % Change 2010-2025: 107.04%
Williamson Road, another Roanoke City neighborhood, tells a compelling story of recovery and growth. You’ll notice that home values declined from $81,819 in 2010 to $74,157 in 2015, reflecting the lingering effects of the housing crisis, before recovering to $97,789 in 2020 and then surging to $169,400 by 2025. This neighborhood has more than doubled in value over 15 years with a 107.04% increase, while the past five years alone saw a robust 73.23% appreciation.
21. Mountain View
- 2025 value: $168,153
- 2020 value: $108,266
- 2015 value: Data not available
- 2010 value: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 55.31%
- % Change 2015-2025: Data not available
- % Change 2010-2025: Data not available
Mountain View in Roanoke City has emerged as a notable neighborhood in the local housing market. While historical data before 2020 isn’t available, you can see that this area has experienced solid appreciation with values rising from $108,266 in 2020 to $168,153 in 2025, representing a 55.31% increase in just five years. The neighborhood’s name hints at its geographical advantage, potentially offering views of the Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Roanoke Valley, which likely contributes to its growing appeal and value appreciation despite remaining relatively affordable compared to other areas.
20. Villa Heights
- 2025 value: $165,566
- 2020 value: $86,053
- 2015 value: $64,261
- 2010 value: $69,134
- % Change 2020-2025: 92.40%
- % Change 2015-2025: 157.65%
- % Change 2010-2025: 139.49%
Villa Heights in Roanoke offers you excellent value with a dramatic growth story. This neighborhood experienced the housing crisis downturn with values falling from $69,134 in 2010 to $64,261 in 2015, before beginning a remarkable recovery to $86,053 in 2020 and then nearly doubling to $165,566 by 2025. The 92.40% five-year growth rate is particularly impressive, while the 139.49% appreciation over 15 years demonstrates extraordinary long-term value creation.
19. Hollins
- 2025 value: $165,157
- 2020 value: $95,771
- 2015 value: $74,338
- 2010 value: $78,722
- % Change 2020-2025: 72.45%
- % Change 2015-2025: 122.17%
- % Change 2010-2025: 109.80%
The Hollins area of Roanoke City showcases the region’s resilience and growth potential. You can track how values declined slightly from $78,722 in 2010 to $74,338 in 2015, before recovering to $95,771 in 2020 and then accelerating dramatically to $165,157 by 2025. This neighborhood has more than doubled in value over the 15-year period with a 109.80% increase. The proximity to Hollins University may provide some stability to this market, while the 72.45% five-year growth rate indicates strong recent momentum as more buyers discover Roanoke’s combination of natural beauty, and relative affordability.
18. Kenwood
- 2025 value: $163,907
- 2020 value: $86,822
- 2015 value: $61,892
- 2010 value: $73,716
- % Change 2020-2025: 88.78%
- % Change 2015-2025: 164.83%
- % Change 2010-2025: 122.35%
In Roanoke’s Kenwood neighborhood, you’ll find a compelling investment story unfolding. Home values declined from $73,716 in 2010 to a low of $61,892 in 2015, creating a buyer’s opportunity that has since yielded exceptional returns. Values increased to $86,822 by 2020 before surging to $163,907 in 2025, representing an 88.78% five-year growth rate and an impressive 164.83% ten-year appreciation. The neighborhood’s convenient location and established character have contributed to its recovery and subsequent growth, with total appreciation of 122.35% over the 15-year period making it one of Roanoke’s success stories while still offering relative affordability.
17. Reed
- 2025 value: $162,989
- 2020 value: $70,403
- 2015 value: Data not available
- 2010 value: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: 131.51%
- % Change 2015-2025: Data not available
- % Change 2010-2025: Data not available
Located in Newport News within the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metropolitan area, Reed stands out with exceptional recent growth. You can see that this neighborhood has experienced remarkable appreciation with home values surging from $70,403 in 2020 to $162,989 in 2025, representing a dramatic 131.51% increase in just five years. While historical data before 2020 isn’t available, this extraordinary growth rate suggests significant positive changes in the neighborhood’s perception and desirability.
16. Marshall-Ridley
- 2025 value: $159,078
- 2020 value: $67,669
- 2015 value: $47,611
- 2010 value: $67,210
- % Change 2020-2025: 135.08%
- % Change 2015-2025: 234.12%
- % Change 2010-2025: 136.69%
The Marshall-Ridley neighborhood in Newport News presents you with perhaps the most dramatic transformation story on this list. This area experienced a significant decline from $67,210 in 2010 to $47,611 in 2015, creating an exceptional investment opportunity for those who recognized its potential. Values began recovering to $67,669 by 2020 (roughly regaining 2010 levels), before exploding upward to $159,078 by 2025. This represents the highest five-year growth rate on our list at an astounding 135.08%, while the ten-year growth rate of 234.12% is truly remarkable.
15. Elkhardt
- 2025 value: $152,322
- 2020 value: Data not available
- 2015 value: Data not available
- 2010 value: Data not available
- % Change 2020-2025: Data not available
- % Change 2015-2025: Data not available
- % Change 2010-2025: Data not available
Elkhardt in Richmond City represents your only entry point into the capital region’s market on this list of affordable neighborhoods. With a 2025 value of $152,322, this neighborhood offers a relatively affordable option in an otherwise expensive metropolitan area. Unfortunately, historical data isn’t available to track growth trends, suggesting this may be a newer neighborhood or one that has only recently been tracked separately in Zillow’s database.
14. Morningside
- 2025 value: $152,132
- 2020 value: $83,310
- 2015 value: $61,390
- 2010 value: $70,678
- % Change 2020-2025: 82.61%
- % Change 2015-2025: 147.81%
- % Change 2010-2025: 115.24%
Roanoke’s Morningside neighborhood tells a familiar story of decline and remarkable recovery. You’ll notice that values fell from $70,678 in 2010 to $61,390 in 2015, before beginning a recovery to $83,310 in 2020 and then surging to $152,132 by 2025. This robust 82.61% five-year growth rate shows acceleration in the market, while the overall 115.24% increase over 15 years represents more than doubling in value despite the early decline.
13. Shenandoah West
- 2025 value: $150,483
- 2020 value: $80,664
- 2015 value: $60,384
- 2010 value: $60,556
- % Change 2020-2025: 86.56%
- % Change 2015-2025: 149.21%
- % Change 2010-2025: 148.50%
Shenandoah West in Roanoke City presents an interesting case study in steady appreciation. You can see how this neighborhood experienced almost flat values from 2010 to 2015 ($60,556 to $60,384), before beginning a more significant rise to $80,664 in 2020 and then accelerating dramatically to $150,483 by 2025. The 86.56% five-year growth rate shows strong recent momentum, while the nearly identical 15-year and 10-year growth rates (148.50% and 149.21% respectively) indicate that virtually all meaningful appreciation occurred after 2015.
12. Washington Heights
- 2025 value: $146,945
- 2020 value: $78,195
- 2015 value: $55,025
- 2010 value: $60,288
- % Change 2020-2025: 87.92%
- % Change 2015-2025: 167.05%
- % Change 2010-2025: 143.74%
Washington Heights, located in Roanoke City, offers you another example of the market’s post-recession trajectory. This neighborhood saw values decline from $60,288 in 2010 to $55,025 in 2015, before beginning a significant recovery to $78,195 in 2020 and then nearly doubling to $146,945 by 2025. The robust 87.92% growth over just the past five years demonstrates the accelerating appeal of this area, while the 167.05% ten-year growth rate is particularly impressive given the starting point at the market’s low point. Washington Heights’ overall 143.74% appreciation over 15 years shows how this neighborhood has evolved from a deeply affordable option to a moderate-priced area that still offers value compared to many other Virginia markets.
11. South Washington Heights
- 2025 value: $140,593
- 2020 value: $74,186
- 2015 value: $55,012
- 2010 value: $56,707
- % Change 2020-2025: 89.51%
- % Change 2015-2025: 155.57%
- % Change 2010-2025: 147.93%
Adjacent to Washington Heights in Roanoke City, South Washington Heights shows similar growth patterns but with its own unique trajectory. You’ll notice that values declined modestly from $56,707 in 2010 to $55,012 in 2015, before recovering to $74,186 in 2020 and then surging to $140,593 by 2025. This neighborhood has experienced a strong 89.51% five-year growth rate and an impressive 155.57% ten-year appreciation. The overall 147.93% increase over 15 years, despite the early decline, demonstrates how this area has transformed from a bargain-priced community to one with much higher valuations while still remaining relatively affordable.
10. Melrose/Rugby
- 2025 value: $138,616
- 2020 value: $70,432
- 2015 value: $48,734
- 2010 value: $53,914
- % Change 2020-2025: 96.81%
- % Change 2015-2025: 184.44%
- % Change 2010-2025: 157.11%
The Melrose/Rugby neighborhood in Roanoke presents one of the most dramatic recovery stories on this list. You can trace how home values fell from $53,914 in 2010 to $48,734 in 2015, before beginning a strong recovery to $70,432 in 2020 and then exploding to $138,616 by 2025. The remarkable 96.81% five-year growth rate is approaching a doubling in value, while the 184.44% ten-year growth rate shows the extraordinary returns available to those who purchased near the market bottom. Despite this impressive appreciation, Melrose/Rugby remains relatively affordable while providing a 157.11% return over the full 15-year period, demonstrating Roanoke’s emergence as a growth market that still offers value.
9. Belmont
- 2025 value: $128,632
- 2020 value: $66,348
- 2015 value: $45,270
- 2010 value: $47,605
- % Change 2020-2025: 93.87%
- % Change 2015-2025: 184.14%
- % Change 2010-2025: 170.21%
Belmont in Roanoke City reveals the potential of buying in down markets. You’ll observe that values declined from $47,605 in 2010 to $45,270 in 2015, before recovering to $66,348 in 2020 and then surging to $128,632 by 2025. The impressive 93.87% five-year growth rate demonstrates strong recent momentum, while the 184.14% ten-year appreciation highlights the extraordinary returns available to those who purchased during the market’s low point. Belmont’s overall 170.21% growth over 15 years means this neighborhood has nearly tripled in value despite starting from a period of decline, showing how Roanoke’s affordable neighborhoods can offer exceptional investment returns while remaining accessible to first-time homebuyers.
8. Washington Park
- 2025 value: $128,454
- 2020 value: $66,237
- 2015 value: $43,152
- 2010 value: $47,052
- % Change 2020-2025: 93.93%
- % Change 2015-2025: 197.68%
- % Change 2010-2025: 173.00%
Washington Park in Roanoke City exemplifies the dramatic turnaround possible in previously undervalued neighborhoods. This area experienced a notable decline from $47,052 in 2010 to $43,152 in 2015, before beginning recovery to $66,237 in 2020 and then leaping to $128,454 by 2025. The robust 93.93% five-year growth rate approaches a doubling in value, while the remarkable 197.68% ten-year appreciation rate means values have nearly tripled since 2015. With an overall 173.00% increase over 15 years, Washington Park demonstrates how these affordable Roanoke neighborhoods have outperformed many higher-priced markets in percentage terms while remaining accessible entry points for homeownership.
7. Gainsboro
- 2025 value: $127,634
- 2020 value: $68,199
- 2015 value: $46,788
- 2010 value: $50,308
- % Change 2020-2025: 87.15%
- % Change 2015-2025: 172.79%
- % Change 2010-2025: 153.70%
Gainsboro, one of Roanoke’s historically significant neighborhoods, presents another compelling growth story. You can track how values declined from $50,308 in 2010 to $46,788 in 2015, before beginning recovery to $68,199 in 2020 and then accelerating to $127,634 by 2025. The strong 87.15% five-year growth rate shows robust recent appreciation, while the 172.79% ten-year growth highlights the extraordinary returns available to buyers who recognized the neighborhood’s potential during its lowest valuation. Gainsboro’s rich African American cultural heritage adds historical significance to this investment opportunity, which has delivered a 153.70% return over the full 15-year period while remaining one of Virginia’s more affordable neighborhoods.
6. Norwich
- 2025 value: $125,134
- 2020 value: $58,672
- 2015 value: $42,549
- 2010 value: $44,503
- % Change 2020-2025: 113.28%
- % Change 2015-2025: 194.09%
- % Change 2010-2025: 181.18%
Norwich in Roanoke City demonstrates exceptional recovery and growth potential. You’ll notice that values declined slightly from $44,503 in 2010 to $42,549 in 2015, before recovering to $58,672 in 2020 and then more than doubling to $125,134 by 2025. This remarkable 113.28% five-year growth rate is among the highest on our list, while the impressive 194.09% ten-year appreciation demonstrates the extraordinary returns available to those who purchased near the market bottom. Norwich’s overall 181.18% growth over 15 years means this neighborhood has nearly tripled in value despite starting from a period of stagnation.
5. Hurt Park
- 2025 value: $124,307
- 2020 value: $67,310
- 2015 value: $46,168
- 2010 value: $53,236
- % Change 2020-2025: 84.68%
- % Change 2015-2025: 169.25%
- % Change 2010-2025: 133.50%
Hurt Park in Roanoke City tells a story of significant decline and remarkable recovery. This neighborhood saw values drop substantially from $53,236 in 2010 to $46,168 in 2015, before beginning a recovery to $67,310 in 2020 and then accelerating to $124,307 by 2025. The healthy 84.68% five-year growth rate shows strong recent momentum, while the impressive 169.25% ten-year appreciation highlights the extraordinary potential of buying during market downturns. Despite the initial decline, Hurt Park has delivered a 133.50% return over the 15-year period, more than doubling in value while remaining one of Virginia’s most affordable neighborhoods with promising future potential.
4. Loudon-Melrose
- 2025 value: $121,421
- 2020 value: $54,841
- 2015 value: $31,532
- 2010 value: $32,308
- % Change 2020-2025: 121.41%
- % Change 2015-2025: 285.08%
- % Change 2010-2025: 275.82%
The Loudon-Melrose neighborhood in Roanoke City presents one of the most dramatic transformation stories on our list. You can observe how this area experienced a slight decline from $32,308 in 2010 to $31,532 in 2015, before beginning recovery to $54,841 in 2020 and then more than doubling to $121,421 by 2025. The exceptional 121.41% five-year growth rate is among the highest on this list, while the remarkable 285.08% ten-year appreciation highlights the extraordinary potential of investing in deeply affordable neighborhoods during market lows. With an overall 275.82% increase over 15 years, Loudon-Melrose has nearly quadrupled in value while still remaining relatively affordable.
3. Fallon
- 2025 value: $110,958
- 2020 value: $53,450
- 2015 value: $35,953
- 2010 value: $42,285
- % Change 2020-2025: 107.59%
- % Change 2015-2025: 208.62%
- % Change 2010-2025: 162.41%
Fallon in Roanoke City showcases the dramatic highs and lows possible in affordable housing markets. You’ll notice that values declined significantly from $42,285 in 2010 to $35,953 in 2015, before beginning recovery to $53,450 in 2020 and then more than doubling to $110,958 by 2025. The impressive 107.59% five-year growth rate shows extraordinary recent momentum, while the remarkable 208.62% ten-year appreciation rate means values have more than tripled since the market’s low point. Despite these dramatic gains, Fallon remains one of Virginia’s most affordable neighborhoods while delivering a 162.41% return over the 15-year period.
2. Gilmer
- 2025 value: $108,728
- 2020 value: $51,889
- 2015 value: $28,479
- 2010 value: $29,427
- % Change 2020-2025: 109.54%
- % Change 2015-2025: 281.78%
- % Change 2010-2025: 269.48%
Gilmer in Roanoke City represents an extraordinary investment opportunity recognized by few. This neighborhood experienced a slight decline from $29,427 in 2010 to $28,479 in 2015, before beginning recovery to $51,889 in 2020 and then more than doubling to $108,728 by 2025. The remarkable 109.54% five-year growth rate shows exceptional recent momentum, while the astonishing 281.78% ten-year appreciation highlights the phenomenal returns available to those who purchased during market lows. With an overall 269.48% growth over 15 years, Gilmer has more than tripled in value despite starting from an already affordable base, showing how Roanoke’s evolution has transformed even its most affordable neighborhoods into appreciating assets while maintaining relative affordability.
1. Harrison
- 2025 value: $102,531
- 2020 value: $47,397
- 2015 value: $21,080
- 2010 value: $22,038
- % Change 2020-2025: 116.33%
- % Change 2015-2025: 386.39%
- % Change 2010-2025: 365.24%
Harrison in Roanoke City stands as the most affordable neighborhood on our list, but also the one with the most dramatic growth story. You can trace how values declined slightly from $22,038 in 2010 to $21,080 in 2015, creating an extraordinary buying opportunity, before beginning recovery to $47,397 in 2020 and then more than doubling again to $102,531 by 2025. The exceptional 116.33% five-year growth rate is among the highest on this list, while the astonishing 386.39% ten-year appreciation means values have nearly quadrupled since the market’s lowest point. With an overall 365.24% increase over 15 years, Harrison demonstrates how Virginia’s most affordable neighborhoods can deliver investment returns that far outpace higher-priced areas while remaining accessible to first-time buyers and investors seeking value.
