Roanoke is a city in east-central Alabama and the county seat of Randolph County. It sits about 85 miles southeast of Birmingham and 80 miles southwest of Atlanta, Georgia. The city is known for its historic downtown, connection to the Southern railroad network, nearby lakes and forests, and its location in the rolling foothills between Alabama and Georgia.
Location Map of Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama
About Map: The map shows the location of Roanoke in Randolph County, in the U.S. state of Alabama.
Roanoke Map, Alabama
About Roanoke Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Roanoke in Randolph County, Alabama. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Roanoke Located?
Roanoke is a city located in Randolph County, Alabama, the United States. It lies in east-central Alabama near the Georgia state line, about 85 miles southeast of Birmingham and roughly 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. Wedowee is around 20 miles north, while LaFayette is about 25 miles south. Roanoke is positioned near 33.151° North latitude and 85.373° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,834 residents. The city covers about 16.05 square miles, or 41.57 square kilometers. Roanoke was incorporated in 1882 and became the county seat of Randolph County. The community grew rapidly after railroads reached the area in the late 19th century, helping local agriculture and commerce expand. Roanoke's historic downtown contains older commercial buildings and civic landmarks that reflect this period of growth. The surrounding region is characterized by rolling hills, forests, streams, and reservoirs, including Lake Wedowee to the north. A unique feature of Roanoke is its position near the Alabama-Georgia border within the southern Appalachian foothills, giving the area a landscape different from much of central Alabama. Nearby attractions include the Randolph County Historical Museum, Lake Wedowee, Cheaha State Park, and the Talladega National Forest. The city also provides access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, and camping. US-431 and Alabama State Routes 22 and 48 provide major road connections to Anniston, Opelika, Birmingham, and communities across east-central Alabama.
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Roanoke City Facts
| City | Roanoke |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Randolph County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | East-Central Alabama and Southern Appalachian Foothills |
| Incorporated | 1882 |
| Founded | 1830s |
| Total Area | 16.05 sq mi (41.57 sq km) |
| Land Area | 16.00 sq mi (41.44 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.05 sq mi (0.13 sq km) |
| Elevation | 1,060 ft (323 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,700 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,834 |
| Population Density | 365 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 36274 |
| Area Code | 334 |
| Major Highways | US-431, AL-22, and AL-48 |
| Public Transit | Randolph County transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Randolph County Historical Museum, Roanoke Historic District, Lake Wedowee, and nearby Talladega National Forest |
| Official Website | https://www.roanokealabama.com/ |
Distance from Roanoke, AL to Nearby Cities
- Wedowee, AL – 20 miles (32 km)
- LaFayette, AL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Wedowee, AL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Anniston, AL – 50 miles (80 km)
- Oxford, AL – 50 miles (80 km)
- Opelika, AL – 50 miles (80 km)
- Carrollton, GA – 35 miles (56 km)
- LaGrange, GA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Newnan, GA – 65 miles (105 km)
- Talladega, AL – 65 miles (105 km)
- Alexander City, AL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Auburn, AL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Birmingham, AL – 85 miles (137 km)
- Montgomery, AL – 120 miles (193 km)
- Atlanta, GA – 80 miles (129 km)
- Columbus, GA – 75 miles (121 km)
- Gadsden, AL – 75 miles (121 km)
- Chattanooga, TN – 150 miles (241 km)
Top Attractions in Roanoke
- Roanoke Historic District – The historic center contains older homes, commercial buildings, churches, and civic landmarks reflecting the city's late 19th-century growth.
- Randolph County Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, documents, and stories from Roanoke and Randolph County.
- Lake Wedowee – A large reservoir on the Tallapoosa River offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and scenic recreation.
- Talladega National Forest – A large forested area nearby with hiking trails, camping areas, streams, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.
- Cheaha State Park – A popular mountain park featuring Alabama's highest point, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, camping, and mountain landscapes.
- Roanoke City Park – A local recreational area offering open space, sports facilities, walking areas, and community activities.
- Highland Avenue Historic Area – A residential area featuring historic homes and architecture associated with Roanoke's development.
- Wehadkee Creek – A nearby waterway flowing toward Lake Wedowee and providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.
Airports Near Roanoke, AL
- Anniston Regional Airport (ANB) – 55 miles
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 85 miles
- Columbus Airport (CSG) – 75 miles
- Auburn University Regional Airport (AUO) – 65 miles
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – 90 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Roanoke city website and local government records.
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