Wildwood, Roanoke, Virginia facts for kids

Wildwood is a cool neighborhood located in the eastern part of Roanoke, Virginia, in the United States. It's a place where people live, work, and play!

What is Wildwood?

Wildwood is a community that sits right along a big road called U.S. 460, also known as Orange Avenue. It's surrounded by other neighborhoods and towns. To the west, you'll find Hollins. To the east is Mecca Gardens. North of Wildwood is Eastgate, and to the south, it borders the town of Vinton.

Wildwood's History

Wildwood wasn't always part of the city of Roanoke. For a long time, it was part of Roanoke County. But in 1976, something called "annexation" happened. This means that the city of Roanoke officially took Wildwood into its city limits.

What is Annexation?

Annexation is when a city or town expands its borders to include new areas. It's like a city growing bigger by adding nearby land. When Wildwood was annexed, it became a full part of Roanoke City.

How Wildwood Changed

Before it became part of Roanoke City, Wildwood was mostly a rural area. This means it had more open land, farms, and fewer buildings. After the annexation in the 1970s, Wildwood started to grow a lot. It changed from a rural area to a more suburban one.

Suburban Growth

Suburban growth means that more homes, schools, and businesses were built. The area became more developed, with houses and shopping centers. You can see a lot of these new businesses along Orange Avenue, which is a busy street in Wildwood. This growth made Wildwood a lively and important part of Roanoke.