The Roanoke River, which forms the county's northern border, has played a major role in defining the landscape and history of Halifax County and the surrounding areas. A short distance north of Roanoke Rapids is Roanoke Rapids Lake, which was built in 1955 to aid in providing hydroelectric power. Further north is Lake Gaston, a 34-mile man-made lake kept well stocked with fish. The Roanoke River is also widely known as one of the finest fishing spots in the nation. This area's natural habitat offers an abundance of recreational activities such as hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, hunting and bird watching.
Roanoke Rapids is steeped in transportation history that can still be experienced today at sites such as the seven-mile long Roanoke Canal Trail. The Trail was North Carolina's segment of the Roanoke Navigation System. Completed in 1823, the purpose of the Trail was to bridge the four hundred mile distance between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Norfolk, Virginia. Communities in the area put together the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail Project. The purpose of the museum is to preserve the navigational history of the Roanoke River, the beginning of Roanoke Valley's railroad, Civil War transportation and the eventual arrival of hydroelectric power in the area. The Halifax County Arts Council and the Canal Arts Center are located in what was originally the site of the Roanoke Navigation Company. The building is currently being used as a Center for the Performing Arts.
This picturesque area boasts a mild climate with an average annual high temperature of 70 degrees and average low temperature of 48 degrees. There are a wide variety of reasonably priced living accommodations throughout Roanoke Rapids and the surrounding regions. Halifax County real estate costs are generally found to be below the national average.
Quality public and private schools are available to provide future generations with stepping-stones into higher learning. A wide range of opportunities for advanced education abounds in the Roanoke Valley region. Choices include Halifax Community College in Weldon, North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, Duke University in Durham and Barton College in Wilson.
Halifax County's thriving economy relies primarily on tourism, textiles, industrial and agricultural businesses. The area has a strong industrial base, which can be traced back nearly one hundred years. Roanoke Rapids' industries include health care, lumber, paper products, soft drink distribution, petroleum and rubber manufacturing. International Paper, Patch Rubber Company and Halifax Regional Medical Center are a few of the companies currently flourishing in the city. The Mill Villages, built in the 1890's, are the pride of textile mill architecture in all of eastern North Carolina.
Halifax County's sound economic base is complemented by its close proximity to Raleigh and Durham, NC and Norfolk and Richmond, VA. In addition, the county is strategically located midway between New York and Florida on Interstate 95, which offers local businesses convenient access to over one third of the nation's markets, all within a day’s drive. Overall, Roanoke Rapids' spectacular scenery and southern charm, in addition to the central location make this community a delightful place to settle a family or business.