About the Region

Adventure, Culture, and a Tech Sector

Located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, the Roanoke-Blacksburg region bustles with outdoor adventures for all enthusiasts, diverse cultural and artistic amenities, academic universities with international reputations, and a burgeoning research, healthcare and technology community.

Easy Living

Together with a low-cost of living, easy access to air, train and interstate transportation, and innovative public school systems, the Roanoke-Blacksburg region is an ideal base for high-tech companies and their employees.

Location, Location, Location. The region is located an easy 4 hours by car or train to Washington, D.C., and 3 hours to Charlotte or Richmond.

Academic Resources. 25 colleges and universities are located within an hour’s drive including, Virginia Tech, Radford University, Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke College, Hollins University, Washington & Lee University, and Virginia Military Institute.

Outside Adventure. Explore incredible natural offerings such as the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake, Huckleberry Trail, Blue Ridge Mountains, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, and the scenic New River.

Arts & Entertainment. Take advantage of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Mill Mountain Theater, Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, Taubman Museum of Art, award-winning farmer’s markets, Mill Mountain Zoo, Science Museum of Western Virginia, NCAA and semiprofessional athletic events.

Enviable Climate. Enjoy an average January low of 27.2 F and an average July high of 87.0 F. Our average annual rainfall is 41.0 inches. The average commute time is 21.4 minutes, compared to the national average of 25.7 minutes.