Why Roanoke- Blacksburg?

We Love Our Valleys (You Will Too)

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, and a research, healthcare, and technology community.

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.

Tour the Region’s Highlights

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region
Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

MOUNTAINS, VALLEYS, RIVERS

Go tubing, fishing, hiking, biking, or camping along the New River, the second oldest river in the world — and one of the nation’s American Heritage Rivers.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

MILES OF GREENWAYS & TRAILS

Bike, hike, or walk along miles of paved trails in the urban core as well as dirt paths throughout an extensive regional trail system.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

FARM TO TABLE

The region is home to a few amazing farmers' markets as well as a restaurant culture that's rooted in farm-to-table cuisine. Bon appétit!

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

DOWNTOWN FESTIVALS

There's always something to do. The region is small enough to explore but big enough to include multiple downtowns with different events throughout the year.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

LIVE MUSIC

There's nothing better than finishing a project and then catching a live band or event. Opportunities abound. Bring your glow sticks and positive vibes.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

STAR CITY

Roanoke is known as the Star City thanks to a star on top of Mill Mountain. The park is a well-known destination for day-trippers as well as runners and bikers.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

MOUNTAIN METRO

The allure of the Roanoke-Blacksburg region for tech companies is in having the infrastructure to support business with a community to nurture it.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Region

WORLD-CLASS HIKING

Get outside and dream up your next big idea. Innovation doesn't always happen in an office. Explore, create, and build in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region of Virginia.

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