Northern Shenandoah Valley

The Northern Shenandoah Valley is a fast-growing region with a strong economy driven by a diverse blend of industry, agriculture, and tourism that attracts business and residential development due to its location and excellent road, rail, and air service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cove, Frederick County

Key Companies in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

Trex, Frederick County
Trex, Frederick County

Regional Highlights

The Northern Shenandoah Valley includes Clarke, Frederick, and Warren counties, and the City of Winchester. The region borders the Washington, D.C., MSA, offering quick access to the nation’s capital and other major metro areas. The Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal provides intermodal transportation service and connections to ocean shipping and U.S. Customs clearance; and Washington-Dulles Airport, a major international gateway, is less than a one-hour drive from the region. Recognized as a popular tourist destination for its outdoor amenities, the region’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley provides numerous recreational activities.

Location

The Northern Shenandoah Valley is located in northwestern Virginia, bordering Maryland to the north and West Virginia to the west. Businesses move product in and out of the region with ease via multiple highways, CSX Transportation, the Virginia Inland Port, and nearby major international airports.

American Woodmark, Frederick County
American Woodmark, Frederick County

  • Interstates 66 and 81 run through the region and provide easy access to markets along the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwest.
  • Eight additional interstates are 42 miles or less from the region: I-68 (14 miles), I-70 (18 miles), I-270 (27 miles), I-370 (33 miles), I-495 (36 miles), I-76 (36 miles), I-99 (41 miles), and I-95 (42 miles).
  • Freight rail service is provided by CSX Transportation, linking to Norfolk Southern.
  • The Virginia Inland Port (VIP), an intermodal container transfer facility, is located in the region, and The Port of Virginia in Hampton Roads is 204 miles southeast.
  • Two regional airports provide general aviation services, and Washington-Dulles International (IAD) offers commercial flights and cargo transportation less than 40 minutes from Frederick County.
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) offer additional options in less than two hours.
O'Sullivan Films, Inc., Winchester Copy
Trex, Frederick County 1

For nearly four decades, we have benefited from a dedicated, skilled workforce in Virginia that is committed to our mission, and we look forward to furthering our impact on the Commonwealth’s economy.

Paul Vitagliano VP and GM, Clinical Diagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Downtown Winchester
Downtown Winchester

Talent Development

Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) and Shenandoah University are located in Winchester-Frederick County, Old Dominion University is accessible via TeleTech Net at LFCC, and satellite campuses of Virginia Tech and UVA are located within an hour’s drive. George Mason, George Washington, and James Madison Universities are other popular higher education options near the region.

Navy Federal Credit Union, Winchester
Navy Federal Credit Union, Winchester

Navy Federal Credit Union Seeks Location to Grow

Due to its growing customer base and a mission to provide exceptional customer service, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), the world’s largest credit union, needed to increase its workforce to meet current and future demand in a location that could accommodate major growth. When it set out to significantly grow its support services operations, the Virginia-headquartered company hoped to select an existing NFCU campus because NFCU also saw this expansion as an opportunity to provide career advancement pathways for current employees.

Living in the Northern Shenandoah Valley

George Washington National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and the Shenandoah River are some of the region’s more recognizable outdoor attractions. Skyline Drive, running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracts visitors nationwide to admire the breathtaking views.

Large tracts of forests, national parks, numerous water resources, caverns, and historical sites provide area residents and tourists a range of recreational opportunities. The limestone Skyline Caverns in Warren County are an underground wonderland, with mysterious passageways, rock formations, and streams.

Many annual festivals also celebrate the beauty and diversity of the area, including the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival, and the Festival of Leaves.

Apple Picking, Winchester
Fly Fishing, Frederick County
Winchester Ciderworks