South Central Virginia

South Central Virginia is a prime location to cultivate growth, strategically situated midway between Richmond and Raleigh, N.C., and boasting an advanced transportation infrastructure, extensive fiber broadband, and a dedicated workforce.

 

 

 

 

Kerr Lake, Mecklenburg County

Key Companies in South Central Virginia

American Buildings, Mecklenburg County
American Buildings, Mecklenburg County

Regional Highlights

South Central Virginia is bordered by Lake Gaston, Buggs Island Lake, and the state of North Carolina, and includes 10 counties (Amelia, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward) and the City of Emporia. The region has a strong agricultural heritage and rich forest resources and, in recent years, manufacturing and service-related industries have prospered.

Location

The James River forms the southern boundary of Central Virginia; Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive form the western boundary of this picturesque region. Central Virginia’s strategic location provides easy access to Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and other points along the Mid-Atlantic corridor.

Fort Pickett
Fort Pickett

  • I-85 and I-95 run through the region, and six other major interstates are within close proximity: I-64 (11 miles), I-295 (17 miles), I-195 (20 miles), I-81 (33 miles), I-40 (40 miles), and I-440 (48 miles).
  • U.S. Highway 58 is an east-west corridor that provides access to The Port of Virginia to the east and Virginia’s mountains to the west.
  • U.S. Highway 360 runs from Danville through South Boston to Richmond, and continues to the eastern Northern Neck.
  • Freight rail service is provided by CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and Virginia Southern Railway.
  • The Port of Virginia, offering the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast, is one hour east and easily accessible via road or rail.
  • The Port of Richmond, a multimodal freight and distribution center, is located 60 miles north along I-95.
  • Eight regional airports offer general aviation services, and commercial air service with nonstop flights to domestic destinations is available from Richmond International Airport (RIC – 50 miles) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF – 90 miles).
Hampden Sydney College
Hampden Sydney College

Talent Development

Home to nationally ranked Longwood University, Hampden-Sydney College, and Southside Virginia Community College, the area’s workforce is well-educated. The high-quality public education system includes a curriculum based on both academics and technical skills, producing work-ready graduates.

Microsoft Data Center, Mecklenburg County
Microsoft Data Center, Mecklenburg County

Microsoft Corporation’s Expanding Virginia Footprint

Today, the Commonwealth boasts the largest data center market in the U.S. with more than 700 data processing, hosting, and related establishments employing over 14,600 Virginians. Since 2008, more than $14.8 billion of capital investment has been announced Virginia’s data center industry, which attracts many of the most prominent brands in the tech world. Microsoft’s continued investment in its Mecklenburg County enterprise data center is a powerful success story for Southern Virginia’s visionary planning, world-class IT infrastructure, and skilled workforce.

Living in South Central

South Central Virginia’s skilled workforce is rooted in a tradition of manufacturing and agriculture and takes pride in producing quality products. The region’s excellent transportation network means that commute times are low – even over long distances – and traffic congestion is virtually non-existent. Employers can expect to attract workers from approximately a 60-mile radius.

Known primarily for its outdoor recreational opportunities, South Central Virginia is a hunter’s and fisherman’s paradise, with an abundance of wild turkeys, whitetail deer, and large-mouth bass. The rivers and lakes are the perfect setting for countless outdoor activities on land or water. Buggs Island Lake and Lake Gaston are known for water sports, boating, fishing, camping, and beautiful lakeside homes. Twin Lakes Park, Holliday Lake State Park, and Bear Creek State Park all offer swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.

The region also hosts art, theatrical, and musical events and visiting lecturers’ programs. Many residents enjoy participating in dramatic, comedic, and musical productions staged by various local theaters.

Colonial Theatre, Mecklenburg County
Fort Pickett
High Bridge Trail State Park, Prince Edward County