Southwest Virginia

State-of-the-art broadband infrastructure, an outstanding labor force, and more than 40 available sites and buildings combine to make Southwest Virginia a low-cost business destination.

 

 

 

Route 23 Route 58 Intersection, Norton

Key Companies in Southwest Virginia (e-Region)

Burke's Garden Quilt Barn, Tazewell
Burke's Garden Quilt Barn, Tazewell

Regional Highlights

Southwest Virginia is a region of mountains, rolling hills, and wide-open valleys that includes seven counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise) and the City of Norton. An abundant natural resource base consisting of timber, coal, limestone, and natural gas provides economic opportunities for onshoring. Accessibility to interstate highways makes the region a convenient location to reach markets east of the Mississippi and in the Midwest.

Location

Strategically located midway between Atlanta-Pittsburgh, Charlotte-Cincinnati, and Richmond-Louisville, Southwest Virginia is within a day’s drive of more than half of the U.S. population. Major interstates and excellent four-lane highways enhance the region’s accessibility.

  • Seven interstates are within close proximity: I-81 (1 mile), I-26 (2 miles), I-381 (6 miles), I-77 (6 miles), I-75 (24 miles), I-64 (28 miles), and I-40 (36 miles).
  • Four-lane highways in the region (U.S. 19, 23, 58, 460 and 421) increase connectivity to major interstates and markets.
  • Freight rail service is provided by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, offering a wide range of reliable and efficient shipping options.
  • The Virginia TradePort, located at the New River Valley Airport, is 67 miles north, and The Port of Virginia, offering the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast, is 387 miles east.
  • Six regional airports provide general aviation service, and Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) provides commercial air service with connections to Atlanta, Charlotte, and Orlando/Tampa.
Tazwell
Tazwell

JM Conveyors Finds Room to Grow in Southwest Virginia

Parent company JENNMAR has operated facilities in Giles and Tazewell counties for more than 20 years. Thanks to its continued success, JM Conveyors had developed an appreciation of Southwest Virginia’s assets and was immediately drawn to the region as a potential location for its new facility. After initiating the search for real estate across the East Coast, the region stood out for its business-friendly environment and portfolio of ready-made sites.

University Of Virginia's College At Wise
Barter Theatre, Abingdon
Barter Theatre, Abingdon

Experience the Arts

The Southwest Virginia Museum highlights the life and heritage of the area, and the Pro-Art Association provides a diverse series of performances, including the longest-running outdoor drama in the southeastern United States, “Trail of the Lonesome Pine.” Numerous festivals and special events held throughout the year highlight the music, arts, crafts, and foods of the region and Virginia.

Living in Southwest Virginia (e-Region)

The beautiful scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, museums, historical reenactments, festivals, music events, and access to quality health care and educational facilities are only some of the perks of living and working in Southwest Virginia.

The region’s highway systems, broadband, and 4G wireless enhance accessibility and add to its appeal as a quality business location. Bordering Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, Southwest Virginia also has the advantage of a mobile workforce and proximity to the Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area with a population of nearly 500,000.

Numerous recreational and cultural activities are available in Southwest Virginia. The area is surrounded by an abundance of scenic natural beauty, and residents and visitors enjoy hiking and picnicking at Jefferson National Forest and Breaks Interstate Park, rated one of the top 10 state parks in the nation. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Natural Tunnel State Park are also located in the region, and outdoor activities like hunting, swimming, fishing, ATV trails, and boating are offered in each locality. Two of the nation’s best historical driving trails go through the region: The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and The Wilderness Road: Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route.

ATV Spearhead Trails, Coeburn
South Holston Lake, Abingdon
Bristol Rhythm And Roots, Bristol