The Roanoke Valley, also known as Virginia's Blue Ridge, is located in western Virginia, within 500 miles of many of the major business, economic, and population regions of the United States. Its central location and proximity to major interstates puts Roanoke County within a day's drive of two-thirds of the United States, and less than 3 1/2 hours from Washington D.C., Richmond, Charlotte, and Raleigh.
The Roanoke region has convenient air and rail service:
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)is the the largest airport in western Virginia and serves over 750,000 travelers annually. ROA currently offers nonstop service to nine U.S. destinations, served by four commercial carriers, to Washington, D.C.–Dulles (United), Atlanta (Delta), Charlotte (American), Chicago–O’Hare (United), New York City–LaGuardia (American, Delta), Orlando–Sanford (Allegiant), Philadelphia (American), Sarasota–Bradenton (Allegiant), and St. Petersburg–Clearwater (Allegiant). ROA also offers flights to seasonal destinations throughout the year.
The Roanoke Amtrak Station (RNK) serves over 115,000 travelers annually, and is part of Route 46 (Washington–Roanoke) which serves 340,000 travelers annually. Our region is served by Norfolk Southern's Heartland and Crescent Corridors and CSX for freight. The Heartland is a direct, high-capacity route that spans from the Port of Virginia to distribution markets in the Midwest.
The Interstate 81 segment between Electric Road (Exit 141) and Interstate 581 (Exit 143) in Roanoke County is the busiest and most-trafficked part of the interstate in Virginia, with nearly 50,000 vehicles passing through daily.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to Roanoke County's Explore Park at Milepost 115, which is 1,100 acres of family-fun with hiking and biking trails, Treetop Quest, top-ranked Mayflower Hills Disc Golf Course, Roanoke River access, overnight cabins and yurts, Twin Creeks Brewpub, and premiere seasonal events.
The Appalachian Trail in Roanoke County is home to the iconic McAfee Knob, which is the most photographed location on the Appalachian Trail, and Dragon's Tooth.
Higher Education of the Region:
The Roanoke Valley and nearby New River Valley are home to world-class higher education, all within minutes of Roanoke County. Within a 60-mile radius of Roanoke County, there are 25 higher education institutions, including two-year community colleges and four-year public and private institutions. These institutions enroll over 100,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students representing a wide range of fields.