Economic Development

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The Lynchburg region is not only a great place to live; it's a great place to work as well. While other areas of the state have seen economic decline, Lynchburg has remained economically steady. Nationally named one of the best places to start a business according to U.S. News & World Report,  Lynchburg has found a system that works.

CEO of the Lynchburg Regional Chamber, Rex Hammond, credits Lynchburg's success with a number of factors, including:

  • affordable cost of living
  • excellent real estate
  • low crime rate
  • central location
  • pleasant climate

Job growth continues to expand as energy related companies bring new and highpaying jobs to the area. Leading area employers include:

  • Centra Health
  • Babcock & Wilcox headquarters
  • AREVA NP, Inc.
  • Liberty University
  • Genworth Financial
  • RR Donnelley
  • Frito Lay
The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research's 25,000 sq. ft. facility will be built in the New London Business and Technology Park in Bedford County. It will provide a central point for applied research, product development, commercialization and professional training in collaboration with local companies, research universities and federal labs.
The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research's 25,000 sq. ft. facility will be built in the New London Business and Technology Park in Bedford County. It will provide a central point for applied research, product development, commercialization and professional training in collaboration with local companies, research universities and federal labs.Photo courtesy of CAER

The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research's 25,000 sq. ft. facility will be built in the New London Business and Technology Park in Bedford County. It will provide a central point for applied research, product development, commercialization and professional training in collaboration with local companies, research universities and federal labs.
The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) broke ground on its new research and education center on Nov. 6, 2009. The center will feature a fully configurable nuclear power plant control room simulator and cognitive radio and sensor technology research areas to meet the needs of local industries.
Liberty Mountain Trail System in Campbell County is comprised of over 65 miles of single and double track trails and logging roads spanning approximately 5,000 acres. The mountain rises to over 1,360 feet and offers cross country and gravity-fed trails for both hiking and mountain biking.
Often described as the \

While the large businesses in the area thrive, it is the small businesses and strong local pull that have helped maintain the stable economy. Residents have adopted "Buy Local" campaigns by seeking to support existing businesses.

A recent restructuring of downtown Lynchburg has also boosted local living as events that drive community member together grow. These events include:

  • Friday Cheers
  • Get! Downtown
  • Girl's Night Out
  • Summer Sidewalk Sale
  • Community Market events

The efforts of residents to grow Lynchburg have not been in vain. Property values have increased by over $50 million in the past five years. Between this local, motivated workforce, the rich quality of life and affordable cost of living, Lynchburg strikes the perfect balance between career opportunities and family moments.

Sections

Regional Info & Stats

Lynchburg City

Lynchburg City

Lynchburg maintains a perfect balance of staying true to its deeplyrooted history, while focusing on the economic development and growth of the future. The city fosters a strong sense of community, boasting friendly residential neighborhoods, outstanding public education and numerous recreational
activities.

  • Size: 49 square miles
  • Population: 75,596
  • Median Household Income: $36,374
  • Median Home Value: $85,300
  • City Hall: (434) 856-2489

Medical Facilities:

  • Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
  • Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital

Education:

  • Public: (434) 522-3700
    2 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 11 elementary schools
  • Private: Christian and independent elementary and middle schools

Recreation

Golf, baseball (minor league and recreational), soccer, football, swimming, basketball, tennis, hiking, bike trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, tennis, ice skating, bowling, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding

Amherst County

Amherst County

This county is home to a number of thriving businesses, agriculture, local industries, quaint small towns, shopping areas and wonderful residential neighborhoods. Originally formed in 1761, the downtown district still exemplifies classic 20th century commercial architecture, while residential areas give
way to beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amherst County also prides itself on its numerous golf courses, wineries, lakes, parks, trails and campgrounds.

  • Size: 475.18 square miles
  • Population: 32,539
  • Median Household Income: $43,890
  • Median Home Value: $88,800
  • Town Hall: (434) 946-9400

Medical Facilities

  • Centra Lynchburg General Hospital (in Lynchburg)
  • Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital (in Lynchburg)

Education

  • Public: (434) 946-9386
    1 high school, 2 middle schools, 7 elementary schools
  • Private: Christian schools

Recreation

Golf, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, camping, youth sports

Appomattox

Appomattox

Appomattox residents have the opportunity to experience the timeless, charming appeal of small town America everyday. Filled with historical landmarks, great antiquing, pleasant restaurants and true southern hospitality, this one-of-a-kind town draws in visitors from all over the country. The area is known nationally for its Civil War ties, but it's the strong local banks, high-speed WiMAX technology, low-cost utilities and taxes and local training opportunities that entice people to call Appomattox "home."

  • Size: 2.2 square miles (Town of Appomattox)
  • Population: 14,501
  • Median Household Income: $41,089
  • Median Home Value: $81,600
  • Town Hall: (434) 352-8268

Medical Facilities

  • Centra Lynchburg General Hospital (19 miles, in Lynchburg)
  • Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital (19 miles, in Lynchburg)
  • Centra Southside Community Hospital (25 miles, in Farmville)

Education

  • Public (434) 352-8251
    1 high school, 1 middle school, 1 elementary school, 1 primary school
  • Private: Seventh-Day Adventist school

Recreation

Youth sports, baseball, softball, football, and camping

Bedford County

Bedford County

Bedford County is one of the fastest growing counties in Virginia. With rolling, hilly terrain and popular vacation spots like Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford County abounds with natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition, a successful work environment provides reasonable costs, a strong work ethic, high productivity and low turnover rates.

  • Size: 764 square miles
  • Population: 66,831
  • Median Household Income: $53,823
  • Median Home Value: $127,000
  • Town Hall: (540) 586-7601

Medical Facilities

• Bedford Memorial Hospital

Education

  • Public: (540) 586-1045
    3 high schools, 3 middle schools, 15 elementary schools
  • Private: Christian Schools
  • Bedford Science and Technology Center

Recreation

Golf, waterskiing, boating, hiking, biking, youth sports, camping

Bedford City

Bedford City

The City of Bedford offers miles of history, culture, outstanding architecture, boutiques and fine dining.

  • Size: 6.8 square miles
  • Population: 6,312
  • Median Household Income: $33,776
  • Median Home Value: $90,400
  • City Hall: (540) 587-6001
Campbell County

Campbell County

From its beginnings as a frontier settlement, to its emergence as a tobacco producer and then a center for industrial manufacturing, Campbell County has continually evolved and grown with local, national and world changes. Improving the quality of life has been Campbell County's number one goal as it continues to grow in areas of small businesses, diversity and real estate.

  • Size: 504 square miles
  • Population: 53,030
  • Median Household Income: $43,641
  • Median Home Value: $96,900
  • Town Hall: (434) 592-9525

Medical Facilities

• Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
• Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital

Education

  • Public: (434) 332-3458 2 high schools, 2 middle schools, 8 elementary schools, 2 combined schools (middle/high)
  • Private: Christian and Mennonite schools
  • Campbell County Technical Center

Recreation

Camping, fishing, boating, youth sports

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