2021 IN REVIEW

from 2021 Annual Report - Montgomery County, VA Economic Development

by Montgomery County, VA Economic Development

BUSINESS ATTRACTION & MARKETING

Blacksburg High School was recognized as one of the best STEM high schools in America largely thanks to innovative career and technical courses, including an unmanned aircrafts program teaching students how to pilot drones.

Image Credit: WSLS

COMMUNITY ACCOLADES

#1 Small Town to Live in Virginia, HomeSnacks

Based on metrics including income, home value, unemployment rates, and crime rates, Riner was named the top place to live in Virginia among small towns with populations of 1,000 people or less.

#1 Place in Virginia for Working Families, Zippia Blacksburg was named the best place to live in Virginia for working families, thanks to factors such as typical home cost, quality public schools, the cost of daycare, and the average commute time.

#7 Best County for Young Professionals in VA, Niche Montgomery County was ranked the seventh best county in Virginia for young professionals thanks to census data showing a large number of millennial residents and quality of life factors such as access to job opportunities and affordable housing.

Top 100 STEM High Schools in U.S., U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report named Blacksburg High School as one of the 100 best American high schools for STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

#3 Best Value College in VA, SmartAsset Up one spot from 2020, Virginia Tech was ranked the third best value college in Virginia based on factors including tuition, student living costs, student retention rates, and the starting salary for graduates.

“Pathway to Excellence” Designation, American Nursing Credentialing Center The Carilion New River Valley Medical Center was awarded the “Pathway to Excellence” designation, recognizing quality nursing and a commitment to supporting nursing staff. Carilion is only the eighth hospital in Virginia to earn the prestigious designation.