Why Live Here

Your future can start here. Our region has places to learn, people to help, and jobs that can grow with you.

So much to explore

23 unique counties - 1 amazing region to live in

Our region - and opportunities - are growing.

Be confident in putting down roots here where we are continuing to grow.

Affordability

Living here can make it easier to stay close to family, start a career, and build a life you can afford. Use the calculator to compare costs in different counties.

Living Wage Calculator

Compare estimated living costs and wages by county.

What this means for students

You can look to the future - see wages and local costs before choosing your next step.

Quality of Life

Students can find parks, trails, events, schools, healthcare, and people who can help close to home. Staying here can mean starting your career near the people and places that matter to you, with mountains, lakes, and trails to explore in every season.

Kayaker on a lake surrounded by fall color near Bristol — Fall paddling near BristolPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Golden retriever in a mountain meadow at Carvers Gap — Carvers Gap, Roan MountainPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Young woman sitting beside a waterfall at Bays Mountain — Bays Mountain Park, KingsportPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Hiker and dog on a snowy trail at Bays Mountain — Winter hiking at Bays MountainPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Friends in paddle boats on the lake at Steele Creek Park — Steele Creek Park, BristolPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

ATV riders overlooking the mountains at Spearhead Trails in Saint Paul — Spearhead Trails, Wise CountyPhoto: Sam Dean / Virginia Tourism Corporation

Hikers at Devil’s Bathtub in Scott County — Devil’s Bathtub, Scott CountyPhoto: Sunshine Sol / Virginia Tourism Corporation

Events and Attractions

There is always something going on. Catch live music downtown, cheer on a race, or spend a night out with friends.

Crowds along State Street during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion — Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion on State StreetPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Taco Trek event in Johnson City — Taco Trek, Johnson CityPhoto: Mike Hensley / Johnson City Aerial Photography LLC

Trail Days gathering in Damascus, Virginia — Trail Days, DamascusPhoto: Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Night race at Bristol Motor Speedway — Bristol Motor SpeedwayPhoto: Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association

Bristol photos courtesy of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Select NETTA photos by Jared Kreiss (Explore Bristol), Andy Feliu, and E. Neikirk.

See life in Southwest Virginia

So Why SWVA?

Video created by Appalachia Jobs Explained

Watch on Vimeo