Why Live Here

Why Live Here

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

More people are choosing to build their future here.

23 counties

Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia

Local jobs are growing.

Explore the careers and training options that can help you plan your next step.

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 compare training time, 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.

Local business on main street

Regional tourism and highlight reels

Links from Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Friends of SWVA, and Cumberland Marketing will be added after the workgroup confirms the final links and sharing permissions.

Ready Set Go Careers

The STRONG Accountable Care Community (STRONG ACC) is an independent, regional, multi-sector coalition made up of 400+ partner organizations serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

STRONG ACC Partners are working together to create bright futures for children and youth by equipping them and their families with the resources and support they need to achieve their full potential. Our collective impact work focuses heavily on early childhood development, educational success, workforce development, and economic mobility.

For a list of our partners, click here.

© 2026 Ready Set Go Careers. Built for students in Northeast TN & Southwest VA.