Information Technology

Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit” for companies in software development, cybersecurity, IT support, digital creative, and other sectors in the Information Technology industry. With exceptional education programs from local universities, the NRV is producing some of the best IT workforce in the country.

Industry Stats

90 Companies

1,562 IT-Related Jobs

5% Job Growth Over 5 Years

Quality of Life Advantages

“Working in the NRV gives you a sense of family and community that I don't think you will find anywhere else.”

Matthew Webster, Support Specialist at Qualtrax

IT Culture in the NRV

The Information Technology community in Virginia’s New River Valley is one of a kind. From vibrant downtowns to active grassroots organizations, the IT industry thrives through collaboration and innovation. Local groups and meetups give tech professionals plenty of opportunities to connect, share ideas, and grow their expertise. Explore some of the IT-focused groups in the NRV and see how you can get involved.

Savor The Good Life

Affordability isn’t just a perk, it’s a part of who we are. It’s intentional small-town living, where you’ll always feel at home.

Find Your Escape

Rich in natural resources, activities, and breathtaking views, the outdoors in the NRV provides a constant source of entertainment for adrenaline junkies and leisure-seekers alike.  Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on the water, hiking up a mountain, or biking on roads or trails, Virginia’s New River Valley has something unique to offer you.

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Live Here in the NRV. Cascasde Waterfall

Major Employers

Business Advantages

“The colleges in the area help establish a culture of exploration . . . and it gets everybody feeding this variety of ideas. And it supports innovation throughout every company in the region.”

Eileen Quirk Baumann, Uncork-It President 

Access to Tech Talent

The strength of higher education in the NRV generates a talented workforce and supportive ecosystem. Virginia Tech (VT), Radford University (RU), and New River Community College (NRCC) produce a steady supply of IT talent with degrees in Computer & Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.

Companies in the region also have success recruiting alumni from these universities back to the area to fill mid- and senior-level positions. Entry-level and highly educated professionals remain in the NRV because of the region’s vast and beautiful outdoor amenities, cultural events, and little perks (like incredibly low traffic).

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Research & Development Opportunities

We are a hub for research, innovation, and technology. World-class universities and leading companies drive advancements in IT and beyond, creating a collaborative ecosystem where ideas thrive. Here, you’ll find the perfect balance of cutting-edge research opportunities and the welcoming, hometown feel that makes the NRV a great place to live and work. (Photo by Virginia Tech)

Virginia Tech Cybersecurity Research Programs

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Business Advantages

Access to Tech Talent

The strength of higher education in the NRV generates a talented workforce and supportive ecosystem. Virginia Tech (VT), Radford University (RU), and New River Community College (NRCC) produce a steady supply of IT talent with degrees in Computer & Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.

Companies in the region also have success recruiting alumni from these universities back to the area to fill mid- and senior-level positions. Entry-level and highly educated professionals remain in the NRV because of the region’s vast and beautiful outdoor amenities, cultural events, and little perks (like incredibly low traffic).

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IT Culture in the NRV

The IT culture in Virginia’s New River Valley is like no other. The industry thrives here with our collection of unique downtown areas and a large presence of grassroots community groups. There are a variety of groups to choose from and get involved with, each with a specific and passionate industry focus. Explore a sample of these groups from the list below.

Not only do IT professionals in Virginia’s New River Valley have competitive salaries, they also have more buying power than their peers in larger tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Use the chart above to compare the average salary of a software developer working in the NRV adjusted for the cost of living in other metros.

Primary Sub-Sectors

Software Development

Cybersecurity

IT Support Services

Digital Creative

Featured Sites & Buildings

Virginia’s New River Valley is much more than an area with beautiful scenery and diverse people. It is a perfect location to let your business flourish. Explore our available sites and buildings in the NRV that are “A Natural Fit” to help your business grow.

“The universities here have great programs, and the area is such that you get people who want to stay or come back after a few years because it's a nice community. People come to school, fall in love with the area, and want to stay.”

Matt McHugh, Exelaration VP of Mentoring & Growth

#3 Metro with High Ratio of IT Grads to Jobs
– Expansion Solutions, 2017
#10 Metro in High-Tech Employment Concentration
– SelectUSA, 2017
#30 Leading Location for New & Expanding Businesses
– Area Development, 2016
#3 Best Tech & Engineering Internships; Exceleration
– Vault, 2020

Recent News

Education

GO TEC Labs Set to Expand into the NRV

New River Valley, VA – Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) is set for a major expansion into Virginia’s New River Valley