Top 10 Posts of 2018

There’s been a lot great news for Virginia’s New River Valley this year, but which news stories topped the charts? Recap this past year in the NRV by counting down the Top 10 Posts of 2018. The following posts had the most page views online.

10. RU Highlander Ranked #1 Mascot by USA Today

USA Today named the Radford University Highlander mascot the no. 1 mascot. Out of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament, the Highlanders came out on top.

9. Blacksburg A Best Place to Live

The Town of Blacksburg is a Top 100 Best Place to Live according to Livability.com. Blacksburg came in at number 63 out of almost 2,300 cities. The small and mid-sized towns and cities were ranked using 40 data points that analyzed economics, education, housing, and more.

8. NRV Ranked No. 6 Top Job Market

The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford MSA (commonly known as Virginia’s New River Valley) keeps topping charts. The NRV was ranked the number 6 top job market of 2018 by Zippia.

7. Floyd Named Most Underrated City in VA

Thrillist named Floyd the most underrated city in Virginia. Due to its outdoor recreation opportunities and creative culture, Floyd made the list of underrated cities in all 50 states.

6. Floyd and Giles Top Counties in VA to Buy a House

Both Floyd and Giles Counties ranked in the top 15 for Niche’s 2017 Best Counties to Buy a House in Virginia. The housing rankings were formulated based off data from the U.S. Census, the FBI, Zillow, and other data sources. The rankings include 90 counties in Virginia.

5. Cogar Manufacturing Comes to Giles County

Governor Ralph Northam announced that Cogar Manufacturing, a manufacturer of material handling equipment primarily for the natural resource industries, will invest $2.5 million and create 60 new jobs to relocate its manufacturing operation to the former Caterpillar facility in Giles County.

4. 10 Things to Do in the NRV This Summer

Whether you’re a student, a long-term resident, or anything in between, the NRV has no shortage of things for you to do in the NRV this summer. Explore every part of Virginia’s New River Valley by starting with these 10 hotspots.

3. “Why Blacksburg, VA Is a Best Place to Live”

Melody Warnick, freelance writer, author and Blacksburg local, wrote why she thinks Blacksburg is a special place to live. Her editorial was published on Livability on January 19.

2. Virginia Tech Football No. 1 Most Electric Entrance

Locals know how rowdy Lane Stadium gets, but the news has gotten out. The Virginia Tech Hokies stadium entrance to Metallica’s Enter Sandman was ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football by Fanbuzz.

1. Narrows #4 Safest Place to Live in VA

The Town of Narrows in Giles County, Virginia was named the #4 Safest Place to Live in Virginia by Niche.com, a website which ranks best places to live, school districts, colleges, and more.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.