2. We’re ready to work with you.
For incentives, grants, properties and more, visit:
www.opportunitylynchburg.com
Or call us at: 444.455.4490

3. Home to over 78,000 citizens, Lynchburg,Virginia is a growing city
that boasts a vibrant economy, nationally-ranked public schools
and six top-notch colleges and universities.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg’s
economy is driven by a wide range of industries, including clusters in
science and advanced engineering, manufacturing, and education.
Our healthy and diverse economy and growing population is
complemented by our world-class healthcare system, unique
dining, shops and tourist attractions; and breathtaking views.
Each year, our universities and employers attract students and
skilled workers to Lynchburg - further strengthening our workforce.

4. Lynchburg is centrally-located
and easily accessible
Located just 180 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., Lynchburg
is located within a one-day drive to all major metropolitan
areas on the east coast. With daily air service to Charlotte, NC
at the Lynchburg Regional Airport and daily Amtrak service
to Washington, D.C. and points north, Lynchburg is an ideal
location for easy access to travel, business and entertainment
opportunities.

5. We have an educated, talented
workforce that is employed by over
local businesses.
A snapshot of our employers:
4700

6. 0%
40%
20%
80%
60%
100%
Lynchburg City
Graduate/Professional
Degree
Virginia United States
Bachelor’s Degree
Associate’s Degree
Some College
High School Grad/GED
Some High School
8th Grade or Less
Every year, hundreds of new graduates are
equipped to enter the workforce
In Lynchburg, we understand that quality education is important for
child development and economic development. From maintaining
a highly skilled workforce to attracting the brightest knowledge
workers, our community’s commitment to education and our
nationally-recognized school system are part and parcel of the city’s
economic vitality. Our award-winning public school system, with an
average student to teacher ratio of just 16:1, is complimented by a
variety of private and parochial schools. Home to six colleges and
universities and several technical academies, including the world’s
largest online school, the number of people in Lynchburg pursuing
higher education is growing each year.
Most adults in Lynchburg have studied at
a college, university or graduate school
Educational attainment in population 18 years and over.

7. Oue workforce is innovative and inspired.
The median age here is 32.
Lynchburg College has 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students on a 250 acre campus in the City of Lynchburg.

8. Lynchburg is Virginia’s First
TechHire Community
In July, 2015, Lynchburg was designated as one of the nation’s
TechHire communities - joining cities like Chattanooga, Denver,
Louisville, San Francisco and Detroit. The TechHire initiative
aims to equip Americans with the technical skills they need to
meet employer demand quickly and efficiently.
Several local employers, including BWXT, Delta Star, TRAX, LLC,
SharpTop Company and NovaTech are involved in this initiative
to improve our local workforce training pipeline.
TechHire combines both traditional and nontraditional
educational channels and training modules that equip workers
with valuable skills in months instead of years.
SharpTop Company has launched Lynchburg’s first nanodegree program for coding and software development.

9. 11 Traded Clusters
Top Clusters by Employment
Printing
Biopharma
375
Furniture
445
750
Production
Technology
1.20k
Insurance
2.19k
Lighting
375
Metalworking
365
Paper &
Packaging
245
Construction
1.83k
Downstream
Chemicals
870
Education
8.23k
Education & Knowledge Creation
Business Services
Distribution & Electronic Commerce
Insurance Services
Construction Products & Services
Production Tech. & Heavy Machinery
Downstream Chemical Products
Printing Services
Hospitality & Tourism
Food Processing & Manufacturing
U.S. Cluster Mapping: www.ClusterMapping.Us
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
Employment

10. We have the resources your
employees need!
Our industry makeup and workforce is made up of firms of all sizes,
making our economy stable and diverse. This means more job
security and peace of mind for our community. While employment
is driven primarily by healthcare and retail, these jobs are
complimented by higher education, energy, professional services
and advanced manufacturing sectors. Lynchburg is equipped with
a world class medical system. Named a national Runner Friendly
community with an extensive trail network, our City also fosters a
health conscious community that includes yoga studios, speciality
running and outdoor hobby stores.
Our Low Cost of Living is
Lower than the
National Average
The Pearson Cancer Center combines a comprehensive array of services in a new center of hope and healing.

11. Top Adventure Town
Top
Average one way commute
takes only minutes
Most affordable places to live
Best Places: www.bestplaces.net/

12. Why people love living and working here
Lynchburg is an affordable place to live. Rent, food, transportation,
goods and services, and other essentials are generally more
affordable in Lynchburg. In fact, the average cost of living is 8.5%
lower than the United States average. The median home cost is
only $151,200 in Lynchburg, according to Forbes. Lynchburg is
even rated one of the Best Value Cities in the U.S. by Kiplinger.
First Fridays exhibit at Scene 3 Bike Shop in Downtown Lynchburg

13. We’ve invested in our vibrant downtown
core with historic roots.
Property value
has appreciated by
more than
$81 million in the
past 10 years
328 Businesses
and 5306
employees work
downtown
The Get!Downtown festival draws 10,000 annually to experience Downtown Lynchburg

14. Historic Districts Merge with
Urban Creativity
Lynchburg has a rich history. Previously known as one of the nation’s
most affluent cities, Lynchburg blends colonial architecture with
modern development. Fostering a vibrant, artistic and welcoming
community, Lynchburg is the perfect place for students,
professionals, and those interested in starting or growing a
family. Our network of young professionals brings innovation and
new ideas and have helped to shape Lynchburg into a creative
metropolitan area. With local restaurants, farm to table dining,
unique retail shops, large commercial centers, golf courses, art
galleries, outstanding performing arts and wineries and breweries
nearby, people who relocated here have no problem finding fun
things to do.
The Craddock-Terry Hotel is a shoe factory transformed to funky, boutique hotel

15. Lynchburg’s Idyllic Landscape
Surrounded by the breathtaking Appalachian Trail and
the James River, Lynchburg is nearby dozens of incredible
hiking and camping locations for nature lovers and
adventurers alike. Lynchburg is home to 12 parks, 24
playgrounds and eight community centers, where our
citizens walk their dogs, play sports, exercise, practice
yoga in the park, and enjoy views of the mountains.
The James River provides adventure just steps from Downtown Lynchburg

16. We’re ready when you are.
For incentives, grants, properties and more:
www.opportunitylynchburg.com | 444.455.4490
900 Church Street, 2nd Floor | Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
Marjette G. Upshur
Director of Economic Development