7 Reasons to Move to Washington County, VA

Here's why you'll fall in love with living and working in this Southwest Virginia gem.

By Kelly Rogers on December 2, 2023

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Welcome to Washington County, Virginia – a region where history, community and natural beauty come together to create a truly special place to call home. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly neighborhood, career opportunities, a deep connection to history, outdoor adventures or a festival-filled calendar, Washington County has it all. Here are seven reasons why you should consider a move to Washington County.

1. Have Loads of Family-Friendly Fun

Group adventures abound in Washington County, and memories are just waiting to be made. With an abundance of attractions to explore, there’s never a dull moment. 

From lush parks where kids can run and play to farms that offer hands-on experiences with friendly animals, this region caters to families of all sizes. Be sure to catch a show at the renowned Barter Theatre, which produces multiple Broadway-level performances in-house throughout the season, many of which cater to younger audiences. 

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

For outdoor enthusiasts, the recreation that can be found in Washington County is a dream come true. The picturesque town of Damascus, which has been dubbed “Trail Town, USA,” serves as the perfect base camp for adventurers, with the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Appalachian Trail intersecting here. 

Hikers and bikers alike can’t resist the allure of these stunning trails, not to mention the city’s charming and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a hardcore outdoor adventurer or a casual participant, Virginia’s natural beauty is simply irresistible. 

3. Bring Your Company With You

Washington County is not only rich in nature’s gifts but also embraces a thriving industrial landscape. Two impressive industrial parks, Oak Park Center for Business and Industry, located between Abingdon and Bristol, and Glade-Highlands Regional Industrial Park, provide the perfect environment for businesses to flourish, with easy access to Interstate 81, state-of-the-art fiber optic service and hookups for electric, gas, water and sewer. The parks also have a Virginia Enterprise Zone designation, meaning businesses are eligible for state tax credits and grants. 

4. Catch Festival Fever

If you move to Washington County, get ready to celebrate life in Virginia at an array of vibrant festivals throughout the year. Discover incredible artistic treasures, both vintage and hand-crafted, at the Virginia Highlands Festival, which has been a regional staple for over 70 years. 

Unite with fellow outdoor enthusiasts at the Appalachian Trail Days Festival in Damascus, surrounded by outdoor gear vendors, food and music. And, of course, you can’t miss the Christmas magic on display in December at parades in Abingdon, Glade Spring and Damascus. 

5. Enjoy Deep Historical Roots

Washington County’s rich tapestry of history is both extremely abundant and accessible. The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia, located in Abingdon, offers a treasure trove of knowledge with its reference library boasting over 7,000 volumes and an impressive 180,000 digital images of photographs and documents. And thanks to the Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, it’s easy to learn about the region’s musical roots, which include a lot of quality, homegrown bluegrass. 

6. Satisfy Your Cravings for Supreme Cuisine

There is no other way to put it – Washington County restaurants do not disappoint when it comes to food. In need of a hearty breakfast? Check out Damascus Diner or Mojo’s Trailside Café and Coffee, both in Damascus. The diner whips up classics like waffles, pancakes, eggs, and biscuits and gravy. As for Mojo’s, its menu features offerings like giant cinnamon rolls, shrimp and grits, and bagels.

Lighter options, like fresh smoothies and acai bowls, can be found at the Blended Pedaler in Bristol and Abingdon. Two popular eateries in Abingdon are Greeko’s Grill & Café and Rendezvous International Café, both owned by Mustafa Ahmed. Greeko’s serves authentic Greek cuisine (its pita is a must-try). Rendezvous offers up savory and sweet crepes, and omelet platters, among other things. Another Abingdon favorite is Mamma Mia, where tasty Italian dishes like pasta, pizza and stromboli are served.

For something more upscale, enjoy a splendid evening at Sisters, located at the elegant and historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Also, Foresta in Abingdon offers an eclectic food menu and craft cocktails.

7. Score an Excellent Education Here

Making the move to Washington County means your children will receive a quality education, thanks to the high-ranking K-12 Washington County Public Schools. Cornerstone Christian Academy in Abingdon is a classical, nondenominational Christian school.

Higher education institutions in the region include Emory & Henry College and Virginia Highlands Community College. And on the VHCC campus is the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, which allows students to pursue programs and degrees from participating colleges and universities such as Emory & Henry, Old Dominion, Radford, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech.

– Editor Lindsey Hyde contributed to this article.