Second Quarter 2025

The Livability Issue

A look into the Commonwealth's
outstanding quality of life

Highlights From the Issue

Various images of students using educational tools

An Innovative Child Care Solution in Abingdon

Virginia companies reduce roadblocks for potential employees through quality of life initiatives.

A collection of photographs: Mr. Peanut statue, Chincoteague Mural, Woodbooger and Presidents' Park.

The Uncommon Commonwealth

Virginia’s long history and evolution since its founding have left a wide variety of unique attractions, from the historic to the entertaining to the just plain weird.

Julia Boas, Michelle Williams

The Sweet Spot of Jobs and Livability

VEDP’s Megan Healy connected with the Roanoke Regional Partnership’s Michelle Williams, the new talent and digital strategies program manager, and Julia Boas, director of business investment, about what the Roanoke Region is doing to attract and retain talent.

Virginia's Creative Soul

Virginia’s arts scene showcases the creative talent that comes out of the Commonwealth, from well-regarded arts programs at universities like Virginia Commonwealth University and Shenandoah University to self-taught artists. 

Shenandoah National Park

Trail Mix: Virginia's Outdoor Escapes

One of the great draws of Virginia for outdoor enthusiasts is its wide variety of landscapes in a compact geographic area. From the center of the Commonwealth, residents can head west for mountain adventures, southeast for wide, sandy beaches, and east for water adventures along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Article

A collection of photos: Exterior of the Texas Tavern Restaurant and a cook preparing a meal

A Taste of Virginia

Virginia’s restaurants mirror its communities, with a wide range of specialties to suit all budgets and abundant seafood from its coastal waterways. The Commonwealth is also home to a thriving wine, beer, and spirits industry.

Article

Petersburg National Battlefield Sign

400 Years of History

Virginia’s unique place in American history goes back to the very beginning, with the establishment of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America, in 1607.

Article

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Alexandria Troupe

I really love that in Richmond, it feels like we have a lot of big-city amenities, but we’re a small town. If I go to the coffee shop, I’m running into a friend. I just love having that community.

Alexandria Troupe

Licensed Agent, River Fox Realty

Warren Thompson

I was allowed to pick anywhere on the East Coast to locate an office running Marriott’s East Coast airport restaurants. I chose Reston, Va., because the vibrance of a planned community, I thought, would be just a great place to live and work.

Warren Thompson

President and Chairman, Thompson Hospitality Corporation

Selected Virginia Wins

My Home Virginia

Andy Edmunds

Virginia’s like America in miniature. So for storytellers or filmmakers or even still photographers who need a palette to either sell an idea, sell a commercial, or tell a story, Virginia is the perfect palette.

Andy Edmunds

Director, Virginia Film Office

Listen to the Latest

Past Issues

Creating Cybersecurity's Next Era

First Quarter 2025

This issue explores the robust cybersecurity industry in Virginia and the factors that make the Commonwealth a leader in this crucial industry.

The cover of the Virginia Economic Review shows a 3D Printer creating a "Made in Virginia" sign.

Fourth Quarter 2024

This issue explores Virginia’s manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting Virginia’s strengths in three key manufacturing areas and site considerations for manufacturing projects.

The Thinker statue with the body built from yellow, light blue and purple blocks, includes a headline that reads "Big Thinking for the Future"

Third Quarter 2024

This issue explores the ways Virginia knowledge work companies are innovating in numerous key industries and how the Commonwealth is enabling that innovation.

View All Issues