Background

Nicknamed the “Iron Cross” in the 1800s due to the confluence of the N&W and C&O railroads, Waynesboro continues to serve as a transportation crossroads with rail and road connectivity enabling easy access for freight and commuting.  Norfolk Southern and CSX, and strong short-line railroads, Shenandoah Valley Railroad and Buckingham Branch Railroad provide rail service with connections to the Port of Virginia and Inland Port.  Major population centers in the east and Midwest can be reached within one day on either I-81 or I-64.  A number of trucking firms and 3PL providers are located in the central Shenandoah Valley with Target, FedEx, and Best Buy distribution centers in the immediate area plus Walmart, Marshalls, and Sysco within 30 miles.

Air Cargo Gateways Dulles and Richmond can be reached within a few hours, and Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) offers global connectivity via United as well as general aviation services.

However you move goods, Waynesboro is the hub of connectivity with access to east/west and north/south interstate highways and rail lines, regional and international airports, and seaports.

Location

               click for detailed map

Uniquely positioned on the I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Waynesboro is the hub of transportation with road and rail access to major population centers plus advanced fiber communication.  The city has a strong heritage of innovation and manufacturing excellence with a commitment to the future.  Waynesboro also serves as a regional retail center and gateway to outstanding cultural and recreational amenities

Talent Pipeline

In 2019, the region’s concentration of 39 colleges and universities within a 2 1/2-hour drive graduated over 67,000 students in a wide variety of degrees and courses of study.

Locally, Blue Ridge Community College, Mary Baldwin University, and James Madison University offer credit and noncredit programs as well as collaborative workforce development solutions, including specialized training, apprenticeship, bootcamps, and more.

The award-winning “InDemand” Jobs Campaign markets high-demand, high-growth and high-wage occupations and accompanying educational opportunities for occupations requiring more than high school but less than a 4-year degree.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Waynesboro’s strategic location makes it easy to do business and take advantage of an exceptional quality of life. The City is centrally located along the I-81 corridor in the eastern portion of Virginia’s scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley.  Our convenient location along I-64 provides easy access to major locations in the Midwest and Eastern Seaboard, with one day truck delivery to Boston, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Jacksonville.

In addition to the outstanding highway system, four railroads, five airports, and two ports provide access to the world. View transportation infrastructure map. Dominion Energy provides electricity at rates below the U.S. average at 5.7 cents per kilowatt hour vs. 7.01 cents nationally; Columbia Gas delivers natural gas at selected industrial sites; City of Waynesboro provides award winning water and wastewater services. Multiple telecommunications providers serve the area with fiber connectivity.

Operating Costs

Although Waynesboro is in close proximity to major east coast locations, its cost of living and cost of doing business are less than the national average.  View comparison table.

Community Investments

Waynesboro offers significant multiyear incentives for eligible projects based on job quality and quantity, capital investment, and other criteria.  Job creation and capital investment grants are available if located in an Enterprise Zone; federal tax benefits if in an Opportunity Zone; and HUBZone benefits in certain census tracts.

Cultural and Recreational Amenities

The only place on the planet where the Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail intersect, Waynesboro has a wealth of cultural and natural amenities.  The wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and bicycling combined with cultural gems such as historical venues, art galleries, and a newly restored vaudeville era preforming arts center provide endless opportunities for adventure. Such attractions paired with our national brand restaurants and shopping, as well as unique local breweries and dining, give Waynesboro a vibrant quality of life.

Greenway – The picturesque 1.2 mile paved Greenway Trail follows the South River though downtown.  Take a walk, ride your bike, or try your hand at fly fishing in one of only two urban trout fisheries in the state.

Festivals — Waynesboro’s annual events and festivals bring pleasure to the whole family.  There’s is something for everyone; art, chili, races, fireworks, soap box derby, concerts, and kite flying – there’s always something on the calendar.

National Treasures – Travel north or south on a scenic drive, visit a national forest, or take a hike on the famed Appalachian Trail.  These national treasures are located just outside of downtown.

Waynesboro VA – uniquely positioned for prime business opportunities.