• Alleghany County
• City of Covington
• Town of Clifton Forge

Located in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains in the western section of Virginia is Covington, the County seat of Alleghany County. Its site is on the Jackson River surrounded by mountains and valleys with beautiful rugged scenery. The earliest recorded settlement was in 1746. The Highlands was formed in 1822 with Covington being incorporated in 1833 and Clifton Forge incorporated in 1884.

Alleghany Highlands encompasses 452 square miles and lies within the James River Basin. The area includes the City of Covington and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. Most of the area has earned the designation as a Virginia Certified Business Location and Virginia Tourism Accredited Community. The Highlands has a rich natural resource base of water, forests and minerals. Four-fifths of the area is forested with hardwood species dominating. Our strength lies in diversity ...a central location and efficient transportation network combining with access to extensive natural resources allowing varied industries to prosper in the Alleghany Highlands.

The rural area usually surprises new residents and visitors with the variety of facilities ranging from historic manors now operated as bed and breakfast inns to a modern full service hospital associated with Columbia and world class manufacturing plants. Shopping and dining facilities range from local specialty spots to franchised chain stores and restaurants. A variety of organizations such as the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, Alleghany Highlands Arts Council and the Historic Masonic Theatre: Alleghany Highlands Center for the Performing Arts serve most cultural interests. Within twenty miles of Covington there are two internationally known resorts, The Homestead and The Greenbrier.

A natural paradise nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia, the area is rich in recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Gathright Wildlife Management Area, Lake Moomaw, Douthat State Park and many clear mountain streams provide some of the best hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing in the eastern United States. The Humpback Bridge five acre State Wayside Park is a historical showplace in the community. Humpback is the only arched single span covered bridge in America and is a favorite place for picnicking and pictures. There are three local golf courses plus those at the two resorts which are internationally recognized. The YMCA is an integral part of recreation and wellness in the area.

The Alleghany Highlands is Virginia's Western Gateway with Interstate 64 providing direct access to the west and many major markets in the United States. Additionally, it connects Interstate 81 and Interstate 77 that are major north/south routes. U. S. Primary Routes 60 and 220 also cross the Highlands along with State primary Routes 18, 42, 159, and 311. CSX provides freight and piggyback services with offices in Clifton Forge and Covington. Passenger service is available via AMTRAK stopping in Clifton Forge. Air service is available via Greenbrier Valley Airport and Roanoke Regional Airport. Ingalls Field is in the Hot Springs area.

• Alleghany Living Magazine 2007-2008
• Employment, Labor Market Data, Education
• Census

The Alleghany Foundation was established in 1995 with $35 million in proceeds from the sale of Alleghany Regional Hospital. Since, the Foundation has awarded $26 million in grants in areas of healthcare, economic development, recreation, education, historic preservation, arts and humanities and social and community services.

The Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission makes additional demographics, maps, etc. available for the Alleghany Highlands and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Virginia Employment Commission for monthly employment statistics.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs. This is a dynamic organization that stimulates positive personal and societal changes, leading to more productive lives, families, farms and forests as well as a better environment.

Alleghany County real estate .66 per $100 assessed value; meals 4%; lodging 2%
City of Covington real estate .66 per $100 assessed value; meals 5%; lodging 2%
Town of Clifton Forge real estate .17 per $100 assessed value; meals 4%
Town of Iron Gate real estate .21 per $100 assessed value; meals 4%