With annual shipments of more than 90 billion dollars, manufacturing is the major industry in Virginia. But increased productivity has enabled Virginia manufacturers to produce more goods with far fewer workers. Fortunately, other non-manufacturing industries have grown, and Virginia has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. This shift in the basic economic structure of Virginia offers many opportunities for the astute investor in both the industrial and commercial real estate markets.

Virginia has much to offer tourists within its triangular boundaries. From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west of Virginia across the Shenandoah Valley to Virginia Beach and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, there are countless historical and outdoor tourist attractions. Vacation homes, beach cottages, villas and condominiums, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, campgrounds and many other tourist-related real estate opportunities exist in Virginia.

High Income and Low Unemployment
Fairly densely populated, Virginia is only the 37th state in terms of land area but is 12th in population size. It has a residential ownership rate of nearly 69 percent, which is slightly higher than the national average. With per capita income that is higher than the national average, low unemployment and a high home ownership rate, Virginia has a healthy residential real estate market.

The percentage of multi-family housing units in Virginia is much lower than the national average. Nevertheless, this sector still accounts for over 20 percent of all housing units in the state. For investors in apartments and other rental properties, profitable investments can still be found.