If you live in or around the Roanoke region, you know what a great place this is to live. And now, the latest edition of Southern Business & Developmentmagazine has something to add.

The Roanoke region and its close neighbors were named several times on the magazine's list, The Best of Economic Development in the American South(PDF). It sure is nice to get some help spreading the word about all the things we have to offer here.

The Southern Economic Development Roundtable, a group of economic developers, educators, economists, site consultants and CEOs from across the South, voted on 60 categories. The magazine reported the top three vote-getters in each category (listed alphabetically; more than three means there was a tie), followed by a list of others who got votes. Here are some highlights:

The South's Best Economic Development Assets

• Aggressive incentive programs

• Low cost of living

• Low operating costs

• Large population

Also receiving votes: Available land; business climate; favorable business regulations; low energy costs; low taxes; Mississippi River; port system; right to work; navigable river system; Southern airports; U.S. military; weather; work ethic; workforce; workforce development programs.

Best Mid-Markets in the South to Relocate Your Headquarters

• Asheville, N.C.

• Cape Coral/Fort Myers, Fla.

• Sarasota/Bradenton, Fla.

Also receiving votes: Charleston/North Charleston, S.C.; Durham/Chapel Hill, N.C.; Lexington, Ky.; Roanoke, Va.; Savannah, Ga.

Best-Kept Secrets for Great Quality of Life in the South: Mid-Markets

• Augusta, Ga.

• Columbia, S.C.

• Little Rock, Ark.

• Roanoke, Va.

Also receiving votes: Gainesville, Fla.; Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, Ark.; Lafayette, La.; Lexington, Ky.; Winston-Salem, N.C.

Best Data Center Locations in the Southeast

• Catawba County, N.C.

• Loudoun County, Va.

• Mecklenburg County, Va.

Also receiving votes: Cleveland County, N.C.; Eden, N.C.; Harrisonburg, Va.; Henrico County, Va.; Roanoke County, Va.

Best Cities and Counties in the Southeast for the Creative Class

• Asheville, N.C.

• Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, N.C.

• Roanoke, Va.

• Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia

Also receiving votes: Charleston/North Charleston, S.C.; Greenville, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.

Best Mid-Markets in the Southeast for the Automotive Industry

• Asheville, N.C.

• Charleston, S.C.

• Columbia, S.C.

• Roanoke, Va.

Also receiving votes: Columbus, Ga.; Durham, N.C.; Savannah, Ga.

Best Locations in the South to Reshore a Furniture Manufacturing Facility

• Catawba County, N.C.

• Greensboro/WinstonSalem/High Point, N.C.

• Martinsville/Henry County, Va.

• Tri-Cities, Tenn.

• Tupelo, Miss.

Also receiving votes: Danville, Va.; Keysville, Va.; Roanoke, Va.

You really should check out the entire list and look at all the surrounding areas that were recognized as well.

A high quality of life and a great place to do business -- that's the Roanoke Valley. Just a couple of the reasons why I love selling my hometown.

Contact me anytime at (540) 793-0442 or rpayne@mkbrealtors.com to discuss housing options in our region. I'm certified in relocation housing and would be happy to guide you through that process. Take a look at my listings here and like my page on Facebook.