Larry South, town manager of Hillsville, VA., for a lucky 13 years, thinks he's living in the best of places.

"Hillsville is a friendly, peaceful village where we can live on 10 acres, blocks from downtown, but we're only an hour away from Winston-Salem, Roanoke, and other cities," says South. "We have a state and federally recognized historic district, and we're in the second phase of improving our downtown."

Hillsville is a mountain town a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but folks here dance to beach music by the Embers and others at outdoor concerts. (Anderson & Associates even sponsored one.) The Farmer's Market just off I-77, the Hillsville Labor Day Gun Show and Flea Market, and Crooked Road Music Trail attractions are the town's big draws, says South, who is also president of the Blue Ridge Travel Association.

"Our permanent resident base is also growing - there have been more building permits in 2005 and 2006 than any time since I've been here, " he says.

While other villages near the Blue Ridge Parkway have seen land prices soar within the last decade as urban dwellers build second homes or retire in the country. Hillsville is only beginning to see an increase.

The 2,800-population town is preparing to accommodate growth; A&A has been involved in a water system improvement project that will provide U.S. 52 South with increased pressure and enough water flow to fight fires. The town has also been upgrading its GIS services to include accurate maps of zoning, utility lines, and tax parcels. All of this information can be accessed online (http://arcims2.webgis.net/Hillsville/default.asp) which makes it easier for prospective buyers, real estate agents, and lawyers to get the information they need.

South, who has been county manager for two North Carolina counties, especially appreciates the nonpartisan nature of town leadership. "My town council members are business owners or retired professionals. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable, and interested in the long-term picture," he says.