New Resident Guide
Everything you need to know when moving to Radford, Virginia — from setting up utilities to registering to vote.
Setting Up Utilities
Radford is served by its own municipal electric utility and city water/sewer. To start service, contact the Utility Billing Office.
Electric
Radford Electric Department (municipal utility). Deposit: $200.
Outages: 540-731-3641 (business hours) · 540-432-3945 (after hours)
Water & Sewer
City of Radford water (sourced from the New River below Claytor Lake). Deposit: $50.
Trash & Recycling
Curbside pickup included with city utilities. Place trash at the curb by 7:30 AM on your collection day.
Drop Center: 1800 Park Road — Mon/Tue/Thu 7:30AM–5:30PM, Fri/Sat 7:30AM–3:30PM
Internet & Cable
Providers include Shentel (cable/fiber), T-Mobile Home Internet, Starlink, EarthLink, and HughesNet.
Steps to Start Service
- Fill out the utility application (available at City Hall or by mail — not available online)
- Provide a copy of your driver's license (email to [email protected], fax to 540-731-3689, or drop off)
- Pay deposits: $200 for electric, $50 for water (or provide a letter of credit from a previous utility)
Voter Registration
Virginia residents can register to vote online, at the DMV, by mail, or in person at the Radford City Office of Elections.
Online
Via the Virginia Department of Elections website — requires your VA DMV customer number
At the DMV
Register when getting or renewing your driver's license
In Person
619 Second St, Room 143 · Mon–Fri 8:30AM–4:30PM
Deadline
Register at least 11 days before a general or primary election
Contact: Radford City Office of Elections · 540-731-3639
DMV & Vehicle Registration
New residents should update their address and "garage jurisdiction" with the Virginia DMV to show Radford City as soon as possible. You\'ll also want to notify the Commissioner of the Revenue about your address change.
When You Move to Radford
- • Update your address with Virginia DMV (online at dmv.virginia.gov)
- • Change your garage jurisdiction to Radford City
- • Notify the Commissioner of the Revenue (540-731-3610)
- • Register your vehicle with Radford City for personal property tax
Good to Know
Population
~16,700 residents. Radford is an independent city in the New River Valley.
Government
Council-manager form — a mayor and four council members plus a hired city manager.
University Town
Home to Radford University (~7,000 students). Expect campus events, game-day traffic, and a vibrant downtown.
The New River
One of the oldest rivers in North America flows right through town — great for fishing, kayaking, and floating.
Transit
Radford Transit (RT) is fare-free. Connects to Blacksburg Transit, Smart Way, and Virginia Breeze to D.C.
Helpful Contacts
City Hall: 540-731-3603 · Police (non-emergency): 540-731-3624 · Fire/EMS: 540-731-3637