Two ways to work with us.

Every project starts with one of two people: a research buyer who needs the right participants, or a Virginia resident who wants to take part. Choose your path.

For research buyers

Recruiting, facilities, and moderated sessions across Virginia and nationwide.

Agencies, law firms, and brands come to us for high show rates, honest updates, and hard-to-reach audiences.

For participants

Share your opinion in paid studies. No sales, no politics, always confidential.

Join our participant list and we will email you when a study fits you, your family, or your friends.

About us

Local expertise. Regional reach.

Star City Research is formerly known as Martin Research, EST. 1970 in the Roanoke Valley and is a trusted name in the market research industry. We focus on the ever-changing market research trends and no topic is off-limits.

We recruit urban to rural in every region of Virginia, and run nationwide online or in-person research.

Northern Virginia skyline, Alexandria area, where Star City Research recruits participants
Northern Virginia
Alexandria and the D.C. suburbs
Roanoke, Virginia seen from the Mill Mountain Star at dusk, home of Star City Research
Roanoke / New River Valley
Southwest Virginia, our home since 1970
Virginia Beach Town Center, Eastern Virginia coastal region
Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads
Eastern Virginia and the coast
Richmond, Virginia, Central Virginia region
Central Virginia
Richmond and surrounding counties
Our focus and methodology

Recruiting and research for every format.

Seven formats, one standard: the right people, on time, well briefed.

Star City Research research method illustration

Focus group facilitation

We recruit respondents to participate in traditional conference-style focus groups to a more casual setting with living room style to bean bags for children.

Star City Research research method illustration

Mock trial recruiting

Star City Research has a team experienced in mock trials regarding a wide variety of cases, from a short 2-hour session to a 7-day session in a Federal Courthouse.

Star City Research research method illustration

Digital online focus groups & music tests

Our team is experienced with online focus groups using QualBoard and other platforms, as well as the newest trend in Online Music Test.

Star City Research research method illustration

Off-site survey intercept research

We have been intercepting the public for over 25 years to complete surveys in many different industries.

Star City Research research method illustration

IDIs, small groups & in-home studies

We have experience in recruiting smaller groups or individuals for any given topic, and we are tactful and discreet with delicate subjects.

Star City Research research method illustration

Usability research

Star City Research and our dedicated team have conducted hundreds of projects to help clients find out if the apps and sites they are building are user-friendly.

Star City Research research method illustration

Recruitment for mystery shops

We have experience with financial institutions, car dealerships, retail & convenience stores and many more.

For participants

Studies recruiting now.

Open studies for Virginia residents. Sign up for one that fits, or join our participant list and we will email you when the next one does.

[SAMPLE] Roanoke parents of teens, in-person focus group

Parents of 13 to 17 year olds for a 90-minute evening discussion in Roanoke.
October 14, 2026
Roanoke, VA
$125 for 90 minutes

[SAMPLE] Virginia voters, online session

Registered voters statewide for a 60-minute online group discussion.
October 21, 2026
Online (Zoom)
$100 for 60 minutes

[SAMPLE] Richmond grocery shoppers, in-person interviews

Primary household shoppers for 45-minute one-on-one interviews in Richmond.
November 3, 2026
Richmond, VA
$90 for 45 minutes
Partner facilities

Purpose-built facilities. Participant-focused sessions.

In-house in Roanoke, plus partner facilities in Northern, Eastern, and Central Virginia.

Partner focus group facility in Arlington, Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia

Arlington

Partner focus group facility in Arlington, serving Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. region.

Partner focus group facility in Virginia Beach, Eastern Virginia
Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads

Virginia Beach

Partner focus group facility in Virginia Beach, serving Eastern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Partner focus group facility in Richmond, Central Virginia
Central Virginia

Richmond

Partner focus group facility in Richmond, serving Central Virginia.

We match every project to the right facility for the audience and format. Tell us where you need to be.

Trusted by

Researchers. Brands. Decision makers.

Agencies, law firms, and brands have relied on our recruiting and facilities across Virginia and nationwide for more than fifty years, from 9th Seat and National Jury Project to Ipsos UU and Public Opinion Strategies.

9th Seat logo
Access Roanoke logo
Aeffect, Inc. logo
Davies+McKerr London logo
Eastcoast Research logo

What clients say

Let's uncover what matters.

Whether you need a single focus group or a multi-market program, tell us the audience, the place, and the timing. We will come back with a recruiting plan, a facility recommendation, and a quote, usually within one business day.

Studies

Get paid to share your opinion.

Star City Research is an independent marketing research firm established over 50 years ago in the Roanoke Valley. We appreciate all of our database participants and value your time and opinions. We do not promote or endorse any political candidate or political party, nor do we promote or sell any products or services. All studies are for research purposes only and your information is kept confidential.

Takes about three minutes. We never sell your information.