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Discover the Virginia Tech Community

In 1872, the Virginia General Assembly purchased a small Methodist school in Montgomery County. That body added a 40-acre parcel to the property with a $21, 250 grant with the intent to create a military institute that they called Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. The military aspect of the college was to become a controversial element that kept the school embroiled in political turmoil for many years. During the tenure of VPI President T. Marshall Hahn, from 1962 to 1974, the institute experienced many changes including the departure from mandatory participation in the Corps of Cadets for men and open eligibility to participate to women. In 1970, the school was elevated to university status and received a new name, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or Virginia Tech. Hahn's policy changes were responsible for tremendous student body growth, increasing by about 1,000 students per year. The reputation and prestige also grew, elevating the level of applicant. The typical freshman student now enters with a GPA of 4.0 and an SAT score of 1250 out of a possible 1600. Virginia Tech now offers 116 bachelor's degree programs and 160 graduate programs. TheU.S. News & World Report ranked Virginia Tech 27th public colleges in its 2015 Best Colleges list.

The Key Features of Virginia Tech

Shopping and Dining

The community of Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, is part of the broader metropolitan statistical area that includes Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Radford. In Blacksburg alone you will find more than 200 businesses to support your shopping and dining needs. The downtown area borders Virginia Tech to the east. There you will find unique retailers like310 Rosemont, Alligator Alley, Campus Emporium and Fringe Benefit. If you prefer shopping in malls, the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg offers some of your favorite retailers like Charlotte Russe, Christopher and Banks, JC Penney and the Children's Place. Locally grown produce is readily available thanks to the Blacksburg Farmer's Market. 

Dozens of great restaurants surround the Virginia Tech community. Some of the most highly rated restaurants in a college town are often the ones with the lowest priced menus or the loudest bars. Fortunately, Blacksburg offers plenty of fine dining as well as the casual spots you would expect to find. The Black Hen and Bar Blue, for example, serves outstanding Duroc pork chops with mushrooms, potatoes and a delicate Dijon mustard leek sauce. The Blackstone Grill continuously garners new titles like best fine dining and best romantic dinner. When you are in the mood for a gastro pub, try the Blacksburg Taphouse serving delicious burgers with ice-cold beers on tap.

Parks and Recreation

Natural beauty surrounds the area, making it the perfect place for strolling in the peaceful countryside or challenging yourself physically on the mountain biking trails of the Jefferson National Forest. The town of Blacksburg maintains more than 20 parks with varying facilities. Within the 500 acres, you will find the Blacksburg Aquatic Center, Crestview Tot Lot, a challenging skate park and much more.

Golfers have many choices from a quick nine holes at the Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course to the privacy of the prestigiousBlacksburg Country Club. Other golf courses include Auburn Hills, Meadows and Virginia Tech, another 9-hole course. The community loves its festivals, hosting at least ten annually and giving residents plenty of opportunity to meet their neighbors in a fun-filled atmosphere. You can sample the wares of local vendors at the Blacksburg Brew Do, Breakfast at the Market and Blacksburg Fork and Cork. You can enjoy a little bit of culture at Art at the Market, Summer Arts Festival and Movies on the Lawn. Other festivals include Steppin' Out, YMCA Crafts Fair, International Street Fair and Summer Solstice.

The Virginia Tech Lifestyle

The community surrounding Virginia Tech is in the heart of a plateau between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains. About 43,000 people live in the vibrant community of Blacksburg. Residents can enjoy the best of two worlds, from the quiet countryside to the cultural advantages of the number one research institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The university provides multiple venues for music, the dramatic arts, lectures and sporting events. The Virginia Tech Hokies offer sports lovers exciting football, basketball, baseball and 16 other varsity sports in the NCAA Division One Atlantic Coast Conference.

The estimated median household income in 2012 was $28,056 compared to $61,741 statewide. The median resident age is only 21.9 years, compared to 35.1 years for Virginia overall. The 31,000 students at Virginia Tech. skew these numbers. In 2012, the median home value was $247,066. Real estate in the area ranges in price from the estimated median household income in 2012 was $28,056 compared to $61,741 statewide. The median resident age is only 21.9 years, compared to 35.1 years for Virginia overall. In 2012, the median home value was $247,066. Home prices start at about $85,000 and goes up to about $940,000. The median price is roughly $238,000. A profile of such a home would be a four-bedroom, 3 bath traditional home of about 2,200 square feet. Architectural details might include a great room with vaulted ceiling, finished basement, garage and a deck. Landscaping would typically include mature trees and lush, green lawns.

Selling Your Virginia Tech Home?

We can help with that! Give us a call today, or use the form below to request a complimentary home evaluation to determine what your home is worth.

School Districts

Seven public schools in the Montgomery County Public School System serve Blacksburg. Newsweek Magazine ranked Blacksburg High School in the top five percent of the national's schools in 2003, 2008 and 2009.

  • Blacksburg High School 
  • Blacksburg Middle School 
  • Gilbert Linkous Elementary 
  • Harding Avenue Elementary  
  • Kipps Elementary 
  • Margaret Beeks Elementary 
  • Prices Fork Elementary

Health and Transportation

LewisGale Hospital Montgomery serves the greater Virginia Tech community with a 146-bed facility specializing in heart and vascular care. It offers orthopedic and spine injury care, heartburn treatments and maternity services.

The US-460 links Blacksburg to the rest of the world. Blacksburg Transit provides public transportation. The Roanoke-Blacksford Regional Airport, Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport and New River Valley airports serve the regions. International service is available via Richmond International and Charlotte Douglas airports, which are a few hours' drive away.

Find Your Dream Home Near Virginia Tech

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (540) 320-1328 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.