Blacksburg 89 Exceptional
Blacksburg Livability #6 ranked city in Virginia#115 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Blacksburg

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.

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What's it like Living in Blacksburg?

Located in the state of Virginia, Blacksburg is a medium-sized city with a population of 44,395 people. At 79%, the majority of the Blacksburg population is White; this is followed by 12% Asian and 4% Black. With an average age of 22 years old, Blacksburg could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. Blacksburg is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 24% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Blacksburg offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Blacksburg, Virginia could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Blacksburg, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, employment, housing and more.

With a livability score of 87 out of 100, Blacksburg is ranked #151 in the United States and #8 in Virginia. Based on this score, Blacksburg would be considered a very livable city! Blacksburg is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Blacksburg has higher than average rankings for the following: crime (A+) and education (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Blacksburg. The following was graded with a discouraging score: housing (F).

If you're living in Blacksburg, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Blacksburg an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 44 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Blacksburg boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Blacksburg has an unemployment rate of 1.96% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Blacksburg have an average test score of 85%, which is well above the US average.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Blacksburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Blacksburg are affordable. The median home price for Blacksburg homes is $309,800, which is 24.7% higher than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Blacksburg, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 7.4, which is 94.7% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Blacksburg

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Compare Blacksburg, VA Livability

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      Blacksburg transportation information

      Statistic Blacksburg Virginia National
      Average one way commute14min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work58.8%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.3%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.1%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.4%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk12.6%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home9.8%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Blacksburg, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).