Blacksburg 88 Exceptional
Blacksburg Livability #7 ranked city in Virginia#168 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Blacksburg

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

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

  • Commute 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 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 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 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 Nothing Found

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

What's it like Living in Blacksburg?

Located in the state of Virginia, Blacksburg is a medium-sized city with a population of 45,402 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Blacksburg is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The median age of all Blacksburg residents is 22, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Blacksburg, only 24% of the population is married. 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 town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Blacksburg, Virginia could be a fulfilling 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Blacksburg and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Blacksburg to Virginia and the national average.

Using data and statistics Blacksburg has received a livability score of 89/100. This score is ranked in the 99th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Blacksburg is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. The cherry on top is that Blacksburg also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Blacksburg ranks well for crime (A+) and education (A+).

Living in Blacksburg offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Blacksburg provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Blacksburg shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 77 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Blacksburg has an unemployment rate of 2.1% 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.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Blacksburg, the average school test scores reached an impressive 85%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Blacksburg an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Blacksburg is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Blacksburg come in at $566,254, which is 30.2% higher than the Virginia average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Blacksburg, the home price to income ratio is 9.3, which is 106.7% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Blacksburg

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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) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.