Virginia Tech - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Living in Blacksburg combines the convenience of being able to walk everywhere with the familiarity of knowing most of the shops and restaurants in town. The town’s size and location do leave some students feeling like they’re in the middle of nowhere. On the plus side, there is a downtown area that caters to college students’ tastes. Also, a variety of restaurants surround the campus, many of which are priced to fit a student budget. Students who come to Virginia Tech from big cities may miss the hustle and bustle. But again, many students enjoy living in a town that revolves around their university. Even the locals feel like Hokies—going to games, hanging VT banners in their windows, and going to school events. Blacksburg is mostly self-sufficient, with numerous grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and services. The town is also a 15-minute drive from Christiansburg, where students can find a Super Wal-Mart, Target, and a mall with a movie theater.

If you’re a nature lover, there’s plenty for you to do in and around Blacksburg. There are hiking trails, the New River, and campsites close by. Students who are less of the outdoors type can go downtown and find restaurants, movies, and bars. Though many students find the small town atmosphere and close-knit community enjoyable, there's a limit to how much a small town can offer. For some student, by their fourth year at Tech, they might be ready to get out of Blacksburg and see something new.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I love Blacksburg. It’s a little... I love Blacksburg. It’s a little town in the middle of the mountains. Only here can you go hiking on the Appalachian Trail or tubing in the New River during the day, then go dancing and bar hopping at night and still be close enough to walk home. Christiansburg is a nearby town that has any place for dining or shopping that is not available in quaint downtown Blacksburg. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Virginia Tech makes Blacksburg a... Virginia Tech makes Blacksburg a small town wearing a big town’s clothes. There are so many people going to Virginia Tech that on the way home, you might think you are in a New York City rush-hour traffic jam (if it wasn’t for the cow pastures). There are a few beautiful scenic locations near Blacksburg that are must-sees. The Cascades are beautiful in the summer and when they freeze over in the winter. Also, Tech campus is about 20 minutes away from a great place on the river to go tubing or climbing. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Blacksburg is laid-back, a small... Blacksburg is laid-back, a small town that enjoys its alcohol. Radford is sort of near by. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

There are nice town folk. They... There are nice town folk. They might strike you as rednecks or hicks, but they are nice people. Just don’t get caught up in the stereotypes. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

It’s a small town, which is good... It’s a small town, which is good or bad, depending on what you’re looking for. Lots of good hiking trails, flea markets, and bars. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Blacksburg:
• Around 40 percent of the land in Blacksburg is undeveloped. That means lots of open fields and clean air.
• The town has festivals downtown throughout the year, including Steppin’ Out, where local artisans and vendors sell their work, and the International Street Festival, where dozens of cultures share food and dance.
• Virginia Tech was listed by Outside magazine as a top 10 “dream town” for outdoors enthusiasts.
• Mountain Lake Hotel is a few miles down the road from Tech, and it is famous for being the setting of the film Dirty Dancing.
• Blacksburg has a farmers’ market twice a week. Local farmers bring fresh vegetables, fruit, and more.

Famous People from Blacksburg:
William Black – founder of Blacksburg

Local Slang:
Ya’ll – Two or more people
Poke – Bag
Tech, VT – Virginia Tech
NOVA – Northern Virginia

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