www.nestrealty.... Widely considered to be the hub of the New River Valley, Blacksburg is approximately 20 square miles and is packed with a combination of beauty, charm, and culture. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) serves as the area's largest employer, and continues to be the cultural centerpiece of Blacksburg. With over 30,000 full-time students, the population of Blacksburg almost doubles during the school year. But along with the students, Virginia Tech brings top notch athletics and one of the nation's leading research institutions to Blacksburg. However the charm of Blacksburg doesn't lie solely with the university. The Town is filled with countless cultural, artistic and creative opportunities. In recent years, the arts and culture scene has flourished with venues like the Lyric Theatre, the Armory Art Gallery, and the $89 million dollar Center for the Arts (scheduled to open in 2013). Outdoor lovers are also at home in Blacksburg. Whether hiking on the Huckleberry Trail, the exploring the nearby Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, or fishing in the New River, there are endless outdoor activities throughout the year. Blacksburg residents enjoy the convenience of shopping and dining in the revitalized Downtown. Downtown Blacksburg offers a fantastic destination for townspeople, students, and visitors alike. While development continues in Blacksburg, the Town continues to keep it's small-town charm. Blacksburg real estate options offers a large variety of housing options. There are many neighborhoods and subdivisions - some with community amenities and some even within walking distance to Downtown and Virginia Tech. If you are looking for a little more privacy, then there are options a little bit outside of Blacksburg Town limits that will allow you to have some land, but still be near Downtown Blacksburg.