Blacksburg, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Blacksburg, VA: What You Need to Know

Blacksburg is a town in the beautiful Blue Ridge Highlands in Southwest Virginia. It’s famous for being the home of Virginia Tech.

The Local History

Samuel Black bought 600 acres of land in the area for his sons William and John. William laid out a grid of 16 blocks on his land, and in 1798, the town was officially established. He signed over the deed to the town trustees, which named it Blacksburg in his honor. In 1872, the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College opened its doors. Later it became Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech for short).

Things to Do in Blacksburg

Virginia Tech is a top destination not just for education but also for its Moss Arts Center, a venue for opera, ballet, and other performances and art exhibitions. While on campus, visit the Hahn Horticulture Garden, about six acres of teaching and display gardens. 

Wine connoisseurs will love the Beliveau Estate Winery, located on a 165-acre property. Try the company’s award-winning wines and enjoy gorgeous mountain views and on-site hiking trails.

The Cost of Living in Blacksburg

Blacksburg is an affordable college town (population: 44,233) with a cost of living rate that’s 6% lower than the national average. Food and housing costs are similarly reasonable – 27.4% and 10.8% lower than the national average respectively. Virginia levies 2% to 5.75% in income tax, but it doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Sales tax ranges from 5.3% to 7%. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

The town’s picturesque surroundings, great public schools, and affordability are among its biggest draw. The majority of residents are renters. If you find the university hubbub overwhelming, the suburbs of Christiansburg and Prices Fork are just a hop and skip away, plus they have top-ranked public schools. If you’re going to rent, you’ll feel at home in Prices Fork where almost 50% of residents also rent. 

Schools and Higher Education

There are 61 colleges within 100 miles of Blacksburg, including Virginia Tech (34,683 students), a highly ranked research university. It offers 110 undergraduate majors and 170 doctoral and master’s programs. Blacksburg has seven public schools with 4,155 students. The city’s public schools have an average math proficiency score of 80% versus Virginia’s average of 72%, and a reading proficiency score of 86% compared with the 80% statewide average.