Blacksburg vs. Christiansburg - relocating (Roanoke, Salem: apartment complexes, homes, neighborhoods)

[New to VA]

Hello! My husband and I may be relocating to Virginia soon, and I was wondering if it would be better to live in Blacksburg or Christiansburg? He would be working in Blacksburg, and I would figure out work once we get there. (Anyone know how many law firms are in these areas? Currently a litigation paralegal.) Anyway, we are both in our 30s, and while we don't currently have kids, we plan to have some in the not so distant future, so schools are definitely important. Are there any family friendly neighborhoods in Blacksburg, or is it pretty much all students? We are looking to avoid living near students due to what I imagine would be a relatively high noise level. The research I've done so far seems to suggest that the elementary schools and middle school are better in Blacksburg…but I'm hoping to get the opinion of some local people if at all possible.

Thanks so much for your time!

[roanoker 4]

Montgomery County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state, due to Va Techs' continuing expansion and the Corporate Research Park. The town of Blacksburg is known for its excellent schools and multi cultural community. With a student body of over 30, 000 it has many students. Christiansburg is more of a typical small friendly town with chain stores, restaurants, a big Mall and many family oriented housing areas. Whichever area you pick it is still a rather compact little area in a generally rural outdoor type area. Basically there are two adjacent valleys here, the New River Valley which includes Blacksburg, Cburg, Radford and the Roanoke Valley which is more urban. The 2 valleys have a population of 500, 000 people.
Salem City in western Roanoke county is a short drive of around 25 minutes to Bburg and 20 minutes to downtown Roanoke.
Salem has excellent schools and it is a desired area to both valleys. Many people commute to Bburg from Salem and vice versa. There are lots of law firms here also. Good luck in your search!

[DIYMama]

Originally Posted by New to VA

Hello! My husband and I may be relocating to Virginia soon, and I was wondering if it would be better to live in Blacksburg or Christiansburg? He would be working in Blacksburg, and I would figure out work once we get there. (Anyone know how many law firms are in these areas? Currently a litigation paralegal.) Anyway, we are both in our 30s, and while we don't currently have kids, we plan to have some in the not so distant future, so schools are definitely important. Are there any family friendly neighborhoods in Blacksburg, or is it pretty much all students? We are looking to avoid living near students due to what I imagine would be a relatively high noise level. The research I've done so far seems to suggest that the elementary schools and middle school are better in Blacksburg…but I'm hoping to get the opinion of some local people if at all possible.

My family (husband, two small children) has lived in Bburg for the past 2 years, and lived in Cburg for 6 months before that. The two towns are very, very close in proximity to each other, but do have different cultures.

Blacksburg (The Burg) is an interesting college town because there is no one student housing area. There are a few main apartment complexes north of campus and to the west, but they are all contained and are typically not so close to single-family homes that noise would be an issue. Housing is usually more expensive here than Cburg. The newer homes are usually $250-$400K. There are plenty of older brick, ranch homes that are below that range.

Blacksburg is very much the quintessential small town. Main street, seeing people you know at the grocery store, etc. There are no big box shopping plazas here - buying local is encouraged. The farmer's market is very popular.

Traffic can be annoying when the students are in session - but really *nothing* compared to a large city. My current commute is 5-7 minutes (when students aren't in session, it is 3 minutes!)

The town does a lot of family-friendly events - a summer arts series, Steppin' Out is a two-day street festival, parades, etc. The mayor is accessible and is seen frequently. Virginia Tech offers a variety of community events, including a new arts center, speakers/events/concerts, and community days (like from the Vet Med Center).

Rainbow Riders is the best preschool in town - if you are not affiliated with Tech, then you need to get your name on the list when you become pregnant. One person I know waited 5 years for her daughter to attend. My child attends Kipps Elementary for kindergarten - we are satisifed with her education, her teachers, and their attention. So far, they are not a "homework" school. My daughter comes homes with drawings and art projects and has had field trips.

There are nice parks, an OK community center.

Christiansburg
This is where all the big box stores and restaurants and the (small) mall are located. Housing is usually cheaper here than in Bburg. There seems to be more new construction - there are plenty of homes in the $175-$225 range. We toured the elementary schools in Cburg before we moved to Bburg and I was satisfied with them.

There is a great aquatic center (you can be a member if you live in Bburg, just pay a bit more I believe), festivals and community events.

A commute from Bburg to Cburg would be about 10-15 minutes.

From my understanding, Cburg residents don't really come to Bburg except for work. Bburg residents go to Cburg for the food/shopping.

I don't know much about the law firms. Sorry.

Quick notes to living here:
- Blacksburg food options are not very expansive. Bburg consists of mostly bar food.
- Kroger is the main grocer and it is more expensive than our bills in our home state were.
- Gas is usually pretty cheap here.
- The diversity is not strong in this area in general. There is a strong international diversity component, but not much else.
- Bburg appeals to me because the people are friendly, tolerant, and value education. People have their views but do not try to push them on anyone else. Everyone I have met have been very respectful.

Other places to investigate living might be Radford, Pulaski, Pearisburg. I know a few people that live in Roanoke/Salem and who commute (about 30-45 minutes).

[New to VA]

Thank y'all so much! I really appreciate the advice, as I was a bit overwhelmed by the thought of choosing an area to live when I've never seen either of them in person

[Mount of Counti Christo]

Some interesting insight can sometimes be found here:

new river valley rants & raves classifieds - craigslist