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All About Blacksburg

Why Blacksburg?

Constantly Changing and Moving Forward

By Suzanne Jackson

My foremost thought when arriving in Blacksburg for the first time was, “How beautiful!” When deciding where to continue my education, I briefly visited Virginia and looked no further. Two years quickly turned into 28, and now every time I drive into Virginia from the south and see the blue hue of the mountains on the horizon, I get the same feeling. My heart swells even more when the autumn leaves turn vibrant colors. It’s almost too splendid for words.

Here, small town peacefulness borders the energy and excitement of a busy university.

I didn’t plan to make Blacksburg my home but I connected with the opportunities and the diverse lifestyle of the people. Building a life in this safe and secure community was not only possible but also desirable. Simply, most people seemed to enjoy and respect each other and it was great fun meeting such a varied group of them throughout town. Working with and knowing the same people for over 20 years at Virginia Tech has been, overall, pleasant and usually fun. Plus, the short commute can’t be overlooked.

In Blacksburg, I can choose whether I want to have a quiet afternoon in the outdoors or an entertaining evening in the downtown area. I can sit outside on a summer evening and watch the stars fill the sky and the lightning bugs twinkle in the pines. Here, small town peacefulness borders the energy and excitement of a busy university. There’s no lack of cultural or natural experiences, be they visiting the library, art shows, music events, plays, and movies; picnicking, camping, and hiking; or exploring parks, lakes, and the river.

My entire family has taken advantage of the endless opportunities here, especially in the arts. Blacksburg has provided my children with a challenging, quality education and many healthy extracurricular activities. This progressive town does the impossible by constantly changing and moving forward while maintaining the hometown atmosphere. Though originally from a big city, I learned to grow in the small town life unique to Blacksburg.