COMMUNITY ACCOLADES

COMMUNITY ACCOLADES People from all over gathered in September for the Kiwanis Wilderness Trail Festival in downtown Christiansburg Image Credit: Downtown Christiansburg Inc.

#1 Top State for Higher Education, SmartAsset Based on five metrics, including student-faculty ratios, average net price, graduation rate, in-state attendance rate, and the 20-year return on investment, Virginia ranked as the No. 1 Top State for Higher Education in the United States.

#2 Best City to Live in Virginia, CreditDonkey Christiansburg was ranked as the No. 2 Best City (or Town) to Live in Virginia in 2019. Low crime rate and short commute time were two key factors that propelled Christiansburg to the No. 2 spot.

Top 3 in Virginia Aerospace Industry, Southern Business & Development Montgomery County ranked in the Top 3 for Best Place in Western Virginia for Aerospace Companies, and Virginia Tech ranked in the Top 3 for Best College in Virginia for Aerospace Workforce Training.

#4 Safest City in Virginia, SafeWise Blacksburg ranked as the #4 Safest City (or Town) in Virginia based on low violent crime rates and low property crime rates within the town.

#13 Best College Town to Start a Career, Business Insider Blacksburg ranked as the #13 Best College Town in America to Start a Career in 2019. Metrics such as similar state of life population, job market, climate, culture, city infrastructure, and finance were all considered in this ranking.

Outstanding Transit System, American Public Transportation Association Blacksburg Transit earned a 2019 Outstanding Transit System Award for North America. Blacksburg Transit provides public transportation to Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff, along with Blacksburg citizens and partnering communities within the New River Valley.