No. 1 again: Blacksburg recognized among 'Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family'

For the second time in as many years, Blacksburg has been named the most family-friendly community in the country, strengthening Virginia Tech's ability to consistently attract and retain high-caliber faculty and staff.

"The quality of life in Blacksburg and the New River Valley is exceptional,” said Hal Irvin, associate vice president of Human Resources. "We live and work in a welcoming community with great schools and so many family-friendly things to do. Fulfilling work, easy living, great colleagues, friendly neighbors -- no wonder our new employees tell us how happy their families are here."

The September 2012 recognition by www.homes.com, a real estate site, ranked Blacksburg No. 1 on its “Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family” listing, citing the presence of Virginia Tech and numerous economic opportunities as reasons for the top designation.

Last year, Bloomberg's Businessweek ranked Blacksburg as the “Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids.” Educational and economic information, crime rates, amenities, air quality, and diversity were factors considered in the nationwide ranking.

In May, the “Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford” area made Forbes’ list of the best small cities to find employment. The list was developed using statistical data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“From the fairs, the festivals that Virginia Tech hosts to the football games, you see a sense of community here that’s hard to find,” said Captain Vince Houston, of the Virginia Tech Police Department.

Virginia Tech is a family-friendly employer, enhancing the work-life experience of its employees through the Hokie Wellness program, which provides programming and information to boost employee health, well-being, and productivity.

“The greatest part about this community is the different kinds of people that make it up,” said Sarah Meade Worley, Math Emporium supervisor. “You have the college students, but you also have farmers and just regular everyday people that share in our university’s passions.”

The university consistently ranks among the best colleges and universities in the nation when it comes to the academic and dining programs as well. And, in September 2012, the university was named to list of top military-friendly schools. In 2011, Southern Living listed Blacksburg among its Best College Towns in the South and, for the last three years, Virginia Tech has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA from the Arbor Day Foundation for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship.