Neighborhoods

While many first-year students live in dormitories on Virginia Tech's campus, most upperclassmen decide to move off campus into homes and apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. This is usually a more economical option for students.

The neighborhoods most populated by Virginia Tech students include Downtown Eastside, which is home to a bustling N. Main Street, Bennett Hill-Progress, McBryde, Mountain View, and Houston Harrett. These neighborhoods are mostly residential and have a suburban atmosphere about them with tree-lined streets.

Many students live within the following boundaries: Patrick Henry Drive south to Southgate Drive and Route 460 east to N. Main Street.

There are many property options for students to choose from when moving off campus at Virginia Tech including privately owned apartments and houses and complexes. Each property has its own features and amenities that students will appreciate while attending Virginia Tech. However, students should find the property that fits their needs best after thorough research and apartment tours.

Some of the most popular properties amongst students include The Edge, Smiths Landing, Foxridge, Sturbridge Square, Maple Ridge, and The Village.

Most properties do offer parking for residents or have street parking.

Virginia Tech helps students who are looking to move off campus and provides resources and recommendations to students who ask.

Dining

There are numerous restaurants around Virginia Tech's campus, perfect for those living off campus. Along University City Boulevard are restaurants such as Marado's, Firehouse Subs, and Marco and Luca's. For a quick bite, students can go to Chipotle or Hardee's and Starbucks for a coffee.

Along N. Main Street are restaurants like Joe's Diner, Cabo Fish Taco, BB Cup, Mellow Mushroom, and Benny Marzano's. Students have a great variety of food to choose from while living off campus at Virginia Tech.

Blacksburg has plenty of college bars that Virginia Tech students enjoy going to, especially to watch the games. These include Hokie House Sports Bar, the Cellar, Big Ale Sports Bar, Rivermill, and Top of the Stairs.

Transportation

While Virginia Tech does not have its own transportation system, the Blacksburg Transit system is free for students to use and has multiple routes in the local area.

The Smart Way Express, which is powered by Valley Metro is a quick and easy route that connects Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus to the Roanoke campus.

The Virginia Breeze service is an intercity bus and has a stop at Washington D.C.'s Union Station for students who need to travel outside of the area.

ZipCar is also available on campus for students who wish to rent a car and have the freedom to travel wherever they please.

Lastly, there is a nearby Amtrak stop where students can take the train to major destinations as needed.

Parking

Parking permits are available to both Virginia Tech students who live on and off campus. These permits can be daily, monthly, annual, per semester, or quarter. There are multiple lots available for students. However, a parking permit does not guarantee a parking spot as they are first come, first serve.

Permit rates change each year so students should check the school's website for updated information and prices.

Safety

Virginia Tech takes pride in the safety measures it takes to ensure its students are well cared for and protected. With their own police department, Virginia Tech has implemented numerous programs to keep their students safe.

Blue emergency lights are located throughout campus so students can get in contact with the authorities in a matter of seconds in an emergency.

A notification system is in place to alert students of any threats or emergencies that are happening on or around campus. These notifications are sent out through various mediums including emails and text messages.

Overall, the campus of Virginia Tech is considered safe. The surrounding neighborhoods in Blacksburg are also considered very safe to live and walk around.

Shopping

There are a couple of shopping areas in Blacksburg including the University Mall Shopping Center and the Gables Shopping Center.

As for supermarkets, there are multiple Kroger's in the area and a Food Lion. An Oasis World Market can be found downtown for the most exotic ingredients students may need for their off-campus cooking.