Population: 39,915
15-year population growth: 14.2%
Median home price: $233,400
Home price 2-year forecast: 1.1%
The town's population has exploded over the last 40 years, from 9,000 people in 1970 to nearly 40,000 today. And for good reason. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, better known to Michael Vick fans as Virginia Tech, is now officially part of Blacksburg and counts towards its population total. In addition to being right in the thick of a vibrant college community, there's also plenty of scenic beauty to be found. 
