MONTGOMERY COUNTY
County Offices
755 Roanoke Street
Christiansburg 540-382-5700
www.montva.com
Chamber of Commerce
103 Professional Park Drive
Blacksburg 540-552-2636
www.montgomerycc.org
Montgomery County is located in the southwestern part of Virginia in the region that is popularly known as the New River Valley. This area takes its name from the New River—the nation’s oldest and the world’s second oldest river—and includes the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and the City of Radford. Montgomery County stretches over 393 square miles, nestled in the broad, picturesque area between the Appalachian Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gently rolling hills contract with steep mountainous terrain for a backdrop of natural beauty.
Strategically situated along the Interstate 81 corridor, scenic Montgomery County encompasses two municipalities, Christiansburg and Blacksburg. The latter is the largest town in Virginia and home to Virginia Tech, one of the nation’s leading educational institutions and research universities. Christiansburg serves as the retail hub for New River Valley and the county seat.
Services
The excellent public school systems that serve Montgomery County communities are complemented by the presence of New River Community College with its particularly strong technical programs. The mid-’90s brought the $4 million New River Valley Regional Economic Development Center to the college campus, delivering the latest in technological advancements including video conferencing and fiber optic.
Virginia Tech, more formally known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, is the largest and most diverse of Virginia’s universities. Virginia Tech recently opened the Edward Via Virginia College for Osteopathic Medicine. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center is distinguished as the state’s largest research park, driving economic development through dynamic partnerships between Virginia Tech’s world-class research program and private enterprise. Radford University in Radford offers another choice in a four-year public university with degree programs in the arts and sciences, fine arts, business administration, music, nursing, and education.
State-of-the-art healthcare is available just minutes from home in Montgomery County, anchored by two regional hospitals. Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg is a 146-bed acute-care facility providing medical, surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, emergency, orthopaedic, and outpatient services. Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg is part of the Carilion Health network and offers advanced medical and behavioral health services to a regional population. The New River Valley Surgery Center is also located on the medical center’s campus. In addition to a Level III trauma center emergency department, the medical center offers women’s services, cardiac care, surgical specialties, an off-site sleep center, and rehabilitation therapies.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Montgomery County will find a rare blend of Virginia’s gracious hospitality and natural beauty in addition to a bustling economy. Opportunities for outdoor adventure are abundant in superb recreational sites like the Jefferson National Forest, the Gatewood Reservoir Recreation Area, the Appalachian Trail and the Cascades, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Picnicking, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing are common pastimes in this beautiful region. Claytor Lake State Park is ideally located off Interstate 81, offering 100 miles of shoreline as well as swimming, boat rentals, campsites, and scenic trails. Developed recreational facilities dot the county, complemented by organized activities and programs that include sports leagues for baseball, softball, basketball, and football.
The area’s rich history is well preserved in celebrated sites like the Smithfield Plantation, the Olde Newberne, Snowville, and Downtown Pulaski Historical Districts. Local shopping centers are enhanced by regional shopping malls that meet every retail need. The state’s largest university plays a vital role in the palpable energy that pervades the county, enhancing the local economy, bringing cultural enrichment, and attracting the brightest minds to the area. Highlights in this area include historic New River, the Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg, NRV Superbowl in Christiansburg, and the national football powerhouse of the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The home choices in Montgomery County are diverse, attractive, and affordable. Newcomers can choose from vibrant new suburbs and custom home developments to beautiful older homes in long-established neighborhoods or country manors and horse properties. With its growing economy and welcoming communities, Montgomery County is just beginning to hit its stride.
Blacksburg
Municipal Offices
540-961-1130
www.blacksburg.va.us
Chamber of Commerce
540-552-2636
www.montgomerycc.org
Famous as the home of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg is a thriving university town that Reader’s Digest named the “most wired town in the United States.” Newcomers will be delighted with the small-town flavor and the eclectic collection of boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants, and historic sites. Less than a mile from this quaint scene, high-tech industry continues to percolate and prosper at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the only university related research park and a model for similar programs across the nation. Blacksburg serves as the cultural center of Montgomery County, drawing residents and visitors to cultural events and colorful celebrations. Regional recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, camping, fishing, tennis, golf, swimming, water sports, and horseback riding.
Christiansburg
Municipal Offices
540-382-6128
www.christiansburg.org
Chamber of Commerce
540-552-2636
www.montgomerycc.org
One of Virginia’s more developed towns, Christiansburg serves as the seat of government for Montgomery County. This “home of heroes” claims among its visitors and residents such famous names as Davy Crockett, Booker T. Washington, Daniel Boone, Lewis & Clark, George Washington, and many other household names. The New River Valley Mall has spearheaded the community’s thriving local economy, joined by several shopping centers for a full spectrum of retail outlets and services. Many locally owned businesses add charm and a friendly atmosphere to the cityscape. Wonderful celebrations like the annual Wilderness Trail Festival combine with unique features like the Huckleberry Trail between Blacksburg and Christiansburg to fill leisure hours with quality activities. Residents appreciate the fact that they are never more than 10 minutes away from a bustling retail market or the beauty and solitude of nature.
Riner
County Offices
540-382-6954
www.montva.com
Chamber of Commerce
540-552-2636
www.montgomerycc.org
Nestled in the south-central section of the county, the Riner area has traditionally remained a sleepy agricultural community. Recent years have seen a transformation in the landscape, and this area now features a championship 18-hole golf course and beautiful new residential neighborhoods. Families are increasingly drawn to Riner for its attractive new housing opportunities and the reputation of the National School Blue Ribbon Auburn Elementary—only one of a handful of schools to garner that recognition in Virginia. Although this area remains primarily residential, the expanded amenities and attractions in nearby Christiansburg and Blacksburg add to the quality of life.
Shawsville, Elliston
County Offices
540-382-6954
www.montva.com
Chamber of Commerce
540-552-2636
www.montgomerycc.org
Situated in the northeastern corner of the county, the Shawsville and Elliston area is home to many historical sites. Two of the most famous are the Waldron Farm, an original dairy farm from the 1700s, and the 250-year-old Pappas home that once hosted George Washington and Lewis & Clark as guests. This quiet community is slowly expanding and maturing to include a thriving manufacturing sector anchored by Rowe Furniture in the industrial park. Residential and economic growth is reflected in the new high school that was recently built for area youth. The amenities and attractions in Christiansburg and Blacksburg add to the quality of life, providing opportunities for shopping, cultural events, and higher education close to home.
