America's best places to live & visit: Top 10 college towns 2012

Blacksburg, VA, has one of the highest student to resident ratios in the country. There are nearly two students for every non-student. A cost of living that is about seven percent higher than the national average kept the city from being ranked higher on our list. While Blacksburg is a town that caters to students, it also offers much to families and recent graduates. And because fall is dominated by football, on Saturdays Blacksburg rocks when the Hokies play at home.

Downtown Blacksburg features more than 150 local restaurants, pubs, shops, galleries and boutiques. The city is located between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, both home to scenic drives, great hiking, camping and biking. The cost of living here is slightly higher than the national average, but the perks are well worth it.

City population (2010 Census): 42,620

Student population: 30,000

College(s): Virginia Tech

Don't miss: Lyric Theatre for movies, The Rivermill for drinks, Sycamore Deli for food