Christiansburg, VA, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 23,348, Christiansburg is a sleepy Southern town struggling to keep up with the rapid growth around it. The local economy revolves around Virginia Tech, the state's largest employer, and the town has seen its fair share of devastating fires over the years. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's frequent boundary adjustments and annexations. But Christiansburg's picturesque Appalachian setting and role as the Montgomery County seat make it a draw for retirees and families seeking a slower pace of life.