There are alot more six figure income folks coming in from DMV and other metropolitan areas, they have the disposal income, and while the price of housing is high for the locals, the new growth folks can just write a check. College towns are the new thing for folks retiring. Also, students have more disposal income, Also, "university towns are hot. (Cville, Chapel Hill even Oxford, Auburn all have the same vibe and attracting new economy. In Richmond VCU has invested in real estate in the Fan and have driven increased housing and at a higher amount and at the same time really transformed the area. You can see it with the new baseball stadium and mixed use housing entertainment venue, and VCU sports complex all included in Scot's addition. My take is if iowa city or Green Bay can invest in this, there is no reason VT can't either. THere are affordable hosuing options in not only blacksburg, but Christianburg or pulaski