Stroubles Ridge: New NRHT Community Springs to Life in Blacksburg
Stroubles Ridge: New NRHT Community Springs to Life in Blacksburg
In April 2024, Community Housing Partners (CHP) broke ground on Stroubles Ridge, a new neighborhood in Blacksburg that will bring 70 sustainably built homes—both single-family and duplexes—to the New River Valley.
A New Community That Lasts
Location: 24-acre site off Merrimac Road in Blacksburg
Size: Up to 70 homes (46 lots in phase one; 20 units to be completed first)
Pricing: Designed for households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
All Stroubles Ridge homes will meet or exceed EarthCraft green building standards, ensuring they’re energy-efficient and built to last.
Permanently Affordable Through NRHT
Stroubles Ridge will be added to the New River Home Trust, CHP’s community land trust. Each home is sold to the buyer while the land remains with NRHT under a long-term ground lease—keeping homes affordable permanently.
Jake Powell, CHP Director of Homeownership, shared:
“By converting all homes into New River Home Trust units, we’re not just building houses. We’re building a neighborhood where residents can invest in their future and feel a sense of belonging.”
A True Community Effort
The project is made possible through coordinated efforts:
Town of Blacksburg and Montgomery County adjusted the town boundary and provided $2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Additional support comes from HUD’s HOME program, ARPA, New Market Tax Credits, and more.
This collaborative funding approach ensures the first phase can proceed, with full development funded over several years.
Why It Matters
Stroubles Ridge represents a bold step toward:
Building affordable homes for teachers, healthcare workers, police officers, and other essential community members
Reducing housing pressure in Blacksburg as home prices continue to rise
Maintaining affordability long-term through NRHT’s land lease structure
Meeting sustainability goals with energy-efficient, green-built homes
Local studies show that more housing options are needed for households earning less than $63,000 (for a family of four)—making this project essential to community stability.
What’s Next
Phase One: Infrastructure (roads, utilities) already underway. First homes expected by 2026
Future Phases: Rollout of all 46 lots (70 units) across several years, as funding and development progress.
Stay Informed: Learn about eligibility, application periods, and open-house events by keeping an eye on the NRHT website.
Tapping into public investment and community partnerships, Stroubles Ridge is more than a new subdivision—it’s a model for sustainable, affordable, and equitable homeownership in the New River Valley. With the help of NRHT, this is a place where community members can plant roots and enjoy a lifetime of benefit.
Want to learn more or check your eligibility?
Visit our Find a Home section or start the Get Started process today to explore upcoming opportunities at Stroubles Ridge and other NRHT communities.
