The area to the east of Stroubles Mill is a mixed planned development that includes areas of high, medium, and low density residential and a small commercial node to serve area residents. The Stroubles Creek greenway is integrated into the development and acts as a natural buffer between different residential densities. Virginia Tech-owned agricultural areas are open and used for the raising of livestock and agricultural research. Development in surrounding areas in Montgomery County is coordinated with the development pattern in the Town. Scenic views of Price's and Brush Mountains are enjoyed by Hethwood residents.
Tree cover remains and the only development consists of scattered residential units on large lots.
Three commercial nodes exist, one at the interchange of Price's Fork Road and the 460 Bypass, one at the intersection of Price's Fork Road and Hethwood Boulevard, and a small node at the intersection of Tall Oaks Drive and Southgate Drive. The node at Prices Fork Road and Hethwood Boulevard provides uses to serve the whole Hethwood sector. Businesses include a grocery store, drug store, a restaurant, and smaller specialty shops and businesses providing personal services for area residents. The node located at the intersection of Tall Oaks Drive and Southgate Drive consists of a small neighborhood convenience center, designed to fit in with the residential character of the area and serve residents of the immediate area. An off-road trail system links all residential developments, commercial nodes, greenway areas and the Virginia Tech campus.