Because of the large number of students (partly due to the American University in the city), its cross-road location, nature and number of social factors, the city has relatively well developed economy. There are many clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants. Large numbers of unskilled labor is employed in construction companies and clothing shops.
Building
The town is very attractive to investors, both foreign and native - no coincidence that Blagoevgrad is the third largest city by number of building permits. Blagoevgrad is growing and may absorb Elenovo and Strumsko. Recently there was a major overhaul of the city park and a new bridge was built. Now completed, the Sergiyniya Market is a modern shopping center.
Currently the city has 6 hypermarkets: Metro, Technopolis, Technomarket Europe, Mr. Bricolage, Billa, and Kaufland,.
Sports
Generally, sports are well developed, but the town's traditionally strong sports, handball and basketball, have been in financial crisis and without representation in the national leagues in years past (only supporting children and youth ensembles).
The crisis in basketball and handball provides others with the opportunity to pick up pace. Taekwon-Do, in the form of "Falcon" club has given Blagoevgrad and Bulgaria multiple European and World Championship medals, including a European Championship in 2004 (Todor Kozladerov). Baseball is a little-known sport in Bulgaria but it thrives in Blagoevgrad. The local team's name is the "Buffaloes" and its manager is Yassen Nedelchev, who also serves as the Bulgarian Baseball Federation's president. In 2010, the "Blagoevgrad Buffaloes" won their 17th National title (in 18 attempts).
The town has two multi-purpose sports halls, the second was opened in 2007, it has a capacity of over 1000 seats and meets all requirements of the International Federation of handball, basketball and volleyball, a game area may be used for competitions
