Desktop Virtualization Questions

I'm debating between dual boot versus virtualization for my new machine. I need a Windows and Linux separation, but I want to be as flexible as possible between environments while maintaining as much power for either OS as I can. Ideally, running both at the same time.

I haven't been in the virtualization game in some time so I'm here to ask - am I crazy? What options are there to do this well and should I just dual boot and get it over with?