Town0
- Public SchoolsB-
- Crime & SafetyC+
- HousingC
- NightlifeA
- Good for FamiliesB+
- DiversityA-
- JobsC+
- WeatherB-
- Cost of LivingB
- Health & FitnessB+
- Outdoor ActivitiesA-
- CommuteA
Real Estate
Median Home Value
$197,400
National
$184,700Median Rent
$875
National
$949Sponsored Mortgage Options for Harrisonburg
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Harrisonburg Rankings
Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety
C+
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Residents
Working in Harrisonburg
Jobs
C+
Based on employment rates, job and business growth, and cost of living.
Median Household Income
$43,893
National
$55,322Places to Work in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Reviews
130 reviews
All Categories
Harrisonburg, also known as "The Friendly City" is welcoming and most importantly, family friendly. The small town is home to James Madison University, a liberal arts college. The university facilitated Harrisonburg's economy and diversity! Because the town is so ethnically diverse, it hosts several festivals throughout the year, like the International Festival. The lovely people of Harrisonburg come and dress up in their ethnic clothing and enjoy dance, food, and most importantly fun activities for the whole family! Harrisonburg's Downtown Renaissance is the heart and soul of Harrisonburg, as it is voted "The best thing about Harrisonburg " by the Daily News-Record Readers. The downtown includes a variety of places to dine, work, and shop. From live music to dance classes, there is always an activity to do and opportunities to fulfill passions. Just beyond Harrisonburg is the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It's natural wonders of the caverns and mountains only bring joy to the heart!
There are not enough higher paying jobs to support the higher rent and mortgage costs. There is a high poverty rate due to low educational expectations. Do not move here without a college degree in Finance, law, education, social work or medicine and a current job offer!
Harrisonburg is near mountains, national parks and forests, and is a distance away from cities like DC and Richmond that make day trips easy but eliminate commuters. It has a very diverse population. It lies somewhere between a large college town and a small city. Influence of colleges in town are very noticeable and sometimes frustrating, particularly James Madison University.
The eastern side of town generally has more recent development, traffic, and strip malls while the western side of town has older houses, is closer to downtown, and has fewer commercial locations. Personally, I recommend the western side of town, since you will still have access to the commercial areas on the other side but are removed from them.
The high school currently has an overcrowding issue. Schools have good programs but often students have to seek out those good programs.
Mid-priced real estate options can be very competitive.
The eastern side of town generally has more recent development, traffic, and strip malls while the western side of town has older houses, is closer to downtown, and has fewer commercial locations. Personally, I recommend the western side of town, since you will still have access to the commercial areas on the other side but are removed from them.
The high school currently has an overcrowding issue. Schools have good programs but often students have to seek out those good programs.
Mid-priced real estate options can be very competitive.