
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.
Harrisonburg is a mid-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 54,682 people. With a population density of 3,155 people per square mile, Harrisonburg is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 77% of Harrisonburg residents are White, 8% Black and 3% Asian. Harrisonburg could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 26 years old is below the nation’s average. Harrisonburg is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 34% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Harrisonburg. With an average one way commute time of only 16 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Harrisonburg, Virginia. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Finding the best places to live in Harrisonburg and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, commute, health & safety, education, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Harrisonburg is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Harrisonburg could be a great choice! Harrisonburg has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Harrisonburg ranks very well for amenities (A+), crime (B-), cost of living (B+) and housing (A-).
Harrisonburg has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Harrisonburg has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Explore More Discovery Museum, Virginia Quilt Museum, and Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Harrisonburg schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Harrisonburg an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Harrisonburg apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Harrisonburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Harrisonburg are affordable. The median home price for Harrisonburg homes is $389,653, which is 10.4% lower than the Virginia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Harrisonburg, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.4, which is 20% higher than the Virginia average.
| Statistic | Harrisonburg | Virginia | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.8% | 77.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.2% | 9.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.6% | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.9% | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.1% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.1% | 4.7% | 4.6% |