Harrisonburg 84 Exceptional
Harrisonburg Livability #21 ranked city in Virginia#551 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Harrisonburg

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.

  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Housing

    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.

  • Health & Safety

    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.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

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What's it like Living in Harrisonburg?

Harrisonburg is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Virginia. The city has a population of 53,558 residents. Harrisonburg has a population density of 3,089 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (77% White). Given that fact, Harrisonburg could be considered less diverse than other cities. Harrisonburg tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 26 is far below the national average. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 34% of the Harrisonburg population is married. 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.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Harrisonburg is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Virginia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Harrisonburg and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, health & safety, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Virginia and national averages.

Using data and statistics Harrisonburg has received a livability score of 83 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Harrisonburg is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Harrisonburg has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+), crime (B), cost of living (B+) and housing (B-).

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. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Explore More Discovery Museum, Virginia Quilt Museum, and Edith J. Carrier Arboretum.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Harrisonburg, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Harrisonburg has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Harrisonburg real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Harrisonburg. The median home price for Harrisonburg homes is $220,100, which is 11.4% 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 4.5, which is 18.4% higher than the Virginia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Harrisonburg

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Compare Harrisonburg, VA Livability

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      Harrisonburg transportation information

      Statistic Harrisonburg Virginia National
      Average one way commute16min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.8%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.2%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.6%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.9%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.1%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home5.1%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Harrisonburg, VA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).