Shenandoah Valley
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Independent city
University city with the valley's best farmers market
Harrisonburg is an independent city in the central Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by Rockingham County. James Madison University, a diverse downtown and the region's largest farmers market make it the valley's cultural center.
History & Local Character
Settled in the 1730s by Swiss and German immigrants, Harrisonburg became a market town for the surrounding farmland and later a university city.
Housing & Real Estate
Downtown apartments, student rentals, older neighborhoods and new subdivisions make Harrisonburg one of the valley's most accessible markets.
Restaurants & Shopping
Downtown Harrisonburg has an unusually international restaurant scene for its size, with Salvadoran, Ethiopian, Vietnamese and Appalachian kitchens side by side.
Schools & Education
Harrisonburg City Public Schools serves the city, separate from Rockingham County Public Schools.
Parks & Recreation
Hillandale Park, Purcell Park and Westover Park give the city trails, woods and playing fields, with the Shenandoah River close by.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-81, US 11 and US 33 serve the city, with Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport about 15 miles away.
Local Businesses
International restaurantsCoffee roastersFarmers market vendorsMusic venues
No businesses are listed in Harrisonburg yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- James Madison University
- Harrisonburg Farmers Market
- Explore More Discovery Museum
- Shenandoah National Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Diverse food scene
- Affordable relative to the valley
- University and arts culture
Considerations
- Student-heavy rental market
- I-81 traffic
- Limited retail variety
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg in Rockingham County?
No. Harrisonburg is an independent city surrounded by Rockingham County and serves as its county seat, but the two are separate governments.