Harrisonburg, Virginia Real Estate

Harrisonburg is a mid-sized town located within the scenic Shenandoah Valley in Rockingham County Virginia. It is home to over 40,000 residents, numerous stores and businesses, and James Madison University. It is a town rich in history and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are prevalent throughout. Affordable housing prices and significant economic opportunity also make this an attractive town.

If you are thinking of purchasing a home in Harrisonburg, Virginia or the surrounding area, consider allowing Virginia Estates to be your exclusive real estate guide. Virginia Estates - “Virginias Finest Real Estate” - offers comprehensive real estate services, including extensive access to home and property listings in Harrisonburg and the surrounding area.

Homes in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg has gained a reputation as being a pleasant place to live. The formal organization of the Harrisonburg Downtown renaissance in 2003, marked the beginning of an extensive downtown revitalization project. Initial focus was placed upon the rehabilitation of historic buildings and street and landscape beautification.

The prominent Wetsel Seed Company building has been carefully restored and is now home to offices and apartments.

There are a variety of homes and properties available for purchase in and around Harrisonburg. Single family homes range from modest to grand and historic to brand new. Apartments, townhouses, and condominiums are also prevalent throughout the city.

Below is a list of recognitions recently bestowed upon the town of Harrisonburg:

• 2006 Metro Public Schools Quotient - Ranked Harrisonburg the 10th best in the nation
• 2006 Mayor’s Challenge - Rated Harrisonburg as the best metro for future business expansion
• Small Towns Ranking (Farmer’s Insurance) - Ranked Harrisonburg as the 9th most secure small town in America
• Best Performing Metro Areas (Milken Institute) - Ranked Harrisonburg’s overall economic performance as 14th best in the nation.

Harrisonburg, Virginia History

The city of Harrisonburg was conceived in 1779, the day that Thomas Harrison deeded two and a half acres of his own land to the public good. At the time Thomas and his family owned over twelve thousand acres of what is now Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. A home that Harrison built on Bruce Street stands still today.

Harrisonburg was haunted by the Civil War between 1861 and 1864. Both union and confederate troops moved through the town regularly. On June 20th 1862, Union soldiers were held captive inside the courthouse grounds. This proved to be a contentious issue, for many within the community were opposed to succession.

James Madison University, originally called Industrial School for Women, was established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1908. Over 15,000 students and 4,000 faculty, attend James Madison University today.

Harrisonburg Attractions

• Historic Downtown Harrisonburg - Historic downtown Harrisonburg is a main street community and the heart of the town. Patrons can enjoy shopping, dining, and a number of annual events.
• Edith J. Carrier Arboretum - The arboretum is located on the campus of James Madison University. It boasts extensive trails, elaborate gardens, and natural water features.
• Harrisonburg Children’s Museum - The HCM was created specifically for children and seeks to inspire them through multi-sensory learning experiences.
• D. Ralph Hostetter Museum of Natural History - Located on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University, this museum features some of natures most unusual creations, including a two-headed calf and a 3,000 year old mummy hand.