Harrisonburg, VA Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Harrisonburg, VA: What You Need to Know

Harrisonburg is the seat of Rockingham County, but as an independent city, it’s not governed by the county. Harrisonburg is known as the gateway to the picturesque Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia. 

Things to Do in Town

Visitors flock to two different museums in Harrisburg – the Virginia Quilt Museum and Hugo Kohl Museum of American Jewelry Design and Manufacturing. The former showcases local artists’ works and features rotating exhibits of a wide range of quilting styles and designs. At the Hugo Kohl Museum, you’ll learn how the Industrial Age changed workers’ lives. Artists demonstrate how to use 18th- and 19th-century machines and materials to create unique items.

The Cost of Living in Harrisonburg

A small city like Harrisonburg (population: 53,016) can help stretch your dollar with lower expenses. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 9.9%, 28.8%, and 11.1% lower than the national average respectively. Harrisonburg’s median gross rent is $875. Virginia’s income tax rate ranges from 2% for low earners and up to 5.75% for high earners. The state collects 5.3% to 7% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Urban dwellers will love Harrisonburg’s walkable downtown, which offers an array of housing options, from high-rise apartments to renovated historic buildings. The majority of city residents are renters. If you’re more of a suburbanite, check out Bridgewater and Grottoes for their proximity to Harrisonburg and above-average schools. Bridgewater may be small, but it boasts of a skating rink, mini-golf, and other recreation. Grottoes is primarily residential.

Schools and Higher Education

There are 59 colleges within 100 miles of Harrisonburg, including two in the city proper – James Madison University (21,751 students) and Eastern Mennonite University (1,444 students). JMU was founded in 1908 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women. In 1977, it was renamed James Madison University in honor of the fourth American president. Today the university offers 139 programs. 

There are 12 public schools in Harrisonburg, serving 6,507 students. Pleasant Valley Elementary School and Waterman Elementary School are among the city’s top-ranked schools.

Shopping Locally

Agora Market is the most popular shopping destination in the city. The market is composed of small stores and coffee shops under one roof in the heart of downtown. Shop for vintage clothing, unique pottery and jewelry, and other local products. If you’re looking for something special, visit the Smith House Galleries for local artists’ works. For national retailers and name brands, stop by Valley Mall, which includes a food court.