Our College Town

Harrisonburg, Virginia is one of the best college towns in the southeast. That’s what others are saying, and we get it! We love our town.

Harrisonburg was selected among the 10 Most Livable College Towns in America in 2022. The list was compiled by Strategistico, an independent online research organization that provides data-driven insights about living in the US.

In 2019, College Factual named Harrisonburg one of the best places in the country for students seeking a high-quality education, and in 2018, Best Value Schools named it one of the most charming college towns.

And Harrisonburg’s home to more than our school – we’re neighbors with James Madison University and Bridgewater College. The close proximity of colleges to one another contributes to our town’s upbeat, creative atmosphere and lively downtown.

‘Best Biking Community’

Love biking? Harrisonburg is the unofficial biking capital of the Shenandoah Valley, according to Blue Ridge Outdoors. The city of Harrisonburg was picked as one of “America’s Top Mountain Biking Towns,” by USA Today, and was named a 2012 bronze-level ride center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and top bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. The League also conferred a bronze award on EMU, making EMU the third university in Virginia to be recognized as a “bicycle friendly university.”

Friendly and Hip Downtown

Harrisonburg enjoys a vibrant downtown community with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques. It’s funky, in a good way! Some popular restaurants that are frequented by EMU students are The Little Grill Collective and Klines Ice Cream.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays from April-Thanksgiving, don’t miss the Harrisonburg Farmers Market where students can hear bluegrass music and buy fresh fruits, vegetables, locally made pastries, and crafts.

Locally owned Court Square Theater offers movies and shows of dance, theater, and live music, including a fall 2014 performance by EMU alum and rising Americana star Trent Wagler.

Want an adventure without leaving town? Consider checking out one of Harrisonburg’s many international restaurants and markets.

Safe and Friendly Campus

What’s the number one thing high schoolers say about campus when they visit? Everyone is so friendly! It’s also safe. The deep emphasis on community and service to others is not lost on students and families who come to visit. You are more than just a number. That’s evident from the rousing “Shenandoah Welcome” we give to first-year students and other newcomers after fall convocation, to the smiles and greetings from all on your walk across campus.

What College Students Do in Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, which is nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is a popular mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and skiing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. On weekends students may play Ultimate Frisbee on the turf field, go for a walk in EMU Park Woods or at the JMU Arboretum, go salsa dancing at the Artful Dodger downtown or join a group bike ride through the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition or EMU bike club. There’s always something to do.

Recent Accolades

Harrisonburg Proper

~Downtown Harrisonburg was one of Virginia’s first Arts and Cultural Districts
~Designated a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation 
~Designated a bronze level award by the League of American Bicyclists

Other Awards and Recognitions

• Top 10 Cleanest Places to Live in the U.S. – American Lung Association, 2022
• Tree City USA – The Arbor Day Foundation, 2019
• #32 for Best Small Places for Business & Careers – Forbes, 2015
• 9th among over 350 metro areas in Dwellsy’s guide to Top Cities for Renters. – Dwellsy, 2021
• #6 in Virginia’s Safest Cities From Severe Weather – HomeownersInsurance.com, 2015
• One of 15 Affordable Small Towns We Love – Southern Living, 2017
• Editor’s Choice for a Top Dating Destination – DatingAdvice.com, 2020
• One of the 10 Most Livable College Towns in America – Strategistico, 2022
• One of the Best Places in the Country for Students Seeking a High-Quality Education – College Factual, 2019
• Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market named 2017 Green Travel Leader – Virginia Green Program, 2017
• Downtown Harrisonburg named Virginia’s first Culinary District – City of Harrisonburg, 2014
• 2009 Designated as a “Preserve America Community”
• #2 of 30 Most Gorgeous Fall Towns – CarRentals.com, 2017
• #6 in America’s Favorite Towns – Travel & Leisure, 2016

Harrisonburg Outdoors

• One of Eight Awesome Mountain Biking Towns – Local Freshies, 2022
• Heritage Oaks Golf Course voted #1 Golf Course in the Shenandoah Valley – Virginia Living Magazine, 2017
• Bronze Award For The Most Bicycle Friendly Community – League of American Bicyclists, 2015
• 2013 Named among 20 best fishing spots in the country Peter Greenberg Worldwide
• 2011 Designated as an “Appalachian Trail Community” by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• 2009 One of the “Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid” Backpacker Magazine

Check out the full list of Harrisonburg’s recognitions and awards. There are lots more!