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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  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’

EMU bike communityLove biking? Harrisonburg is the unofficial biking capital of the Shenandoah Valley, according to . The city of Harrisonburg was picked as one of “,” by USA Today, and was named a 2012 bronze-level ride center by the  and top bike-friendly community by the . 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

students eating in Rick's Cantina downtownHarrisonburg 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 and .

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

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

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

Safe and Friendly Campus

ݮWhat’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

EMU students skiingHarrisonburg, which is nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, is a popular    and 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  or EMU bike club. There’s always something to do.

Recent Accolades

Harrisonburg Proper

Downtown Harrisonburg
~Downtown Harrisonburg was one of Virginia’s first 
~Designated a  by the Arbor Day Foundation 
~Designated a bronze level award by the 

Other Awards and Recognitions

  • Top  – 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 . – 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  – 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 “”
  • #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  Peter Greenberg Worldwide
  • 2011 Designated as an “” by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
  • 2009 One of the “” Backpacker Magazine

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