Articles Tagged "living in Harrisonburg"

The dining scene around Rockingham County is known for its international flair, with local restaurants serving up creative cuisine from cultures all around the world. Whether you're in the mood for Korean comfort food, tasty tacos, tempting Thai cuisine, or a classic Italian meal, you won't have to travel far to satisfy your craving. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on 7 of the best restaurants serving international cuisine in Rockingham County.

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The Rockingham County area features some fantastic golf courses. And when summer returns to the Shenandoah Valley, you can bet that our real estate agents will be out on the links every chance they get. 

With that in mind, we're excited to share some of our favorite golf courses in Harrisonburg, VA, and the surrounding areas. We hope to see you out there this summer!

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Our real estate agents know fresh flowers are a "can't miss" Mother's Day tradition!

Mom will be delighted with the thoughtful designs you can get from these hard-working and creative florists, many of whom have been around for decades.

Mother's Day was created in 1908 by Anna Jarvis and became an official U.S. holiday in 1914 under President Woodrow Wilson. Mother's Day is the #2 day of the year to purchase fresh flowers and accounts for about 26% of annual flower purchases.

That's a whole lot of roses!

Let's take a closer look at some of your options for Mother's Day flowers in the Shenandoah Valley:

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When it's time for vacation, do you head to the great outdoors or immerse yourself in cultural and historical attractions? However you spend your leisure time, you'll find it around Rockingham County. Plan a memorable staycation featuring these great activities and locations recommended by our real estate agents. 

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Harrisonburg is known for having some of the best culinary options that Virginia has to offer, with everything from upscale international cuisine to casual family fare. Many of your favorite dining destinations around Harrisonburg County also feature excellent brunch menus, perfect for a family meal, an outing with friends, or a morning date with your special someone. Our real estate agents have all of the delightful details on 8 of the best places to enjoy a morning brunch around Harrisonburg.

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Spring naturally brings out the desire to clean, and if you're interested in selling your home, it couldn't come at a better time. Before your home is listed for sale with one of our real estate agents, make sure it will look its best. Spring cleaning can make your home shine and look fresh and clean! This is sure to make it more appealing to prospective buyers and help it stand out from other Rockingham County homes for sale.

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The holidays are a wonderful time in Staunton, with local businesses, homeowners, and community organizations going all out to put on some amazing holiday displays. Touring the light displays around Staunton is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your family and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Staunton's Celebration of Holiday Lights is the biggest light display near Staunton, with a variety of ways to get involved yourself or simply drive through and enjoy the show. Our real estate agents have all of the festive details on the best holiday light displays near Staunton this year.

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Women have a 1-in-8 chance of getting breast cancer, but early detection can help.

Our real estate agents know that wherever you live, regular screening is essential for overall health. By combining self-exams and regular screening, you are more likely to get the care you need as soon as possible. That leads to a better prognosis and superior health outcomes.

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Gardening is a fun pastime that can be done in a large backyard or even in containers on a deck or porch. It adds beauty and value to your home along with color, visual interest, and - depending on what you plant - can produce delicious veggies.
  
Our real estate agents suggest visiting the following Rockingham County greenhouses that our local gardeners love:

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While it might not qualify as retail therapy, back-to-school shopping is an annual summer ritual. Our real estate agents will be getting their kids ready to hit the books with some strategic shopping at these malls and markets around the Shenandoah Valley.

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Our real estate agents know many Shenandoah Valley homebuyers want lots of space for the family dog!

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Spring is a beautiful time to be out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in the Shenandoah Valley. Our real estate agents love springtime in Virginia for a lot of reasons, and one of those reasons is that our favorite disc golf courses are finally open again. 

In fairness, many of these places are open year-round. But if you've ever thrown a disc around during the soggy winter months, you know that it's just not the same. So now that summer is practically at our doorstep, be sure to enjoy some of these awesome disc golf courses in the Shenandoah Valley!

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Harrisonburg is known as many things, from the county seat of Rockingham County to the first city in Virginia to be home to its own culinary district. But residents and visitors alike refer to Harrisonburg by a nickname that has stuck with the city for centuries – the Friendly City. Harrisonburg is the 12th largest city in Virginia, known for the warm, welcoming nature of its diverse residents, as well as its mix of urban amenities and small-town feel. Wondering why Harrisonburg is known as the Friendly City? Our real estate agents have the details on the friendly atmosphere you can expect in Harrisonburg and the reasons why you'll love calling the city home.

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Among Virginia homes for sale, there are plenty of desirable options. Shenandoah County homes for sale have an extra something more for amateur astronomers of all kinds: Access to unique Shenandoah National Park and its unparalleled night sky.

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If Harrisonburg is the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, then downtown is its soul. The vibrant 40-block area is packed with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that embody the city's past and present. Take in the delights of historic downtown Harrisonburg with a visit to these great places recommended by our real estate agents.

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Every once in a while, a holiday comes along that our real estate agents can really get behind. Case in point: National Cheese Lovers Day is coming right up on January 20th!

If you happen to be in Virginia looking for Augusta County homes for sale, then you're in luck. Our neck of the woods happens to be home to some amazing local cheese shops, creameries, and farmers markets, and we're thrilled to give a shout-out to some of our favorites in honor of the upcoming holiday!

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Are you a yoga fanatic, or simply looking for a new, relaxing way to work out close to home? No matter your experience level, yoga can be a beneficial workout for both body and mind. People of all ages and fitness levels participate in yoga classes, and for many yoga becomes a way of life. In addition to being a great place to exercise, yoga classes also present an excellent opportunity to meet new, like-minded people close to home. Our real estate agents are here to help you find the right spot to pursue your yoga passions, with our guide to seven great yoga studios in our OmTown.

Where to Find 7 Great Yoga Studios Close to Home

1. The Center – 217 S Liberty St Ste 201, Harrisonburg
   Harrisonburg homes make it easy to reach many of the yoga destinations on our list, including The Center which is conveniently located downtown. The Center offers classes in yoga, pilates, meditation, and so much more. There are workshops, events, and even a 200-hour training program if you're interested in becoming an instructor.

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Dieting or not, sometimes you just need to indulge your taste buds. If you're in town shopping for Harrisonburg homes for sale, this may just be one of those times. After all, shopping for a new home is hard work, and it can be a bit stressful. If you are new to the area, you might be wondering just where the best places are to find that satisfying treat you crave. Here are six spots in Harrisonburg to cheat on your diet:

1. Bella Gelato & Pastries - 49 W. Water St., Harrisonburg
   This popular spot has a lot to offer. There is an array of baked goods, including fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries and treats prepared daily. They also serve their award-winning gelato, made by hand with milk sourced from a local creamery. You can also treat your taste buds at the Bella Gelato & Pastries espresso and coffee bar, with coffees made from locally roasted beans, or enjoy specialty teas, like their house-made spicy chai.
   
   

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Can you believe Thanksgiving is here? During Thanksgiving weekend, you'll find a diverse selection of fun, family-friendly events and attractions going on throughout the community. Our real estate agents have the details on six exciting events in Harrisonburg, VA on Thanksgiving weekend (and beyond!) for this year.

1. Rocktown Turkey Trot and Gobble Gobble Kids Dash – Thanksgiving Day
   Thanksgiving Day runs have become a popular tradition in communities across the country, and you can enjoy a holiday run this year close to home in Harrisonburg. The Rocktown Turkey Trot (8:30 a.m.), held in conjunction with the Gobble Gobble Kids Dash (8 a.m.), is a great opportunity to get the whole family moving before you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal.
   
   

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Our real estate agents understand that when it comes buying a house, location is everything. And if that's the case, we have got the perfect location for you with our homes for sale in Harrisonburg. 

We feel confident saying our featured Harrisonburg neighborhood, The Springs at Osceola, is just the right combination of serene country living with magnificent views in a family-oriented living community.

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Are you ready to put on your running shoes, spend some time with the community, and support a great cause in the process? Then we hope to see you at the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership's 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Autism! Every year, this well-attended local event provides an opportunity to raise autism awareness, raise funds for the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership, and bring the community together. Many of our REALTORS® with their families and friends will be hitting the streets to participate in the 5K Run/Walk for Autism, and we've got all the details on how you can join us for this wonderful, local event. 

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Find Your Home Near James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU), located in "The Friendly City" of Harrisonburg, is a nationally recognized university in Virginia and a plays a positive role in the cultural and economic livelihood of Harrisonburg and its surrounding communities.  JMU's seven colleges offer its students 124 bachelors, masters, and doctorate degree programs. The school's athletics program features tennis, swimming, golf not to mention a NCAA Division I Championship football program.

JMU's beautiful campus and surrounding neighborhoods add the finishing touches that create an exciting university lifestyle.  

Faculty and staff members--many of whom relocate to Harrisonburg from other parts of the country--search to find Harrisonburg homes close to JMU to enjoy easy access to the university and the numerous businesses and attractions surrounding it.  Our REALTORS® have put together a list of the nine best neighborhoods near James Madison University to buy a home .

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Harrisonburg Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

Today's farmers markets began in 1934 with an idea and two entrepreneurs from Los Angeles.   What started as one market with a dozen farmers plus a few others selling fresh produce from the back of their trucks has evolved into over 8,600 farmers markets nationwide.

As demand for locally grown, fresh food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America's farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer. 

Our hometown of Harrisonburg, VA joins other communities across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week August 6 - 12.

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Downtown Harrisonburg is Gearing Up for a Mighty Good Time

Harrisonburg residents and the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance are gearing up for what's expected to be another sell out event at this year's Rocktown Beer & Music Festival on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 3:00 to 8:30 pm. 

Downtown Harrisonburg is home to an assortment of popular events throughout the year that shine a spotlight on our city.  The Rocktown Beer & Music Festival is one of our most popular events.  When you live in one of the downtown homes in Harrisonburg, good living, good fun and a tremendous community are right outside of your front door.

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Harrisonburg: Past, Present and Future 

Harrisonburg, VA is a beautiful and laid-back community with deep historical roots. Although it didn't officially become an independent city until 1916, it's a very old settlement that was founded in 1779. The area played an important role in the Civil War, and now boasts an amazing variety of historical monuments and quaint businesses like the Stonewall Jackson Inn. Converted from a mid-1880s mansion, the Inn is a spectacular destination for resting, relaxing, and exploring the surrounding area of Harrisonburg.

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Forbes Center in Harrisonburg - A Local Shining Star

James Madison University has been deeply involved in the Harrisonburg community since the school first opened its doors way back in 1908, and that special relationship continues to the present day. In addition to providing an excellent education, JMU is well known for its performing arts programs. The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is a shining example of that commitment to the arts, with a packed schedule that includes student performances, visiting artists, theater, dance, and music. 

The Forbes Center has a show to suit every taste, so it's no surprise that it's at the center of the local arts and culture scene. Just one more reason that Harrisonburg is so beloved by local residents.

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Have You Made Plans for Valentine's Day Yet? 

Whether you're celebrating with your love or going solo, discover these seven sensational restaurants in Harrisonburg to make this February 14 your most memorable yet.

1. Local Chop & Grill House - Share a meal with the one you love in Downtown Harrisonburg at the Local Chop & Grill House.  Located in the historically renovated City Produce Exchange Building, you'll enjoy local Harrisonburg flavor with high-quality steaks or chops, organically raised poultry, organically grown seasonal produce and fresh baked goods.  Local Chop & Grill House is dedicated to supporting local businesses and bringing you the best of the Shenandoah Valley.
2. Clementine - Clementine is located in the historic district of Downtown Harrisonburg in the former Strand Theater.  Locally owned and operated, Clementine offers Harrisonburg's residents quality food and drinks, live music, art, films and community events in a comfortable, sophisticated atmosphere.
3. Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza - Bella Luna Wood Fired Pizza is located in Downtown Harrisonburg's historic Livery Building.  Start your evening with an artisan crafted cocktail or local microbrews from our bar.  Share a Bella Luna specialty—a wood-fired pizzas or hand-made pastas--and finish your meal with a delectable dessert.  
4. Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack  - If you want something more casual in nature, make plans to visit Billy Jack's.  Serving up delights like fresh wings and Sticky Nugg's (breaded chicken nuggets with our sticky sauce) since 2011.  Try everyone's favorite 10 Napkin Burger with over 20 toppings to choose from or their newly opened oyster bar featuring fresh Chesapeake Bay oysters
5. Texas Roadhouse - Bring your sweetheart to the Texas Roadhouse where the only thing more legendary than their food is fun.  Work up an old fashioned appetite with their line dancers.  Dine on hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, scrumptious sides and fresh-baked bread. Sip on a Texas Roadhouse "Legendary Margarita."  
6. Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint – Valentine's Day is the perfect time for a visit to Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint.  Locally known as "a burger joint with a passion for craft beer," Jack Brown's offers over 100 craft beers and an award-winning burger menu.  Jack Brown's high trained staff will take you through the "burger experience" all of Harrisonburg loves to talk about.
7. Vito's Italian Kitchen – Since Valentine's Day is all about amore, don't miss dining at Vitos's Italian Kitchen.  From an appetizer of Bruschetta or Crispy Ravioli to finishing your meal by sharing a cannoli, Vito's Italian Kitchen features 16 beers on tap, a wide selection of fine wines, and delicious pizza, salads, pastas, and entrees.  Bring a big appetite (or ask for a doggie bag).  The portions are huge and dishes are delicious.
   
   

If you're interested in finding the perfect "love nest" in Harrisonburg to call home, contact our local real estate pros at Old Dominion Realty.  Since Harrisonburg is our home too, we have the local knowledge you need to not only find the best local restaurants, but to be the first to know about all of the latest homes for sale.

Harrisonburg Community Spirit this Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Harrisonburg residents are finding more than enough ways to fill their calendars. With the holidays swiftly approaching, it's an excellent time to make memories and spend quality time with your loved ones. Our city makes it simple, and you'll find ample opportunities between now and the end of the year to celebrate. Here are six things to love about Harrisonburg at Christmas.

1. Shop Local – Downtown Harrisonburg, VA is a treasure trove of shops. There's nothing like finding one-of-a-kind items or supporting locally-owned businesses while finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. Find ethical, fair-trade clothing at Green Hummingbird, outdoor accessories and gear at Walkabout Outfitter, or the perfect read at Downtown Books. Downtown Harrisonburg is home to over 45 unique shops. When you're done, take a break at one of the incredible eateries that Harrisonburg is known for—after all, the downtown was designated the first culinary district in Virginia.
2. Make your Own Gifts – Another way to create lasting memories this holiday season is to make a gift. Harrisonburg has a few places that allow you to put your personal stamp on Christmas. Head to Larkin Arts to design your own wrapping paper (or to give the gift of art classes), or get the creative juices flowing at You Made It. If you prefer making holiday décor, visit the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for their annual Festive Greens workshop on December 9th.
3. Moonlight Carriage Rides – A beloved tradition in December in Harrisonburg is the Moonlight Holiday Carriage Rides. If you aren't able to get a reservation in time, individual walk-up rides may be available the day of. If you can't make it this December, there is always the full moon summer rides, or next year.
4. Holiday Cultural Entertainment – It wouldn't be Christmas without carols and dance. Harrisonburg offers many opportunities to enjoy holiday entertainment. Two excellent options are the Rockingham Ballet Theatre's performance of the Nutcracker December 19th and 20th, and the Nothin' Fancy Holiday Show that will delight Bluegrass lovers at the Court Square Theater on the 12th.
5. Christmas Tree Adventures – Start a family tradition that will last for years to come. There is nothing like the fresh scent of a recently cut Christmas tree to get you excited about the holidays. Harrisonburg has several tree farms nearby to choose from, and each has its own appeal. Try the Evergreen Tree Farm, The ELF Christmas Tree Farm, or Ostlund Christmas Tree Farm.
6. First Night Harrisonburg – The holiday season isn't officially over until after New Year's Eve, and Harrisonburg, VA knows how to celebrate in style. First Night Harrisonburg is an all-inclusive event that brings together the community for live music, art, family-fun, and fireworks. It's one of Harrisonburg's most beloved annual events.

About Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA is a dynamic community that offers residents an ideal location, four beautiful seasons, a wide variety of activities, and a rich lifestyle and culture. The eclectic city is full of year-round opportunities that make it an interesting place to live. You can enjoy the bustle of a thriving downtown, but still get the sense of a close-knit community. Overall, Harrisonburg is an idyllic place to call home for the holidays, and the rest of the year as well.

If you're interested in making Harrisonburg your home, contact us at Old Dominion Realty today. Our knowledgeable team of REALTORS® can help you find your dream home this Christmas.

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Hosts Valley Fourth

Harrisonburg, VA celebrates the 4th of July in a "booming" fashion with lots of great food, great music, a parade, fireworks, and family fun.   Enjoy July 4 with family and friends at this year's Valley Fourth celebration hosted by the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance organization.  From 8 a.m. until long after the fireworks end, you will find the city full of fun activities that celebrate its heritage and the history of the United States.

July 4 Schedule

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Valley Fourth RUN.  This is the Shenandoah Valley's only chipped timing race where runners can choose not only their distance, but also the charity their proceeds will support.  You can run one mile all the way to 10K.  The race includes categories for children and adults.  To receive a race t-shirt, register by June 28.  Pre-registration pricing starts at $10 and must be completed by Thursday, July 2.

Enjoy great food throughout the day.  Various food vendors will offer their fare, but from 12 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., the Grillin' at the Pavilion BBQ cook-off will take place.  The smells wafting through the festival are sure to tantalize your taste buds and give you a taste of what Harrisonburg, VA cooking is all about.  For dinner, consider purchasing a People's Choice Sampling ticket, and sample the People's Choice team entries to vote for your favorite. Enjoy the Rocktown Bites! Food Tours if you're still hungry.

Adults can enjoy Beers N' Cheers from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., with wine from Bluestone Vineyard, great food and an exclusively beer brand from Pale Fire Brewing Co. and Brothers Craft Brewing.

 
The evening ends at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks over downtown Harrisonburg, VA.  The best spot for viewing is the Farmer's Market Turner Pavilion.  Since the event draws thousands of Harrisonburg's family and friends, stake your claim to your spot early.

For the Kids

The Harrisonburg, VA Valley Fourth festival is a family-friendly celebration.  Throughout the day, several activities just for the kids will keep them entertained.  The fun starts with the kids enjoying the Valley Fourth RUN, followed by the "Dreamtime" puppet show at the Court Square Theatre. Then, take the time to enjoy the vendors and food booths before heading to the Explore More Discovery Museum with free admission from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Beginning at 4 p.m. and running until the late evening, Court Square will have a number of children's activities, including face painting, patriotic pooch competition, Touch a Truck with the fire department, a watermelon seed spitting competition, bounce houses and more.  You will not run out of things to do to keep the kids occupied while waiting for the fireworks. 

At 6 p.m., head to Main Street to watch the "Get Outdoors & Get Moving" parade.  Arrive early to get your spot.  The parade route is from the Rockingham County Administrative Building to the City Municipal Building.

Live Performances on July 4

Throughout the day as you wait for the evening to conclude with fireworks, you will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances from great local and international names. At Turner Pavilion from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., The Band Concord will perform.  Love Canon takes the stage at 7 p.m.

Become a Harrisonburg VA Resident with Old Dominion Realty

Harrisonburg, VA comes together not only for the Valley Fourth celebration, but throughout the year.  Contact Old Dominion Realty to find Harrisonburg homes for sale.

It's Better in the Burg

Which is better - living in the suburbs or living in the Burg? Ask anyone who actually lives in Harrisonburg, and you will see that living in this historic community provides a great lifestyle. From solid schools to the benefit of a historic community that is enjoying a downtown renaissance, there's much to love about Harrisonburg, VA, and it is well worth considering during your home search.

Economic Growth Makes Excellent Employment Opportunities

As with most historic urban communities, Harrisonburg has its share of small and locally-owned businesses, which are thriving. These can be excellent places to work, but what is great about Harrisonburg is the fact that it also contains several large corporations that provide employment options, including Coors Brewing Company, SRI and Merck.  Rockingham Memorial Hospital, James Madison University, and Eastern Mennonite University are some of the largest employers in the region.

Harrisonburg Has Plenty of Things to Do and See

Life in Harrisonburg means you are never bored. The art shows, sporting events, regular festivals and live music all throughout the community keep residents active and engaged. If you are moving to Harrisonburg with kids, you will find that the city offers plenty to do. From seeing a free show at the JMU Planetarium on Saturdays to touring the Harrisonburg Children's Museum in downtown Harrisonburg, your kids will always have something interesting to do.

A City Undergoing a True Renaissance

One of the reasons that Harrisonburg is worth considering as you shop for a new home is the city's recent downtown revival. The Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is a non-profit organization working to transform the city into a true cultural center, and they are achieving great success. Since their founding in 2003, the HDR has earned multiple awards for the city, including Virginia Main Street designation, as they have worked to revitalize the downtown.

Educational Variety for Students in Harrisonburg Schools

Harrisonburg has a strong public school district with schools to serve children of all ages. In addition to the traditional elementary, middle and high school offerings, students in the Harrisonburg school district have the option to use services provided by the Massanutten Technical Center and the Massanutten Regional Governor's School. Charter schools also add to the educational diversity available in Harrisonburg.

Real Estate Variety in a Vibrant Downtown Setting

If the opportunities for recreation, employment and education were not enough to make Harrisonburg appealing to you, consider the real estate variety the community offers. Like many urban areas, Harrisonburg has its share of condominiums and town homes, yet it also has a variety of single-family options and historic homes for sale. Just about any housing type you would want you will be able to find as you search in Harrisonburg.

Finding a home requires the right real estate team on your side. Contact one of Old Dominium Realty's Harrisonburg real estate agents to start your local home search.  Our team will help you find homes for sale in Harrisonburg, VA.  We know when you see Harrisonburg for yourself you will fall in love with the city and all that it offers.