Why Live in Central Avenue
Central Avenue is a neighborhood just south of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Although close to the university, this area has a relaxed atmosphere, with professors and faculty residing in the community. The neighborhood has tree-lined streets and early-to-mid 20th-century homes. Styles include ranches, Colonial Revivals and Cape Cods, with well-maintained yards and concrete walkways. Local dining options include Grilled Cheese Mania and El Charro, and downtown Harrisonburg, just a 10-minute drive away, has a diverse array of restaurants, shops and breweries. Popular spots downtown include Billy Jack’s Shack and Rocktown Kitchen, plus more student-oriented venues like Urgie’s and Ruby’s Lounge.
Central Avenue is home to Purcell Park, a large public green space with a playground, ball fields and the Bluestone Trail, a 1-mile path connecting to JMU. The neighborhood also has Funky’s roller skating rink for indoor activities. Food Lion is a mile southeast and larger stores like Aldi, Martin’s and Kroger are along East Market Street, 3 miles east.
Schools in the area include Keister Elementary, Thomas Harrison Middle and the highly rated Harrisonburg High. The Harrisonburg City Schools Governor’s STEM Academy offers specialized programs in healthcare and engineering.
Bus stops along South Main Street provide public transportation when JMU is in session. Interstate 81 runs along the eastern edge of the neighborhood, offering easy access to Staunton, Charlottesville and Washington, D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Avenue a good place to live?
Central Avenue is a good place to live. Central Avenue is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Central Avenue is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Central Avenue has 2 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 16.4 people per acre and a median age of 22. The average household income is $103,412 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 67.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Central Avenue are renters, with 54% of residents renting and 46% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Central Avenue can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Central Avenue neighborhood guide.
Is Central Avenue, VA a safe neighborhood?
Central Avenue, VA is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Central Avenue?
The median home price in Central Avenue is $375,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $75,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.38%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,870 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $80K a year to afford the median home price in Central Avenue. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Central Avenue is $103K.
What are the best public schools in Central Avenue?
The best public schools that serve Central Avenue are:
What are the best private schools in Central Avenue?
The best private schools that serve Central Avenue are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Central Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Central Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA?
Home Trends in Central Avenue, VA
On average, homes in Central Avenue, Harrisonburg sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Avenue, Harrisonburg over the last 12 months is $370,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$370,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$375,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$185
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
16
Median List Price
$375,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-16%