Why Live in Central Avenue
Central Avenue in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a neighborhood just south of James Madison University, known for its tree-lined streets and early-to-mid 20th-century homes. The area has a relaxed atmosphere, with many professors residing there, despite its proximity to the bustling university. The neighborhood features a variety of home styles, including ranches, Colonial Revivals, and Cape Cods, with well-maintained yards and concrete walkways. Residents enjoy local dining options such as Grilled Cheese Mania and El Charro, and downtown Harrisonburg, just a 10-minute drive away, offers a diverse array of restaurants, shops, and breweries. Popular spots include Billy Jack’s Shack and Rocktown Kitchen, with 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. Grocery shopping is convenient with Food Lion a mile southeast and larger stores like Aldi, Martin’s, and Kroger along East Market Street, 3 miles east.
The neighborhood is primarily residential, with single-family homes and minimal student housing, contributing to its quiet environment. 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.
Central Avenue is car-dependent, with limited sidewalks, but bus stops along South Main Street provide public transportation when JMU is in session. Interstate 81 runs along the eastern edge, offering easy access to Staunton, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C.
Home Trends in Central Avenue, VA
On average, homes in Central Avenue, Harrisonburg sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Avenue, Harrisonburg over the last 12 months is $457,500, up 28% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$457,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$469,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$185
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
6
Median List Price
$469,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
28%