$268,918Average Value$196Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes For Sale
Rebuilding connections to a historically Black community in Harrisonburg
Northeast Harrisonburg is geographically close to downtown, but an urban renewal project in the late 1950s separated the historically Black community from Harrisonburg’s core. Eminent domain claimed Black-owned residences to build South Mason Street, a four-lane highway just west of the neighborhood. Today, there are active efforts, including a Community Connectors grant from the nonprofit Smart Growth America, to repair damage and reunite the community with downtown. “Our organization has ongoing partnerships with grants and community organizations to preserve the history and rebuild connections with Northeast,” says Emily Winter, Director of Marketing for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. The nonprofit organization will work together with the Northeast Neighborhood Association and the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project to determine the details of the Community Connectors project, which could include reducing or removing part of the highway.
Northeast Harrisonburg rests right inside of the Shenandoah Valley.
The residential streets of Northeast Harrisonburg are filled with Bungalows.
1/2
Black historical exhibits and community gatherings in Northeast Harrisonburg
On Thursday mornings, the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Center is open for residents to stop in and learn about Black history from exhibits and archival work. The nonprofit organization sometimes partners with local businesses to set up exhibits, like the timeline showcasing Black history in Harrisonburg that’s in the Friendly City Food Co-Op. Northeast Harrisonburg also has numerous places of worship for residents to gather. Iglesia de Dios de la Profecia has services for Spanish speakers, the Beth El Congregation is a reform Jewish Synagogue, and John Wesley United Methodist Church is a historically Black church that’s been serving the community for almost 160 years. The neighborhood joins the larger Harrisonburg community downtown for seasonal festivals, like the Best. Weekend. Ever., a summer block party with music, crafts, food trucks and walking tours. In December, Harrisonburg welcomes the winter season with a festival with horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday tree lighting and a parade.
Northeast Harrisburg is home to the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project, open on Thursdays.
Purcell Park has a a 1.5 mile walking trail.
1/2
Sports courts, playgrounds and indoor fitness centers
At Ralph Sampson Park near the middle of the neighborhood, locals can catch up under shaded picnic tables as they watch their kids run around the playground. Teenagers play pickup games on the park’s basketball courts, and there are also courts for tennis matches. There’s a baseball diamond nearby, but the city plans to replace it with a large, innovative splash pad. The aquatic play area could open by the summer of 2025, but there isn’t a definitive completion date. Next to Ralph Sampson Park is the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center, named after a formerly enslaved Black educator who graduated from the Hampton Institute in 1877 and led a 56-year-long teaching career in Rockingham County. The center has a gym with basketball courts, a fitness center and a computer lab; annual memberships for residents cost $60 for an adult pass or $150 for a household pass. Northeast Harrisonburg residents also travel more broadly around the region, says Stephan Gleason, a Realtor who operates the Virginia Mountain to Valley Living YouTube channel. “Since you’re in a small city, you’re not likely to just stay in your neighborhood. Everyone will go to Hillandale or Purcell Park for more recreation or drive to the mountains.” The neighborhood is about 24 miles west of Shenandoah National Park, where residents go on scenic drives or explore hiking trails. Massanutten Resort, a popular ski resort that also has mountain biking and hiking trails, is 14 miles east.
Soccer is one of the more popular activities for kids at Ralph Sampson Park.
Enjoy the inclusive swing set for all ages inside of Ralph Sampson Park.
1/2
Older bungalows and newer townhouses
The southern half of the neighborhood, which is closer to downtown, has gridded streets filled with 20th-century homes. The northern section has curved roads with townhouses and apartment complexes, so many residents rent. Homebuyers searching for single-family homes find a mix of American Foursquares and bungalows from the early 1900s and ranches from the 1950s and ‘60s. These homes are priced between $280,000 and $400,000. Gleason notes that many of Northeast’s homes have undergone renovations, and investors will buy houses in the neighborhood to use as rentals, as well. The townhouses, which were built in the late 20th century and early 2000s, make up the neighborhood’s newer housing stock, and their prices fluctuate between $180,000 and $280,000.
Northeast Harrisonburg residents can escape the heat on large shaded porches.
Newly built colorful townhomes in Northeast Harrisonburg come with assigned parking.
1/2
Local diners and breweries near Northeast Harrisonburg
Brothers Craft Brewing is one of the only dining options in the neighborhood, frequently hosting a food truck for patrons to enjoy tacos or burgers as they sip pints of craft beer. The taproom offers innovative seasonal flavors, like strawberry sour ales, and often hosts trivia nights and live musical performances. Though the four-lane Mason Street limits walkability, residents may drive or take the bus to go out to dinner downtown. “Downtown draws a good cross-section of people since we have over fifty restaurants, and we were Virginia’s first culinary district,” Winter says. The Little Grill Collective is a popular brunch spot serving homestyle comfort food, like egg scrambles and pancakes; locals can stop by on their birthday for a free meal. Benny Sorentino’s has massive slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza, which have to be served on two side-by-side paper plates. For groceries, Northeast Harrisonburg has Tienda Hispana La Amistad, a Mexican market selling fresh produce, packaged goods and household essentials. There’s also Roses, a discount department store that stocks clothing, furniture and home décor. Locals drive a couple of miles south on East Market Street for many more shopping options, like Kroger, Walmart and Target.
Start your day right with a tasty breakfast from L&S Diner not far from Northeast Harrisonburg.
Try a collection of delicious craft beers at Brothers Craft Brewing near Northeast Harrisonburg.
1/2
Students attend the new Rocktown High
Children may begin at Spotswood Elementary School, which has a C rating from Niche. They can advance to Skyline Middle School, which is rated a C-plus, and progress to the new Rocktown High School, which is opening for the 2024-25 academic year. Niche has not yet rated the high school, but its features include flexible learning spaces for project-based learning and STEM programs. There are several post-secondary education options close by, as James Madison University is 2 miles south and Eastern Mennonite University is 2 miles northwest. JMU has over 22,000 students and is known for its health sciences, business and education programs, while EMU is a private religious college with about 1,500 students.
Spotswood Elementary School received an overall grade of C from Niche.
Rocktown High School is a brand new high school in the Harrisonburg area.
1/2
Bus stops and nearby interstates
Some streets have sidewalks, but residents usually drive or take the bus to run errands or go to work. The Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation services bus stops throughout the neighborhood; Route 3 loops the city and has stops at shopping centers. Notably, many of the bus systems are geared toward college students, so buses don’t often run on Sundays, and they usually have stops at numerous student apartment complexes. Drivers turn onto East Market Street to go shopping or meet with Interstate 81. South on I-81 takes drivers toward Staunton and then Charlottesville and Richmond. Washington, D.C., is around 130 miles northeast on 1-81 and then 1-66.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Greg Pfaff,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Purcell Park
Westover Park
Ralph Sampson Park
Northeast Harrisonburg Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Northeast Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Northeast Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg over the last 12 months is $544,500, up 51% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 358 E Rock St! This walkable downtown location has lots of potential. The large porch and parking area completed within the last 3 years features additional concrete parking- no more circling the block! As you enter, the large living room with hardwood floors opens to the dining room and kitchen. Also on the main level is a master suite with walk-in closet and full bath, and a large
Welcome to 358 E Rock St! This walkable downtown location has lots of potential. The large porch and parking area completed within the last 3 years features additional concrete parking- no more circling the block! As you enter, the large living room with hardwood floors opens to the dining room and kitchen. Also on the main level is a master suite with walk-in closet and full bath, and a large
Welcome to this charming two-story end-unit townhome, where comfort meets convenience. This lovely residence features three spacious bedrooms and two full baths, offering ample room for you and your loved ones. The heart of the home is the generously sized kitchen, complete with sleek white cabinets, durable Formica countertops, and LVP floors throughout, creating an inviting space for both
For sale in the Beacon Hill subdivision this well maintained townhouse offers two main suites with large rooms, ample closet space and a full bath in each room. The main level offers a large living room, half bath, laundry area and eat-in kitchen with hardwood flooring. Great location right off of route 11 minutes from EMU, JMU and downtown Harrisonburg.
Longview Oaks is surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, yet is only minutes from the convenience of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the growing city of Harrisonburg. Our various apartment floor plans include 1, 2 and 3-bedroom models. Each apartment is equipped with a range, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer / dryer. Also, Longview Oaks is
Welcome to this spacious townhouse available for rent in the heart of Beacon Hill! This inviting residence features three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a large living room, and a well-appointed kitchen. Additionally, it offers the convenience of a fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make this townhouse your new
Spacious 3-Level Townhome in Serene Beacon Hill Available Early August!Discover the perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and modern style in this beautifully renovated 3-story, 3-master-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhouse nestled in the tranquil Beacon Hill Community. Three master bedrooms offer unmatched flexibility ideal for families or a home office setup. Three full bathrooms + a half bath
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Greg Pfaff,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,445
Median Age
32
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.1%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,326
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,865
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
85.1%
College Graduates
24.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
% Population in Labor Force
80%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
39/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
50/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
26/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
