Quality of Life

With a beautiful location, ample opportunities for recreation, varied housing options, fine education, access to health care and a four-season climate, the Metro Area is an inviting and satisfying place to live and work.

• An affordable cost of living. 
• A wide variety of housing options suitable for people in all stages of their professional and personal life.
• Harrisonburg and Rockingham County school systems are two of the highest ranked school systems in Virginia for Standards of Learning (SOL) scores and overall value of education.
• Ranked No. 9 in the nation for "Best Public Schools" compared to similar sized metros (Expansion Management magazine, 2007).
• Excellent network of higher education institutions, including James Madison University, Bridgewater College, Easter Mennonite University, and Blue Ridge Community College.
• Rated No. 2 "Most Secure Place to Live" (Sperling's Best Places).
• Many enjoyable camping and outdoor recreational opportunities in the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive.
• An abundance of cultural amenities, including museums and art galleries, music and theater venues, and several historic sites such as the Cross Keys and Port Republic Civil War Battlefields. 
• Eclectic shopping and dining options ranging from antiques shops and farmers' markets to upscale boutiques and restaurants.