Market Overview
Richmond is pricier ($355K median vs $300K), a difference of about $55K. Richmond moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.
Harrisonburg
VA
Richmond
VA
Median Price
$300K
$355K
Avg Days on Market
24 days
18 days
Price Range
$150K–$600K
$125K–$1.5M
Top Neighborhoods
Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring
The Fan, Carytown, Church Hill, Scott's Addition
Schools
Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Richmond schools
Harrisonburg
VA
Richmond
VA
Avg Pass Rate
74%
67%
Public schools
Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School, Open High School, Thomas Jefferson High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Richmond is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-195).
Harrisonburg
VA
Richmond
VA
Drive to Downtown
~10 min
~10 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42
I-95, I-64, I-195, Rt 1, Rt 301
Commuter Rail
None
None
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Richmond more affordable?
Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $355K in Richmond. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Richmond prices range from $125K–$1.5M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Richmond?
Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Richmond has 67% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Richmond, Maggie L. Walker Governor's School and Open High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Harrisonburg or Richmond?
Richmond has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~10 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Richmond has no direct Metro access.
How do Harrisonburg and Richmond compare?
Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Richmond is Virginia's capital and a city experiencing a major renaissance. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.