City Comparison

Harrisonburg vs Vienna: How they compare

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Vienna is pricier ($960K median vs $300K), a difference of about $660K. Vienna moves faster, with homes averaging 12 days on market compared to 24 in Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Harrisonburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Median Price

$300K

$960K

Avg Days on Market

24 days

12 days

Price Range

$150K–$600K

$500K–$2.5M

Top Neighborhoods

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Downtown Vienna, Westwood Hills, Vienna West, Bowman Heights

Schools

Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Vienna schools

Harrisonburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Avg Pass Rate

74%

92%

Public schools

Harrisonburg High School, Thomas Harrison Middle School, Skyline Middle School

James Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Wolftrap Elementary

Pass Rate

74%
92%

Commute

Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Vienna has 1 Metro station, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Vienna (I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29).

Harrisonburg

VA

Vienna

VA

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~25 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

1 Metro station (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)

Metro Lines

N/A

Orange

Major Highways

I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11, Rt 42

I-66, Rt 123, Rt 29

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harrisonburg or Vienna more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median home price of $300K, compared to $960K in Vienna. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Vienna prices range from $500K–$2.5M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Harrisonburg and Vienna?

Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Vienna has 92% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Vienna, James Madison High School and Thoreau Middle School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.

Which is easier to commute from, Harrisonburg or Vienna?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Vienna has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU).

How do Harrisonburg and Vienna compare?

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Vienna offers a quintessential small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity. 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.

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Harrisonburg vs Vienna: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover