City Comparison

Harrisonburg vs Williamsburg: How they compare

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Harrisonburg's median sold price is $353K with homes averaging 15 days on market; Williamsburg is at $510K and 46 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Williamsburg is pricier ($510K median vs $353K), a difference of about $158K. Harrisonburg moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 46 in Williamsburg. Harrisonburg offers a lower entry point at $150K–$600K.

Harrisonburg

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Aug 2026

$353K

$510K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Aug 2026

15 days

46 days

Price Range

$150K–$600K

$150K–$1.5M

Notable Neighborhoods

Downtown, Old Town, Massanetta Springs, Stone Spring

Colonial Williamsburg, Kingsmill, New Town, Ford's Colony

Schools

Harrisonburg has a 74% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill High School. See Harrisonburg schools | See Williamsburg schools

Harrisonburg

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Avg Pass Rate

74%

84%

Public schools

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

Lafayette High School, Warhill High School, Berkeley Middle School

Pass Rate

74%
84%

Commute

Harrisonburg is closer to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Harrisonburg (I-81, Rt 33, Rt 11), Williamsburg (I-64, Rt 60, Rt 199).

Harrisonburg

VA

Williamsburg

VA

Drive to Downtown

~10 min

~25 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-64, Rt 60, Rt 199

Commuter Rail

None

None

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harrisonburg or Williamsburg more affordable?

Harrisonburg is more affordable with a median sold price of $353K, compared to $510K in Williamsburg (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Harrisonburg prices range from $150K–$600K. Williamsburg prices range from $150K–$1.5M.

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

Harrisonburg public schools have a 74% average SOL pass rate; Williamsburg has 84% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Harrisonburg include Harrisonburg High School and Thomas Harrison Middle School; in Williamsburg, Lafayette High School and Warhill 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 Williamsburg?

Harrisonburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~10 minutes vs ~25 minutes. Harrisonburg has no direct Metro access. Williamsburg has no direct Metro access.

How do Harrisonburg and Williamsburg compare?

Harrisonburg is a vibrant college city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University. Williamsburg blends colonial history with modern living. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Aug 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Harrisonburg vs Williamsburg: $353K vs $510K (2026) | smover