Harrisonburg, VA 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Harrisonburg is a small city in Central Virginia. It is popular for its location in the Shenandoah Valley, which provides residents with abundant opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Besides this, Harrisonburg is home to a quaint downtown, historic buildings, malls, and museums.

Climate & Geography 

Harrisonburg is known to get all four seasons, with sunny and humid summers, and cold and snowy winters. Residents can also expect to see under 200 sunny days, less than the national average. 

Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is characterized by having rolling hills. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians surround the valley.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

The city is surrounded by outdoor recreation. Residents can enjoy the scenic views and hiking trails of the Shenandoah Valley or go fishing and boating at Lake Shenandoah. There are also numerous gardens and parks in the city, including the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Purcell Park.

Harrisonburg is also home to a close-knit neighborly atmosphere, which is especially due to its historic appeal. The city has many antique shops, including Rolling Hills Antique Mall. There are also plenty of historic buildings that have been turned into museums, such as the Virginia Quilt Museum and the Brethren and Mennonite Heritage Center. Other popular amenities in the city include two planetariums, a discovery center, a weekly farmers market, and local breweries.

For more entertainment and recreation, residents can drive just over an hour to Charlottesville.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Harrisonburg is less than state and national averages. This is primarily due to low housing prices, but transportation and utility costs are below average as well. 

Virginia is a tax-friendly state. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, and all other forms of retirement income are eligible for a deduction of up to $12,000. The sales tax rate in Harrisonburg is 5.3 percent, which is below the U.S. average. Additionally, property taxes are low, and Virginia offers a relief program aimed at retirees over 65.

Health Care 

Virginia ranks among the top 27 states on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. 

Within city limits, residents can access Sentara RMH Medical Center, which is rated high performing by U.S. News. The only other high performing hospital within 25 miles is Augusta Health-Fishersville.