Harrisonburg is a city in Virginia with about 54,000 people. It’s home to James Madison University, a big public university with over 20,000 students. The city is known for its diverse culture, lively downtown, and beautiful surroundings.
However, like any city, there’s some crime and violence. According to the FBI, Harrisonburg’s total crime rate is 2,059.8 per 100,000 people. That’s less than the national average of 2,324.2 but more than the state average of 1,665.1.
In this article, we’ll look at the five most dangerous neighborhoods in Harrisonburg based on crime data from CrimeGrade.org. The five most dangerous neighborhoods are:
| Neighborhood | Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Median Home Value | Median Household Income |
| Old Town | 43 | $440,000 | $50,000 |
| Purcell Park | 38.9 | $282,000 | $42,000 |
| Holiday Hills | 36 | $257,000 | $46,000 |
| Greendale | 35 | $320,000 | $54,000 |
| Sunset Heights | 33.9 | $323,000 | $48,000 |
- Old Town. This area is in the southeast part of the city, close to downtown. The crime rate is 43.2 for every 1,000 people. The typical home here costs $440,000, and the average household income is $50,000. Most people in the neighborhood are white, Hispanic, or Asian.
- Purcell Park. This area is in the middle of the southern part of the city, close to James Madison University. The crime rate here is 38.9 per 1,000 people. The typical home is worth $282,000, and the average household income is $42,000.
- Holiday Hills. This area is in the northeast of the city, close to Interstate 81. The crime rate here is 35.8 per 1,000 people. The average home is valued at $257,000, and the typical household income is $46,000.
- Greendale.This area is in the northwest of the city, close to Harrisonburg High School. The crime rate is 34.7 per 1,000 people. The typical home here is worth $320,000, and the average household income is $54,000.
- Sunset Heights. This area is in the southwest of the city, close to Rockingham Memorial Hospital. The crime rate here is 33.9 per 1,000 residents. The typical home is valued at $323,000, and the average household income is $48,000.
Certain areas in Harrisonburg are considered more dangerous due to higher crime rates. Besides these, there are additional neighborhoods with crime grades of D or lower, such as Reherd Acres, Park Lawn, Ashby Heights, Forest Hills, and Belmont Estates.
These neighborhoods experience crime rates ranging from 25.8 to 31.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, and they are mainly situated in the central and eastern parts of the city.
Conversely, some neighborhoods in Harrisonburg are known for their low crime rates and high quality of life. These areas have crime grades of B or higher and are predominantly found in the western and northern parts of the city.
Among the safest neighborhoods are Lake Pointe, Crossroads Farm, Bridlewood, Blue Stone Hills, and Barrington. These areas have crime rates ranging from 8.6 to 14.9 incidents per 1,000 residents and boast median home values exceeding $500,000.
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To Conclude
Harrisonburg, like any lively city, has a mix of different cultures, busy streets, and unfortunately, some areas with crime. Although the overall crime rate in the city is lower than the national average, knowing more about each neighborhood helps residents and visitors make informed decisions.
Apart from these five neighborhoods, there are other areas worth mentioning. Neighborhoods like Reherd Acres and Ashby Heights may have higher crime rates, but they might also have hidden treasures that community initiatives can uncover.
On the flip side, even the safest neighborhoods like Lake Pointe and Bridlewood can benefit from ongoing vigilance and proactive measures.
Harrisonburg’s safety story isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s like a mosaic, with each piece contributing to the city’s dynamic character. By recognizing both the challenges and the resilience of its diverse communities, we can navigate this mix with awareness, creating a safer and livelier Harrisonburg for everyone.
