Harrisonburg, VA instead of Arlington - advantages, disadvantages etc

[drrabie3]

Hello All,

I was just recently accepted at EMU and I am very strongly considering making the move. I am 26 years old and going to be completing my masters degree. I am single and will be there to focus on my studies first and foremost. However, I do want to know what the nightlife is like, what the young people do there, and how much entertainment in general there is there. I realize D.C. is only about two hours away which doesnt bother me, but I need someone who has been there or lives there to tell me more??? Please any details would be great!!!!!

[Nebat]

Originally Posted by sissy910

How would the commute from Harrisonburg to Arlington be on a daily basis???

I didn't see this so I hope it still applies. In one word-brutal. In miles it's a 2 hr trip one way, and once you hit Gainesville it's bumper to bumper traffic all the way into DC. It could easily turn into a three to four hour one way trip depending on traffic. Even without it, it's still hard to imagine on a daily basis. Once or twice a week would be more realistic. Sorry I didn't respond earlier.

[Nebat]

Originally Posted by drrabie3

Hello All,

I was just recently accepted at EMU and I am very strongly considering making the move. I am 26 years old and going to be completing my masters degree. I am single and will be there to focus on my studies first and foremost. However, I do want to know what the nightlife is like, what the young people do there, and how much entertainment in general there is there. I realize D.C. is only about two hours away which doesnt bother me, but I need someone who has been there or lives there to tell me more??? Please any details would be great!!!!!

Hi there and welcome to the area! I live 20 mins south in Staunton so I hope i can be of help. H-burg is the regional shopping destination but is still a relatively small town. I don't party so I don't know what the nightlife is, but it seems there are a lot of private parties thrown by the JMU students. There are some small bars/clubs downtown, but don't ask me their name as I have never been and they always seem to change owners/names. What people do for fun? It's in a rural part of the state so some locals like to hunt and fish. You have your mainstays like bowling and movies and JMU related sports events, and concerts. Honestly it's kind of bland. Lots of chains as far as restaurants and shopping. Now what JMU students do for fun? Drink, party, and have sex! But what college kid doesn't? All in all, H-burg is a nice place, not a great place. It has some character downtown, but it's not much. I view it as a service city, you go there to shop and do your business, but then go home. You don't really go there to sightsee or stroll the downtown streets or mingle at cool locally owned businesses and coffeshops. Ironically Staunton offers this though it's smaller. Any other questions just ask. Hope this helps!

[traface]

Harrisonburg has come a long way since I graduated from JMU ten years ago. I would definitely choose it over Arlington, especially after commuting from Stafford to Alexandria for two years. Yes, the shopping and nightlife are great in northern VA, but I prefer trees and roads where I can actually drive on, instead of constantly slamming my foot on the brake. Besides, I'm sure you'll find plenty to do in Harrisonburg- check out the concerts, sports games, etc. at the college. Skyline Drive is only thirty minutes away, and a ski resort even less. And I imagine there must be plenty of farmers' markets around in the warmer months. Hmm, makes me want to pick up and move back there!

[JimGriffith]

Originally Posted by sissy910

How would the commute from Harrisonburg to Arlington be on a daily basis???

By the 4th day, you'd quit whatever job you were commuting to -- if you hadn't already pulled off the road and set yourself on fire in a fit of rage.

[sissy910]

LOL!!! THANKS Jim!! Your reply came through loud and clear...

Do you know anything about Manassas VA???

[JimGriffith]

I'm afraid not a whole lot.

I know Manassas is a big sprawling area with both newer and older subdivisions and plenty of affordable housing. There's a cute little downtown Manassas city. There's been some controversy there lately with people clashing over the illegal immigration issue.

And of course the famous battle field.

Probably a 45 minute to 1 hour commute to arlington.