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James Madison University
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James Madison University - Local Atmosphere - Local Atmosphere - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Local Atmosphere

B+
Where does this grade come from?View all Local Atmosphere rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

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Quick Stats

Fun Local Trivia
  1. Harrisonburg residents' smiling faces and warm handshakes match the city's nickname: the Friendly City.
  2. Prior to 1916, Harrisonburg's roads were unpaved and were only traversed by horses, buggies, and human feet. In those pre-taxi days, two dollars would buy a ride home from a local stable and save you a dusty walk home.
  3. Don't be surprised if your jaunt around Harrisonburg is accompanied by an odor oddly reminiscent of dog food. Why? Harrisonburg is famous for its poultry production. The poultry's feed, a mix of molasses, corn, and other organic materials, produces a dog food smell that is especially strong in wet weather.
  4. Tourists from China, Japan, and elsewhere have trekked to Harrisonburg to gaze upon one thing—chestnut trees. Three of the last, largest chestnut trees in North America are located on JMU's Quad, right outside of Jackson.
  5. The fountain adorning Newman Lake runs 365 days a year—rain, snow or shine.
  6. JMU is one of the only campuses in America to boast of having a stream, lake, bridge, tunnel, traffic light, railroad, and an interstate highway running through campus.
Local Slang
  • The 'Burg: Nickname for the city of Harrisonburg
  • Joke on: Another way to say "make fun of"
  • Soda: Not pop or soda pop in Virginia
  • The Valley: It's really the Shenandoah Valley, but the Shenandoah gets dropped.
  • Y'all: Virginia residents' version of "you all " or "you guys"
Points of Interest
  • Appalachian Trail Conservatory
  • Blue Hole -- Rawley Springs
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Civil War Battlefields
  • Court Square Theater
  • Edith J Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
  • Endless Caverns
  • Funky’s Skate Center
  • George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
  • Hardesty-Higgins House
  • Harrisonburg Fire Museum
  • Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society (Heritage Center)
  • Hillandale Bike Trail
  • Massanutten Resort
  • OASIS Gallery
  • Rockingham County Fair
  • Shenandoah National Park
  • Skyline Drive
  • Virginia Bicycle Trails
  • Virginia Quilt Museum
  • You Made It Pottery (Design Your Own Pottery)

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

If you were looking for a thriving, exciting metropolis, like Miami or New York, you might want to think twice about making JMU your four- or five-year abode. However, if the medium-sized city in the country setting is what gets you going, you should be drawn here like a moth to the flame. Harrisonburg’s humble charms are its natural ones: the Shenandoah Valley is a nesting place for magnificent mountains, breathtaking sunsets, and a plethora of outdoorsy activities. While taking a jog around the countryside, you might come across a horse and buggy, or strike up a conversation with a Mennonite.

Harrisonburg may lack huge shopping malls, rambunctious dance clubs, and big city thrills, but the town’s historic setting and several local attractions suffice nicely. The ‘Burg is growing, with new shopping complexes springing up in recent years. The relative proximity of three other universities (Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary, Bridgewater College, and Blue Ridge Community College) also creates opportunities for interaction and community. And, in the dire circumstance that you crave some sort of megalopolis, Washington DC, Richmond, and Roanoke are a mere two hours down the freeway. All in all, Harrisonburg is a pretty pleasant place.

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James Madison Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Local Atmosphere at James Madison University

animeaddict13

Pre-Medicine Studies '15

0.0
F

Middle of Nowhere

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia- aka the middle of nowhere. It's impossible to get around without a car, most parts of town are pretty sketchy, and there is pretty much nothing to do if you set foot off campus. That and the townies are scary, unfriendly hicks.

May 16, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at James Madison University

sarahkkennedy

Psychology '15

3.5
B

Harrisonburg: Charming Downtown

The biggest thing in Harrisonburg is JMU, however, the downtown area is off campus and adorable. I'm pretty sure the "townies" hate the students, as we do cause trouble from time to time (I don't think they'll ever really get over the riots). The university tries to advertise off-campus events so students don't feel obliged to binge drink every weekend, however, students still seem to find that parties are the only source of entertainment.

Mar 09, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at James Madison University

Ct012893

Spanish Language and Literature '15

3.8
B+

Small but Full of Character

Harrisonburg is a small community that may not have many shopping options or attractions, but the local cuisine is unique. If you get a chance, try out Dave's downtown and enjoy their Greek selections.

Mar 09, 2012

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Page 1 of 12
User rating for James Madison University - Local Atmosphere is 3.5 out of 5 based on 34 user reviews.

Photos of James Madison University's Local Atmosphere

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James Madison University - James Madison University stadiumJames Madison University...
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James Madison University stadium Stadium is full of JMU students, families, teachers, and friends, supporting and cheering for the Duke Dog football players!
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James Madison University - The QuadThe Quad
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The Quad This is the quad area of campus.
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James Madison University - Touchdown for JMU Duke DogsTouchdown for JMU Duke Dogs
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Touchdown for JMU Duke Dogs Streamers fly everywhere to celebrate a touchdown!
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Photo by PurpleDuke

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

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Facts

Shopping Centers Simon Valley Mall
Major Sports Teams
  • Baltimore Orioles: baseball
  • Washington Capitols: hockey
  • Washington Nationals: baseball
  • Washington Redskins: football
  • Washington Wizards: basketball
City Web Sites
Distances to Nearest Major Cities Washington: D.C.: 2 hours

Movie TheatersWhat's This?

Court Square Theatre
40 N Liberty St.
Harrisonburg
(540) 564-1692

Regal Cinemas 14
381 University Blvd.
Harrisonburg
(540) 434-7733

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Rosemary Grant
Hometown
Alexandria, VA
Major
English/Media Arts & Design

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
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