James Madison University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

There are townies and some weird... There are townies and some weird people, but there are also a lot of friendly locals. EMU is fairly close, but I’ve never been. There’re a few areas of Harrisonburg, which I probably wouldn’t want to go in at night by myself, but overall, I’d say it’s a pretty nice place to visit and explore. Kline’s is great for ice cream; there’s even a place where you can paint your own pottery. Coffee shops like the Daily Grind and Artful Dodger are there. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

If you go to JMU, you have to take... If you go to JMU, you have to take a swim in Newman Lake. Some girl was supposed to have drowned in there or something, so it’s kind of cool in a creepy way to go swimming there. Also, you should check out some of the bike trails and campgrounds around this area. Shenandoah is a really beautiful place, and it would be tragic if you lived here a while without seeing what it has to offer. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere here is pretty... The atmosphere here is pretty chill, on campus and off. Harrisonburg isn’t really the most exciting town to live in, but I wouldn’t say there’s anything to stay away from either. Eastern Mennonite University is across town; University of Virginia and Bridgewater Community College are pretty close, too. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Harrisonburg has a very small-town... Harrisonburg has a very small-town air to it. It’s well populated by a college-age cohort; the town itself still holds an agricultural, conservative character. The closest university would be UVA. There’s a lot to do in the ‘Burg, especially in the surrounding mountains and forests. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The atmosphere here is one of a... The atmosphere here is one of a growing town in a rural setting. The Harrisonburg area is absolutely gorgeous, it is surrounded by mountains and is in this valley that looks like something out of a movie. The locals have Southern accents, mostly, and they are very open to helping out college students. There are other universities nearby: Eastern Mennonite University is across town, and Bridgewater College is just down the road. Bridgewater people come over here quite often because it’s so close. If you were going to come here and see something for the day, I would say go to the mountains. Skyline Drive has some amazing trails and views that are more than worth your time. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Harrisonburg:
• Harrisonburg residents’ smiling faces and warm handshakes match the city’s nickname: the Friendly City.
• 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.
• 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.
?• 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.

Fun Facts about Campus:
• The fountain adorning Newman Lake runs 365 days a year—rain, snow or shine.
• 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:
Y’all – Virginia residents’ version of “you all “ or “you guys.“
The Valley – It’s really the Shenandoah Valley, but the Shenandoah gets dropped.
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.

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