Broadway offers a middle ground between the city and the country
Broadway is a community in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that is defined by its quiet atmosphere and proximity to Harrisonburg. “It’s a little less expensive than living directly in the city, and you can get much more elbow room living out there,” says Realtor Ronald Flores of Funkhouser Real Estate Group, who has 20 years of experience in the area. “It’s not exactly rural – there’s lots of open space and there are nearby hiking trails, but in the town, it feels more typically suburban.” Often chosen by residents for its comfortable lot sizes and its sense of remove, Broadway offers a taste of country living within reach of the metropolitan heart of the valley.
Homes in Broadway offer mountain views and elbow room
Broadway's home styles vary widely, from mountain cabins surrounded by woodland to suburban Modern Traditional builds at the ends of cul-de-sacs. “There’s been continuing development out there, so people will be able to find newer homes,” Flores says. “There’s more space out there than there is in the city, which is why people tend to choose it. That, and the views. On some lots, you get great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Prices range from around $200,000 for modest single-story homes to over $600,000 for newer suburban houses. The cost fluctuates according to the number of bedrooms, lot size and build year. Townhouses on the east side of town price between $200,000 and $355,000, depending on build year and number of bedrooms.
The home of the Fighting Gobblers receives a B-minus
Students in Broadway are zoned to attend Rockingham County Public Schools, which earns an overall B grade from Niche. John C. Myers Elementary School on the west side of town scores a C-plus. J. Frank Hillyard Middle receives a B and offers free meal service to all students. Broadway High School, the home of the Fighting Gobblers, earns a B-minus. Private alternatives, such as the Shenandoah Valley Academy, are also close by.
The nearby river and local park offer recreation opportunities
Broadway Community Park on the west side of town has several baseball diamonds, a small playground and a public swimming pool. The area is just 13 miles west from the Mountain Run Swimming Hole, home to a natural swimming area and hiking trails that lead visitors past several waterfalls. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River north of town is popular with local fishermen, who wade out into the shallows in search of smallmouth bass.
Country highways and Interstate 81 connect Broadway to the city
Virginia state Route 259 slices across the north side of Broadway, connecting the town to Timberville and east to Interstate 81. Both I-81 and Main Street provide access south to Harrisonburg, home to the nearest hospital. “The Main Street there is a section of Highway 42, which is the main commuter lane,” Flores says. “Harrisonburg is about a 20-minute trip, and I’d say that most people who live in Broadway make that commute daily.”
Restaurants on Main Street and the Saturday market draw visitors
Residents can shop for daily necessities at both Family Dollar and Dollar General in town. The closest supermarket is the Food Lion in Timberville. Timberville is also home to the nearest Walmart. Locals can visit the Broadway Community Market every Saturday to pick up fresh produce. Broadway’s Main Street is lined with locally owned restaurants like The Gobbler Grill, Italian Touch and Fat Boyz BBQ.
