Sunset Heights is alongside two parks and downtown Harrisonburg
Parks, trails and bikeability define Sunset Heights, a handful of subdivisions just outside of downtown Harrisonburg. Two parks flank the neighborhood, and that feature is one of its biggest draws, says Brad Cohen, broker and founder of Harrisonburg-based Connexa Real Estate. “They have walking trails that connect people through the neighborhood. It’s only a short bike ride to downtown Harrisonburg.” Proximity to downtown and the James Madison University campus, as well as the trails branching off the two parks, make biking for transportation or recreation practical in Sunset Heights. The entire neighborhood is within a 15-minute bike ride of more than 30 boutiques and nearly 40 eateries downtown, but home prices tend to be lower compared to downtown-adjacent neighborhoods like Old Town.
Sunset Heights offers scenic mountain views that add to the neighborhood’s charm.
Just minutes from Sunset Heights, Eagle Field Memorial Park in Downtown Harrisonburg is home of the JMU Dukes softball team.
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A neighborhood with low turnover and off-market deals
There’s a heavy presence of midcentury homes, particularly ranches and Cape Cods, but also Colonial Revivals from the ‘80s and new traditional styles built since 2010. Because the homes vary so much in size and age, there’s also a wide range of prices, a reason the neighborhood appeals to many buyers, Cohen says. Houses typically cost between $335,000 and $530,000. The newest homes are more likely to be priced from the high $600,000s to the high $800,000s. However, owners don’t put their homes up for sale often; when they do, houses sell in an average of about a week. “A lot of stuff in that neighborhood sells off-market and by word of mouth,” Cohen says. “If you look at the turnover rate in that neighborhood, there’s not much. Typically, people move in, and they don’t move out until they’re in a pine box.”
Explore Colonial Revival-style homes from the '80s in the charming neighborhood of Sunset Heights.
Sunset Heights, VA, has many affordable well maintained ranch style homes along their streets.
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Parks and sports surround Sunset Heights
Hillandale Park is the largest of the neighborhood’s two parks. A roughly mile-long trail winds through its woodlands before connecting to the Friendly City Trail, a 2-mile paved walking and cycling path. Westover Park is slightly smaller, but it’s packed with amenities including a skate park and 21-hole disc golf course. Swimmers can pay for a seasonal membership or daily pass to use the park’s pool. Likewise, a day pass or membership is required to work out or play racquetball at the Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center. To the west of the parks, Heritage Oaks Golf Course is open to the public. Despite having 18 holes, the course was designed with a compact layout that encourages walking. Residents can catch James Madison University baseball and softball games at the pair of stadiums on the east end of the neighborhood.
Westover Park includes an inclusive swing set for all ages.
Sunset Heights is defined by its proximity to Hillandale Park’s trails and more.
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Retail on Route 42 and dining in downtown
Dozens of businesses line Roue 42 running alongside the neighborhood. Cold brew, burritos and sandwiches fill the menu of Greenberry’s Coffee Co., a small chain that started in Charlottesville. Food Lion and Walmart are down the street, as is local favorite Taste of Thai. However, the true dining hotspot is downtown Harrisonburg, where people can grab Korean dishes at Mashita or award-winning beers at Pale Fire Brewing Co.
High schoolers can focus on fine arts or STEM courses
Three public schools surround the residential areas of Sunset Heights. Keister Elementary School to the south gets a Niche grade of C-plus, while Thomas Harrison Middle School to the north receives a B-minus. To the west, Harrisonburg High School scores a B-plus. Eighth and ninth graders can audition for the Fine Arts Academy or apply for the Governor’s STEM Academy to have access to in-depth courses in topics like drama, music and creative writing or health care, math and engineering. Sunset Heights is about half a mile from the heart of the James Madison University campus. More than 20,000 students attend the public university, which is also the city’s biggest employer. Cohen says full-time residents can live separately from students and the party scene, but that the school is a major part of the city’s character for students and non-students alike. “When there’s a home football game, everybody knows what’s going on. People who fill the basketball arena in the winter are often local and not connected to the university.”
Keister Elementary School in Harrisonburg, VA, serves students from preschool through fifth grade.
Ranked 171st in Virginia, Harrisonburg High School offers a strong educational experience.
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Trinity Presbyterian Church has run the Clothes Closet for decades
Several churches gather in Sunset Heights, and Trinity Presbyterian Church is one of the longest-meeting. In the early ‘60s, members gathered in a dilapidated, white-columned house built before the Civil War. The congregation has restored and expanded the converted church building, where members of the community can come every Wednesday night to pick out free, donated clothes.
Getting around by foot, car or bus
Interstate 81 is about a mile away, and the interstate runs throughout western Virginia. Sidewalks and crosswalks on Market Street and Route 42 enable people on the neighborhood’s northeast end to walk downtown. HBConnect, the city’s free bus service, stops along High Street and takes riders downtown.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary Beth Harris,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Harrisonburg Parks & Rec Department
Westover Park
Hillandale Park
Transit
Airport
Charlottesville-Albemarle
72 min drive
Bus
West Market St. & Thomas Harrison Middle School (Shelter)
Bus
South High St. & Sunrise Ave.
Bus
1910 Erickson Ave.
Bus
South High St. & Hillandale Ave.
Bus
West Market St. & Westover Park
Bus
South High St. & Liberty Station
Bus
West Market St. & Simmons Cut & Tan
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunset Heights
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunset Heights, Harrisonburg sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sunset Heights, Harrisonburg over the last 12 months is $454,863, up 22% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don't miss on one of the rare opportunities to build your future home in the heart of HARRISONBURG Prime Land Opportunity – 1009 S Dogwood Dr, Harrisonburg, VA This 0.37-acre lot in Sunrise Heights offers a peaceful setting while keeping you close to parks, bike trails, and essential amenities. • Great Location – A quiet neighborhood near schools, shopping, and recreation. • Strong Market –
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Mary Beth Harris,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,445
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,318
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$95,590
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.7%
College Graduates
53.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
22.4%
% Population in Labor Force
74.9%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
42/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
34/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
