Harrisonburg, VA

12 Apartments for Rent with Balconies

Outside your door, you will find plenty of those majestic mountains and great outdoors, along with an historic downtown and the occasional sounds of live blues and bluegrass bouncing between local eateries, shops, and watering holes. You will find a lot of college kids and good ol' boys embodying the "live and let live" lifestyle, as well as a number of devout Christian families keeping the town’s moral compass in check. It's a small town with a big, loud, and proud local culture.

Although there are a few typical apartment complexes, most of the rental real estate around here is made up of renovated and repurposed old homes and buildings. You can find these old-town treasures in the forms of duplexes, lofts, townhomes, shared houses, and single-family houses, many of which are available furnished. Shared houses are very popular around James Madison University, where landlords lease by the bedroom, which is a great bargain for students. In these types of rentals, you can expect to pay about $350 for a bedroom and get to enjoy sharing a large kitchen, living area, and yard, among other perks. But, be warned, living in a shared house can be like living in the Real World or some other awful MTV reality show. If you have a group of friends ready to lease, you can often reserve a whole house for the year. Otherwise, be prepared to coexist.

With this unique rental market, you won't always find places with the typical amenities, such as swimming pools and fitness centers, although we do have a few of those complexes in our listings. However, comfort, coziness, and privacy are very common amenities in these old houses, where fireplaces, hardwood floors, and private backyards cost the typical renter less than $800.

Pet-friendly rentals are hit and miss around here. You can find apartments that accept cats, and even large-breed dogs, meanwhile, you can also find houses with nice, big yards that don't allow pets at all. It's a 50/50 shot. So, be sure to check the pet policy before paying for that $30 application fee.

While Harrisonburg is safely nestled away from the high crime of big cities, way out west, over the mountains and through the woods, there is a bit of petty crime around downtown. It's the kind of small town where you and even your kids can walk around safely at night, but don't leave your bicycle unlocked or a big wad of cash in your car's dashboard... that's just asking for it no matter how you slice it. That is the most of your worries around these parts, though. The moral fiber is strong with this town.

Enjoy living in the great Shenandoah Valley, and good luck in your hunt!

-By Katy Comal See more

Balconies are a coveted amenity for many renters looking for high-rise views and opportunities for fresh air. However, you should keep in mind that balconies often come with restrictions.

Before signing a lease, ask about how many people can be on the balcony at once. Also, ask about whether you’re allowed to store a bike or other items.

You’ll also want to know about any maintenance schedules. Using your balcony as storage could result in fines and intervention from your property management.

Keep in mind that not all balconies are created equally. You may discover the views of the parking area are less than optimal or reduce your overall privacy.

Balconies can also get messy with debris, foliage, dirt, and pollen depending on your location. Renters are typically responsible for any clean-up and basic balcony upkeep.

Regardless of the issues to keep in mind, balconies are usually a big win for Harrisonburg renters. Ask about apartments on higher floors for the best views.