Harrisonburg is one of the fastest growing cities in Virginia and the Harrisonburg metro is the second fasting growing in the state. The market was recognized as one of the top twenty emerging metros in the U.S. as job gains, wages, real retail sales growth, and building permits continue to outpace most of the Commonwealth of Virginia on a percentage basis. With 21% growth over the last ten years, new employment opportunities, and the continued expansion economic drivers this trend is expected to continue. The metro area population exceeds 130,000 and the actual trade area is expanded with Harrisonburg' s status as a regional destination for consumers well outside the traditional drive-time radius. The metro attracts shoppers from 20+ miles away with an estimated market served population of 222,000. In addition to James Madison University (22,000 students), the Harrisonburg metro is home to three other colleges and universities. Eastern Mennonite University, with an enrollment of 1,870; Bridgewater College has 1,800 students; and Blue Ridge Community College adds 7,315 students to the area.