What Makes Bedford a Great Place to Live

Considering relocating to Southwest Virginia? We recommend taking a closer look at Bedford. There are many amenities that make living in Bedford, Virginia wonderful! From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Smith Mountain Lake to easy commuting distances to historical heritage and everything in between, here are some compelling reasons why we think you should move to Bedford:

Bedford, VA Quick Facts

• Population - 6,642

• Median Home Value - $206,074

• Median Income - $34,647

• Cost of Living - 84.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)

• Commuting Distance to Major Cities - Lynchburg - 25 miles and Roanoke - 25 miles

Natural Beauty

Bedford is known for its stunning natural surroundings. Home to the Peaks of Otter, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering breathtaking views, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Bedford is connected to part of Smith Mountain Lake, which boasts more than 120 communities along the more than 500 miles of shoreline, it’s a perfect area for boating, fishing, and water sports. People love the relaxing, slower pace of life the lake has to offer and many flock to Bedford to be apart of that lifestyle.

Outdoor Recreation

If you love outdoor activities, Bedford has a lot to offer. County visitors will often venture to the Blue Ridge Parkway for its breathtaking vistas, wilderness access, and a reprieve from fast-paced commercialism since the mid-1930s.

If you enjoy camping, there is a lot to offer in Bedford, from the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Campgrounds to the Peaks of Otter campground in the Blue Ridge Mountains or the primitive campsites at Camp Karma, there is plenty for everyone.

Camping at Camp Karma in Bedford, VA

If you are into hiking, Bedford doesn’t disappoint, with the Johnson Farm and Harkening Hill Trail, hikers enjoy this 4.3-mile loop trail near Bedford, Virginia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.

Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or simply exploring nature, you'll find plenty of opportunities to connect with the great outdoors in Bedford County’s parks.

Johnson Farm and Harkening Trail

Historic Charm

The Town of Bedford has a rich history and is home to the National D-Day Memorial, which commemorates the Allied forces' D-Day invasion during World War II. The town itself has a quaint, historic downtown area with well-preserved architecture and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.

Popular Forest

Poplar Forest is a plantation and retreat home in Forest, Bedford County, Virginia that belonged to Founding Father and third U.S. president Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson inherited the property in 1773 and began designing and working on his retreat home in 1806.

It’s a popular destination for those coming through the county and many locals enjoy visiting the property throughout the year as well.

Education

The Bedford County Public School system provides education options for families with children. There are also nearby colleges and universities for those pursuing higher education. 

In January 2005, Central Virginia Community College began offering classes to the residents of the city and county of Bedford at a new, state-of-the-art facility in the Bedford Center for Business.

Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford, Virginia

Arts and Culture

Despite its small size, Bedford has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including local galleries, theaters, and music events. The town hosts various festivals and cultural activities throughout the year.

The movie “What About Bob” was partly filmed in the county back in the summer of 1991, starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. You can see many of the back roads they used, as well as the general store in Moneta (now defunct) and the Elks Home they used as the psych ward.

Wineries and Breweries

The county is also home to several wineries, breweries, and cideries, from the popular Beale’s Brewery (named after the Beales Treasure worth more than $40 million in 2023) to Fables and Feathers Winery where they make some wonderful red wines to the Peaks of Otter Winery, where they specialize in fruit wines, there is even the Apocalypse Cider Factory, making wonderful ciders from Apples grown in the county.

Low Crime Rate

Bedford tends to have a lower crime rate compared to larger urban areas, which contributes to a sense of safety and security for residents.

Bedford has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to the analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bedford is 1 in 104, which is very low.

Proximity to Larger Cities

While Bedford itself is a smaller town, it's within a reasonable driving distance of larger cities like Lynchburg and Roanoke, where you can access additional amenities, shopping, and entertainment options.

Bedford offers a peaceful and relaxed way of life, which can be appealing to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas and is truly a gem of a town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Brenda and the Next Door Realty Group team would be honored to assist with your relocation to Bedford!

Contact us today to get started!