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Retirement Living In Bedford County - Virginia


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Area Description

Founded in 1754, Bedford County is rich with human and natural history. Located partially in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area ranges from 4,200 feet in elevations down to Smith Mountain Lake, which has the largest shoreline in the state exceeding 500 miles. One of the major attractions is the National D-Day Memorial which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers of this great WWII battle. The area lost more soldiers per capita than any other community in the U.S.

Other major attractions are Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest, dating back to the early 1800s. And then there's the Peaks of Otter, a poplar mountain destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway and near the Appalachian Trail with lake, lodge and surrounded by nearly 6,900 acres of National Park land and nearly 21,000 acres of National Forest.

The county is blessed with other attractions such as wineries and vineyards, one of the state's largest Artisan Trail with nearly 90 members, many bed and breakfasts, mountain and lake vacation homes, and unique restaurants. There are many public parks with infrastructors supporting sports, hiking and nature. Nationally known photographers and videographers come to the area to capture wildlife on film. With over 250 years of history, the historical associations and museum attract tourists from all of the world. Agritourism is very strong due to the agriculture being the largest industry in the area. Another major annual destination is the Johnson Orchards Horse and Hound event where visitors from multiple states enjoy apples, wine tasting, artisan crafts and horse events.

So why is Bedford County a great place to retire? We have among the lowest taxes in this region of the state, great school system, very good transportation system, moderate climate and a poplulation of only 77,000 in the county and town of Bedford. The town is nestled half way between two major cities, Roanoke and Lynchburg. Two airports are located 30 minutes from the town. Our area is a friendly, Southern community that loves life!

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


    AWith a visit to the 10,700 sq. ft. Bedford County Welcome Center, people interested in retiring here will learn about the year-round events and activities. Centerfest, a 30+ year downtown event, attracts thousands of people in this region to enjoy the harvest festival, artisan offerings, entertainment and food. The Bedford County Fair drew 14,800 people from the region for 3 days. The Artisan Trail has several multiple trail stops throughout the year that range from art studios, galleries, theatrics and woodworking to blacksmithing, hand-woven apparel, wood carvings and handmade pottery.

For history lovers there are events and destinations year-round to see such as Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest, which reveals the inner-man. The Peaks of Otter at 4,000 ft. elevation was the first tourist destination with hiking, sight-seeing and photography are a must. The county has some of the best hunting and fishing in the state. It boasts to be either #1 or #2 in annual deer harvest and nearly that well in wild turkey harvest statewide with bear populations soaring. Trout streams are numerous with good catches and Smith Mountain Lake being one of the premier Stripped Bass fishing locations in Virginia.

Then there's Agritourism with 4 and 5-generation farms that offer tours, family events, pick-your-own. The Bedford Wine Trail is comprised of 6 wineries from the mountains to Smith Mountain Lake. Apple and peach harvesting events are a major draws every year that include many family activities. Ranking #7 statewide, the equestrian industry has over 6,000 horses with many annual horse events. This includes draft horses and many, many horse riding breeds. The Bedford County Fair is one of the largest annual events with horse and livestock activities, 4-H and FFA judging contests, canned food contests, midway rides, antique car show and artisans showing their wares.

Cultural Activities


The Bower Center is the towns art and culture center where art, music and drama events are held year-round. The Sedalia Center is the art, music and culture center in the county with a mountain flare. The winning combination of these two centers attract people from all over the Eastern Seaboard.

The Bedford County Library System offers the public many locations throughout the town and county. History lectures, bluegrass bands and geneology events are held at the Bedford Museum and Geneological Lbrary.

Public transportation


Presently there is bus transportation from Bedford to Lynchburg and Roanoke. There are current efforts to establish an Amtrak rail stop in the town of Bedford. If established, Bedford will have quick access to Washington, D.C. and on to Boston.There are highways passing through the county, all intersecting in the town.

Medical Facilities


Bedford Memorial Hospital is located in the town of Bedford. It is part of the Centra Health Care System, a well respected organization known for it's cancer treatment technology. The hospital partners with several community organizations and teams up with The Bedford YMCA with thie fitness program. Only 1 hour away is the VA Hospital located in Roanoke.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Bedford County, Virginia?

For those of you that retire in Bedford County, you will enjoy warm summers, a cool fall, a cold winter and a temperate spring!

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 30's and highs in the upper 40's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 20's. Expect some rainy days in the winter.

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Bedford County such as a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cool with averages in the mid 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 40's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Bedford County is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the mid 70's and highs in the mid 80's. Nights are cool with lows in the low 60's. Expect some days above 90°. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect some rainy days in the summer.

If you retire in Bedford County, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cool with averages in the upper 50's and highs in the upper 60's. Nights are cold with lows in the mid 40's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  25 F°  36 F°  46 F°
 Feb  27 F°  38 F°  50 F°
 Mar  34 F°  46 F°  58 F°
 Apr  43 F°  56 F°  69 F°
 May  52 F°  64 F°  76 F°
 Jun  61 F°  72 F°  84 F°
 Jul  65 F°  76 F°  87 F°
 Aug  64 F°  75 F°  86 F°
 Sep  57 F°  68 F°  79 F°
 Oct  45 F°  57 F°  69 F°
 Nov  36 F°  47 F°  59 F°
 Dec  28 F°  38 F°  48 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  24  0
 Feb  0  20  0
 Mar  0  13  0
 Apr  1  3  0
 May  1  0  0
 Jun  5  0  0
 Jul  9  0  0
 Aug  7  0  0
 Sep  2  0  0
 Oct  0  2  0
 Nov  0  11  0
 Dec  0  21  0

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  3 "  9  25 %
 Feb  3 "  8  26 %
 Mar  4 "  10  32 %
 Apr  4 "  10  41 %
 May  4 "  11  53 %
 Jun  4 "  9  62 %
 Jul  4 "  10  66 %
 Aug  4 "  9  65 %
 Sep  4 "  8  59 %
 Oct  3 "  7  47 %
 Nov  4 "  8  37 %
 Dec  3 "  9  28 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  4 "  2  1
 Feb  3 "  2  1
 Mar  1 "  1  1
 Apr  0 "  0  0
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  0 "  0  0
 Nov  0 "  0  0
 Dec  2 "  2  1


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Bedford County, VA

Bedford County, Virginia cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options

Our community is known for having adequate housing ranging from affordable to multi-million dollar housing. The higher-end housing communities are located in the eastern part of the county, Forest, VA and at Smith Mountain Lake in the southern part of the county. There are many RV parks located in the lake area. A planned development, Harmony, on the eastern edge of the town will include single-family, condos, apartments and townhouses. The development's infrastructure is already completed and development will poceed once the national economy improves.

Senior Assistance in Bedford County, VA

Bedford County, Virginia offers the following assistance for seniors:
Since our county is a poplar retirement community, there are many offerings for senior citizens to maintain their style of comfort.

What Job or Volunteer Opportunities Does Bedford County Offer For Retirees?

This is a volunteer community! There are so many civic clubs/groups and opportunities that donate their time for the betterment of society. Many of the tourism event profits are donated to the needy. Organizations such as The Christian Ministries and churches offer food and clothing to the elderly and the underpriviliged year-round. The Bedford County Welcome Center has more than 30 dedicated volunteers that greet the 36,000+ visitors annually. Last year the center's volunteers dedicated 4,015 hours of service. Many of the clubs such as the Bedford Woman's Club, the garden clubs, Lions Club, Ruritan Clubs and Rotary Clubs (to name only a few) give thousands of countless and unselfish hours to the community.

Additional Information

Visitor Information


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