Moving to Central Virginia?

Central Virginia is one of the fastest-growing relocation destinations on the East Coast, attracting families from DC, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and beyond. The region offers a rare combination: affordable housing, strong schools, outdoor recreation, and a growing economy — all set against the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River.

The core of the region is Lynchburg, a city of roughly 80,000 with a revitalized downtown, three colleges, and a medical corridor anchored by Centra Health. Surrounding counties — Bedford, Campbell, Amherst, Franklin, and Appomattox — offer everything from suburban neighborhoods to horse farms to lakefront living at Smith Mountain Lake.

Cost of Living Comparison

The numbers speak for themselves. A family spending $600,000 on a townhouse in Fairfax County can buy a 4-bedroom home on an acre in Forest or Bedford for $400,000 — and still have money left for a lake house. Property taxes in Bedford County run about $0.53 per $100 of assessed value, compared to $1.15+ in Fairfax. Groceries, utilities, and childcare are all 15-25% lower than the DC metro.

Where Relocating Families Settle

• Forest / Bedford County — Most popular with families relocating from NoVA. New construction, Bedford County schools, and a suburban feel with mountain views.
• Lynchburg City — Historic neighborhoods, walkability, and proximity to colleges and hospitals. Great for professionals and empty nesters.
• Smith Mountain Lake area — Popular with retirees and remote workers who want lakefront or lake-access living.
• Amherst / Campbell County — Rural character with 5-50+ acre properties, ideal for families seeking privacy and land.
• Roanoke metro — Larger city amenities, craft beer scene, Greenway trail system, and a growing tech sector.

Our relocation process starts with a phone call to understand your priorities — schools, commute, lot size, neighborhood character, and budget. We then build a custom area guide and schedule in-person or virtual tours so you can compare neighborhoods side by side before making a decision.