Welcome to Bedford County, Virginia—home of the Peaks of Otter, Smith Mountain Lake, gorgeous farmland, and a healthy, diverse economy for businesses and residents alike.

We are one of the fastest growing areas of Virginia. Currently, approximately 81,000 people call Bedford County home, up 25 percent since 2000. Bedford County is also the fifth largest county by land area in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Here, we are proud of our thriving agriculture industry, up-and-coming tourism market, and strong ties to our history.

For those who are new to the area, we are here to help you get settled. Please use the checklists below to guide you. If you have more questions, get in touch with our Public Information Office.

Settling In

• Set up your power with Appalachian Power, Southside Electric, or Bedford Electric.
• Find out which internet service providers offer connections to your address.
• Find your closest waste/recycling convenience center.
• Update your voter registration and learn where to vote on Election Day.
• Change your address for real estate taxes. You will also want to update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Wildlife, if applicable.
• If you have kids and plan to send them to public schools, register them with Bedford County Public Schools.
• Residents with dogs will need to get a dog license. If you want to adopt a new pet for your new home, visit our Animal Shelter.
• Plan to make home improvements soon? Visit our Community Development department to learn more about permits.

Stay Connected

• Register with Alert Bedford to receive emergency notifications.
• Visit our YouTube channel to watch live or archived meetings.
• Subscribe to our e-notices to receive instant website news and announcements.
• Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
• Find your Supervisor and send them your feedback/concerns.

Things to Do

• Find your local branch of Bedford Public Library System.
• Explore our local  parks and trails.
• Sign up for youth sports, camps or other programs.
• Visit the Bedford Area Welcome Center.
• Explore the Town of Bedford, D-Day Memorial, and other local attractions.