Welcome to Smith Mountain Lake…Virginia's Best Kept Secret!

Smith Mountain Lake stretches across 20,600 beautiful acres to meet the Blue Ridge Mountains. At a glance, the beauty of a lake spanning forty miles makes the activities of daily life seem distant. But with its location along the borders of Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties in Southwestern Virginia, the Smith Mountain Lake community offers all the conveniences - with the benefits of breathtaking scenery and a more leisurely lifestyle. If you are considering relocating to Smith Mountain Lake, we welcome you.

WEATHER: The average temperature in summer is 83 degrees and in the winter 35 degrees. Humidity year round is 62 percent, with an average rainfall of 45" and snowfall of less than 15" annually.

POPULATION:
Smith Mountain Lake- 14,000. Within a 40 mile radius of the lake, the population is approximately 600,000.

AREA CITIES:
Cities within an hour or less commuting distance include Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Bedford. Lynchburg, Rocky Mount, Martinsville, and Danville.

MEDICAL:
Two hospitals are within 19 miles of Smith Mountain Lake, with major facilities within 45 minutes in Roanoke and Lynchburg. Lifeguard helicopter service is only minutes away. For minor emergencies, there are immediate care facilities nearby.

TAXES:

• Real Estate (100% Assessment)
• Bedford County: $.64/$100
• Franklin County: $.55/$100
• Pittsylvania County: $.59/$100
• State Sales Tax: 4.5%

RECREATION:
Smith Mountain Lake offers a variety of places and activities to keep the reserved to the most adventurous entertained… boating, swimming, sailing, water skiing, and parasailing are widely enjoyed. For the fishermen, we have a reputation as one of the best all-round fishing spots in the eastern United States. The lake is regularly stocked with game fish, and you will find citation Stripers and Muskie as well as Large and Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye and Catfish. Campers will find numerous campgrounds as well as Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and a 1500 acre wildlife preserve. Boat access is a snap, with several maintained launch sites as well as commercial marinas. Ardent golfers will find the many greens and fairways challenging and beautifully maintained.

REAL ESTATE:

Smith Mountain boasts a variety of real estate, from secluded settings in quiet coves, to prestigious homes and immaculately landscaped lots. Despite its acclaim and ever-growing popularity, the lake's waterfront real estate is still reasonably priced.

If you were a cynic, you might think that Smith Mountain Lake's real estate has reached its peak. Then again, local people have thought that for three decades, since the days of the lake's first primitive cabins and weekend retreats. Consider…

• The breathtaking combination of wide waters set against the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Five hundred miles of shoreline wrapped around quaint farms, sophisticated country clubs, individual homes with acreage and bustling condominiums and townhouse communities.
• Low real estate taxes and unheard-of appreciation that has hit the twenty percent mark in top years.
• Crystal-clean waters and consistent water levels.

But there is more: Specifically a sheltered location that lends itself to fun and frolic, and a serene rural setting, devoid of violent weather and unbearable temperatures. It is an environment that developers have worked hard to create.

There are four obvious markets: the permanent residence, most dominant right now, the permanent retirement market, also very, very strong, and the second-home market, which, every year, includes more and more people from Carolina and the coast who come to Smith Mountain Lake because they say it is too hot there and that there are too many hurricanes. There is also a fourth market that has come back in the last couple of years: the investment market. People are picking up a lot or a condo because they think it is a good investment. When a condo does come on the market, it pretty much sells in thirty days. It is fair to say that over 75 percent of the lake has been developed, so investors are realizing that when we reach full capacity, property will double in value.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE

There are 500 miles of shoreline around Smith Mountain Lake filled with a natural beauty from the lake to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. There are places for all kinds of activity and places just to relax.

Friendly people and a genuine hospitality make everyone feel welcome and there is always something new to do. There are world-class historical sites, unique shopping experiences from antiques to art galleries, fantastic dining, and entertainment.

LOCATION

Smith Mountain Lake is located in central southwest Virginia, just 30 minutes Southeast of Roanoke yet buffered from the world by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just west of Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake is 40 miles long, has 500 miles of shoreline, and covers 20,600 acres in Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. It is convenient to Roanoke (20 miles), Lynchburg (25 miles) and Danville (40 miles) as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. Being located midway between New York and Atlanta is just one of the economic advantages of the area. Distances to other cities:

BRIEF HISTORY

The lake was created in 1966 when engineers dammed the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers, flooding Smith Mountain Gap This took almost 2 ˝ years. Owned and operated by American Electric Power, the dam provides hydro-electric power for surrounding communities. It also manages the flow of water from some of the smaller streams and rivers.

ABOUT EDUCATION

Bedford County The public school system of Bedford County is dedicated to excellence in education and strives to ensure that all children of school age receive the highest quality education appropriate to their individual needs and abilities.

Franklin County

The mission of Franklin County Public Schools is to prepare students for further education and employment, and to enable them to participate as responsible family members and citizens of the local and later on the world community.

With high expectations and rigorous standards, our instructional program focuses on mastery of basic skills and fundamental processes, intellectual development, work-based learning/career education, application of technology, personal health and physical fitness, knowledge and appreciation of arts and humanities, empathy for and sensitivity to all others.

Pittsylvania County

The Pittsylvania County School System, under the leadership of the School Board and Dr. Jerry Webb, has attained statewide recognition as a quality system. They have raised the respectability level to new heights. "The future brings new challenges for the staff, parents, and students. Working together, I am confident we will use these as opportunities for continued growth and improvement. Therefore, it is not only our challenge, but also our duty to work tirelessly to ensure that each student achieves his/her full capacity and that every student succeeds. And it is one that I accept without any reservation." School Board Superintendent Dr. Jerry Webb

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