Located in central Virginia, Bedford County was formed in 1754 and was named for the Fourth Duke of Bedford, England. The city of Bedford was established in 1839, though at the time it was called Liberty. Forest, Virginia is located just outside of Lynchburg and is still mostly rural with beautiful views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population around 8,500, subdivisions include Lake Vista, Forest Lakes, Poplar Forest, Ivy Hill and a number of recent developments along Perrowville, Hooper and Everett Roads.

There are 764 square miles in Bedford County and it is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, the James River on the northeast and Smith Mountain Lake to the south. Elevations range from 800 feet to 4,200 feet above sea level. There has been rapid growth in the last ten years, constant construction and the expansion is expected to continue. Though there is no town center, Forest landmarks on Rte 221 include the Forest Library, Graves Mill and Cavalier Corner shopping centers. Rte 811 is home to Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's summer retreat and the Jefferson Forest Subdivision. For more information about Forest including demographics, visit the website links below.

Forest, Virginia

Forest Data

Bedford County Official Website