Bedford County

Whether you’re launching your career or looking for your next opportunity, Bedford County is a place where innovation meets community. A strong manufacturing sector continues to drive the local economy, creating careers for everyone from skilled trades professionals to engineers and technical specialists. At the same time, growing healthcare providers, award-winning schools, and local government organizations offer meaningful work that lets people make a difference close to home.

That community spirit extends beyond the workplace. Small businesses, family farms, and locally owned shops are woven into the fabric of the county, while tourism and outdoor recreation support a growing hospitality industry. Combined with strong workforce training opportunities, a business-friendly environment, and convenient access to employers throughout the Lynchburg Region, Bedford County is a place where you can grow your career, put down roots, and enjoy a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

If you love the outdoors, Bedford County is your ultimate playground. One of the county’s (and the state’s) major draws is Smith Mountain Lake Park and its 500 miles of shoreline perfect for sailboating, kayaking, wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing.

Prefer a view from the top? Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill, the three mountains collectively known as the Peaks of Otter, offer breathtaking vistas and access to the legendary Appalachian Trail.

For everyday activity, the county features four regional park sites of up to 250 acres each. These spots are packed with multi-use fields, outdoor courts, and playgrounds, plus an extensive network of trails designed for bikers, hikers, and trail runners.

Beyond the trails, you’ll find a vibrant arts and history scene. Many talented artisans and craftsmen call this area home, and you can explore an abundance of galleries and working studios around Bedford. The region is also rich in heritage, serving as the site of the National D-Day Memorial and Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the third president’s beloved personal retreat.