Moving to Smith Mountain Lake, VA: What Buyers Should Know

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia's largest lake wholly within the state, with more than 20,000 acres of water and roughly 500 miles of shoreline across Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. Appalachian Power built the dam between 1960 and 1963 to generate electricity, and the lake has since grown into a year-round community of about 22,000 full-time residents, a number that rises in summer.

I work lake properties in both Bedford and Franklin counties. Here's what I want buyers to understand before they fall in love with a view.

The lake draws both full-time residents and second-home owners, and the area keeps growing, with new housing and expanding healthcare access. New housing includes Bridgewater Grande, a community of 30 home sites with owner amenities such as pickleball courts and a swimming pool. The Westlake development began with townhomes and condos, and in February 2026 Franklin County approved phase two, 103 single-family homes, with walking paths to Westlake Towne Center. On the south side of the lake, The Coves in Union Hall, an 80-acre community with more than half its land kept as open space, offers waterfront homes and estate lots, a members-only club, an amphitheater for live music, walking trails, pavilions and spa services.

Urgent care and walk-in services: Carilion VelocityCare - Westlake, Express Family Care in Hardy, Lewis Gale Physicians Family Medicine - Moneta, and East Lake Primary Care (locally owned). Carilion has also announced plans for a freestanding emergency department in the Westlake area.

How far is Smith Mountain Lake from Roanoke and Lynchburg?

The west end of the lake, including Moneta, is closest to Roanoke, and the east end, including Huddleston, is closest to Lynchburg. Most lake residents are 30 to 60 minutes from either city. Smith Mountain Lake State Park is about 40 miles from both.

Approximate drive times from Roanoke:

• Mariner's Landing: about 60 minutes
• Bridgewater Plaza and Marina: about 40 minutes
• Bernard's Landing: about 50 minutes

How do docks and shoreline work?

Appalachian Power controls everything below the 800-foot contour, and it regulates docks, piers, riprap, and dredging under its Shoreline Management Plan. A dock isn't something you simply build. An existing dock doesn't guarantee you can add or change anything, and a dock permit has to be assigned to you when you buy. Appalachian Power's Shoreline Management office is at 540-985-2579. I ask about the dock permit status on every lake listing before we go any further. The AEP Status of Property report must be obtained in order to understand the property's compliance with AEP's dock permit and shoreline management program.

What is full pond, and why does water level matter?

Normal full pond at Smith Mountain Lake is 795 feet. Appalachian Power also raises and lowers the lake by as much as two feet during the day to make power, and heavy rain can push it above full pond, as it did in November 2020 when it rose about four feet. Docks, boat lifts and shoreline slopes all behave differently at different levels, so I look at how a lot sits at full pond, not just on a sunny day.

What are property taxes at the lake?

Bedford County's real estate rate is $0.41 per $100 of assessed value, and Franklin County's rose four cents in May 2026, from $0.43. Both are low compared with Roanoke City ($1.22) and Roanoke County ($1.04). Confirm current rates with the county before you buy.

Can I rent out a lake home?

Short-term rentals (fewer than 30 consecutive days) are regulated county by county, and the rules affect what a home can earn, so check before you buy. In Bedford County, short-term rentals require a yearly zoning permit, and guests are capped to match the property and septic capacity. Franklin County sets bedroom counts for homes on septic from the health department's septic permit. Franklin County defines a short-term rental as 30 days or less and allows them only in agricultural (A-1) districts with a special use permit, and it charges a $200 annual registration fee. I pull the septic permit and the county's rental rules before we write an offer on any lake home that has been, or might be, rented. Certain community homeowner associations also restrict short-term rentals. Sources: Bedford County zoning ordinance Sec. 30-100-18 and Franklin County's Short Term Rentals page.

What can I do at the lake?

Boating, fishing, swimming and golf are the draws, and public access includes Smith Mountain Lake State Park on the Bedford side and the free Community Park on the Franklin side, plus public boat ramps around the lake. The State Park has walking trails and a beach that many locals enjoy. There are plenty of restaurants around the lake, and I can send you a list with my recommendations. Napoli by the Lake and Napoli Cowboy offer different atmospheres and cuisine, so be sure to book the right one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Smith Mountain Lake home as a second home? Many owners do, and part of the lake's population is seasonal. I'll talk through how you plan to use the property, since that shapes where on the lake makes sense.

Does a lake home come with a dock? Not always, and not automatically. Some lots have a permitted dock, some have the right to apply for one, and some have neither. I confirm this before we write an offer.

Is it a long drive to a hospital or a big grocery store? It depends on your cove. From the western end, Roanoke is the closest big city, and from the eastern end it's Lynchburg. I'll map the nearest options for the properties you're considering. Beyond the nearby hospitals, there are several health care facilities around the lake, especially in the Westlake Corner area.

What should I look for in a lake home inspection? Beyond the usual inspection, ask about the dock and its permit, shoreline erosion and any riprap, the septic system and well, and how the lot behaves at high water.

Can you help if I'm not local? Yes. I can show you properties by video and coordinate showings for the days you're in town.

Thinking about the lake? Call Leslie Epperly at 540-314-3706.

Sources and dates

Figures are current as of November 2026. Lake size, residents and distances: smith-mountain-lake.com, Virginia Outdoors and Lake-Link. Dam construction: Historical Marker Database. Dock permits and contours: Appalachian Power Shoreline Management (smithmtn.com). Water levels: smith-mountain-lake.com and WDBJ7 (November 2020). Tax rates: WDBJ7, WSLS and Bedford County. Westlake development: WDBJ7 and the Smith Mountain Eagle (February 2026). Bridgewater Grande: smithmtnlake.com. The Coves: covesatsml.com. Healthcare: Carilion Clinic.