Smith Mountain Lake

Waterfront rural paradise and vacation destination in the Roanoke region offering plentiful recreational activities.

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Smith Mountain Lake
Real Estate Guide

 

Known as the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge," SML is not just a vacation spot—it's Virginia's premier waterfront market. With 500 miles of shoreline, the question isn't if you should buy, but which side of the lake fits your lifestyle.

500+ Miles of Shoreline
20k Acres of Water
3 Counties
$850k+ Avg Waterfront Price

The 3 Sides of SML: Where Should You Buy?

Franklin County (Westlake/North Shore)

Vibe: The Commercial Hub. This is the busiest part of the lake, offering the most convenience.

  • Pros: Home to Westlake Towne Center (Kroger, Cinema), medical services, and easy driving.
  • 🏡 Real Estate: Generally features gentler slopes to the water.

Bedford County (Moneta/Huddleston)

Vibe: The Scenic Side. Known for dramatic views of Smith Mountain itself.

  • Pros: Deep water, stunning sunrises/sunsets, and proximity to the State Park.
  • 🏡 Real Estate: Steep lots are common, but they offer the best views.

Pittsylvania County (Gretna)

Vibe: The Quiet Retreat. The southern end of the lake is less developed.

  • Pros: Peaceful, more affordable, and excellent for fishing.
  • 🏡 Real Estate: Larger lots, more privacy, but further from grocery stores.

💰 The Investment Angle: Short-Term Rentals

Smith Mountain Lake is a top destination for investors, but regulations vary by county. Franklin County and Bedford County have different zoning rules for Airbnb/VRBO permits.

*Buyer Tip: Never assume a property is rental-ready. Ask The Crouch Team to verify the current short-term rental overlay district status for any listing.

Living the Lake Life

Dining by Boat

No summer is complete without docking at Mango's Bar and Grill or Moosie's at Bridgewater Plaza. For dessert, a trip to The Homestead Creamery for farm-fresh ice cream is mandatory.

Family Fun

From wakeboarding to hiking at the State Park, the lake is an outdoor playground. Check out our guide to the 8 Best Family-Friendly Activities at SML.

Find Your Waterfront Home

Whether you want a luxury estate in The Water's Edge or a cozy cove cabin in Moneta, The Crouch Team knows every cove and inlet.

Overview for Smith Mountain Lake, VA

10,782 people live in Smith Mountain Lake, where the median age is 56.4 and the average individual income is $53,306. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,782

Total Population

56.4 years

Median Age

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$53,306

Average individual Income

Around Smith Mountain Lake, VA

There's plenty to do around Smith Mountain Lake, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

13
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
13
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Buffy's Blueberries, Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery, and Roosters Rise -N- Shine Distillery.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 4.97 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 2.91 miles 35 reviews 4.6/5 stars
Dining 2.45 miles 5 reviews 4.6/5 stars
Dining · $$ 1.24 miles 106 reviews 4.6/5 stars
Dining 1.28 miles 27 reviews 4.6/5 stars
Dining 2.47 miles 51 reviews 4.5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Smith Mountain Lake has 4,794 households, with an average household size of 2.25. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Smith Mountain Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 10,782 people call Smith Mountain Lake home. The population density is 117.43 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

10,782

Total Population

Low

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

56.4

Median Age

51.38 / 48.62%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
4,794

Total Households

2.25

Average Household Size

$53,306

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Smith Mountain Lake, VA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Smith Mountain Lake. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Smith Mountain Lake

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