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.
Vibe: The Commercial Hub. This is the busiest part of the lake, offering the most convenience.
Vibe: The Scenic Side. Known for dramatic views of Smith Mountain itself.
Vibe: The Quiet Retreat. The southern end of the lake is less developed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Smith Mountain Lake, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
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
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Dining | 1.71 miles | 7 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$ | 0.35 miles | 10 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 2.37 miles | 41 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.92 miles | 18 reviews | 4.3/5 stars | |
| Shopping | 2.47 miles | 7 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.47 miles | 5 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.52 miles | 9 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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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.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
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