Congratulations. You've found your home in Central Virginia. Whether you're moving from Northern Virginia, out of state, or across the country, the logistics of a major relocation can feel overwhelming. After helping hundreds of families relocate to our region over the past 21 years, I've put together this comprehensive checklist to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Bookmark this page. You'll refer back to it more than once.
Before You Move: 30-60 Days Out
Forward Your Mail
Submit a change of address with USPS at usps.com or at your local post office. You can set a start date up to 30 days in advance. The temporary forwarding lasts 12 months, but don't rely on it indefinitely. Update your address directly with banks, credit cards, insurance companies, subscriptions, and any institution that sends you mail.
Transfer or Set Up Utilities
Central Virginia's utility providers vary by county and community. Here's who serves what:
| Utility | Provider | Service Area | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Appalachian Power (AEP) | Most of Central VA | appalachianpower.com / (800) 956-4237 |
| Electric | Southside Electric Cooperative | Parts of Amherst, Campbell | sec.coop |
| Electric | Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative | Parts of Bedford | cbec.coop |
| Natural Gas | Roanoke Gas | Roanoke area | roanoke-gas.com |
| Water/Sewer | County or municipal | Varies | Contact your county |
| Internet | Shentel / Comcast / Lumos | Varies by location | Check availability by address |
| Internet (Rural) | Starlink / T-Mobile Home Internet | Rural areas | starlink.com |
| Trash/Recycling | County or private hauler | Varies | Contact your county |
Important note on water: Many Central Virginia properties, especially in rural Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, are on private well water and septic systems rather than municipal water and sewer. If your new home has a well, have the water tested before closing (your home inspector should include this). If it has a septic system, ask the seller when it was last pumped and inspected.
Internet Service
Internet availability varies significantly in our region. Urban and suburban areas (Forest, Lynchburg, Roanoke) have cable and fiber options from Shentel, Comcast, and Lumos with speeds up to 1 Gbps. Rural areas, particularly around Smith Mountain Lake and in outer Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, may rely on Shentel DSL, fixed wireless, or satellite. If you work remotely, verify internet speed at your specific address before closing. Starlink has become a popular solution for SML properties and rural homes where traditional broadband is limited.
Transfer Insurance Policies
Contact your homeowner's insurance provider (or shop for a new one) to set up coverage effective on your closing date. If you're moving to a lakefront property, ask about flood zone requirements and waterfront-specific coverage. Auto insurance rates in Central Virginia are generally lower than in Northern Virginia and Tidewater, so this is a good time to shop for better rates.
Virginia DMV: Driver's License and Vehicle Registration
Virginia law requires new residents to obtain a Virginia driver's license and register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. Here's the process:
Driver's License
- Visit a DMV office. The nearest offices to Central Virginia are in Lynchburg (3700 Old Forest Road), Bedford (115 Stonebridge Plaza), and Roanoke (multiple locations).
- Bring documentation: Your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of Virginia residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), proof of Social Security number (SSN card or W-2), and proof of legal presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization documents).
- Fees: Standard driver's license is $32 for 8 years. REAL ID compliant license is recommended and requires additional documentation (two proofs of Virginia residency).
- Schedule online: Virginia DMV offers online appointment scheduling at dmv.virginia.gov, which is strongly recommended. Walk-in waits can exceed two hours at busy offices.
Vehicle Registration
- Vehicle inspection: Virginia requires an annual safety inspection for all registered vehicles. Your vehicle must pass inspection before it can be registered. Any Virginia-certified inspection station can perform this (cost: $20 for most vehicles).
- Vehicle title: Bring your current title (or lienholder information if financed). Virginia will issue a new Virginia title.
- Registration fee: Approximately $40.75 per year for most passenger vehicles.
- Personal property tax: This surprises many new Virginia residents. Virginia counties levy a personal property tax on vehicles based on assessed value. Rates vary by county. You'll receive a tax bill from your county's Commissioner of the Revenue, typically due in the fall.
Vehicle personal property tax rates by county:
| County | Rate per $100 Assessed Value |
|---|---|
| Bedford County | $2.35 |
| Franklin County | $2.09 |
| Campbell County | $3.50 |
| Amherst County | $3.50 |
| City of Lynchburg | $3.80 |
Virginia provides relief on the first $20,000 of assessed value through the Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA), so your effective rate is lower than the published rate for most standard vehicles.
Voter Registration
Register to vote in Virginia online at vote.virginia.gov or at your local county registrar's office. You can also register when you visit the DMV for your driver's license. Registration must be completed at least 22 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
You'll need to provide your Virginia driver's license number (or last four digits of your SSN), your Virginia address, and your date of birth. Virginia does not have party registration. You don't declare a party affiliation when you register.
School Enrollment
If you have school-age children, enrollment typically requires:
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or closing documents)
- Child's birth certificate
- Immunization records (Virginia has specific immunization requirements for school entry)
- Previous school records and transcripts
- Custody documentation (if applicable)
School Districts by County
Bedford County
Bedford County Public Schools serve the county, with Jefferson Forest High School and Staunton River High School as the primary high schools. Jefferson Forest consistently ranks among the top public high schools in the Lynchburg region. The district also offers magnet programs and career/technical education. Enrollment: bedford.k12.va.us or (540) 586-1045.
Franklin County
Franklin County Public Schools are centered around Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount. The district serves approximately 6,500 students with a strong vocational and agricultural education tradition. Enrollment: frco.k12.va.us or (540) 483-5138.
Campbell County
Campbell County Public Schools serve the county, with Brookville and Rustburg High Schools as the primary high schools. Close proximity to Lynchburg provides access to additional educational resources. Enrollment: campbell.k12.va.us or (434) 332-8500.
Amherst County
Amherst County Public Schools center around Amherst County High School. The district offers a range of programs including dual enrollment with Central Virginia Community College. Enrollment: amherst.k12.va.us or (434) 946-9387.
City of Lynchburg
Lynchburg City Schools operate separately from the surrounding counties. E.C. Glass High School and Heritage High School serve the city's students. The city also has several private school options including New Covenant Schools and Holy Cross Regional Catholic School. Enrollment: lcsedu.net or (434) 515-5000.
Private School Options
- New Covenant Schools (Lynchburg): Classical Christian education, K-12. Highly regarded academics.
- Virginia Episcopal School (Lynchburg): Boarding and day school, grades 9-12. College preparatory.
- Timberlake Christian Schools (Lynchburg area): Pre-K through 12th grade.
- Holy Cross Regional Catholic School (Lynchburg): Pre-K through 8th grade.
Healthcare: Finding Your Providers
Hospitals
- Centra Lynchburg General Hospital: Full-service, 1901 Tate Springs Road, Lynchburg. (434) 200-3000.
- Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital: Full-service, 3300 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg. (434) 200-4000.
- Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital: Critical access hospital, 1613 Oakwood Street, Bedford. (540) 586-2441.
- Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital: Level I trauma center, 1906 Belleview Avenue, Roanoke. (540) 981-7000.
- Carilion Clinic Smith Mountain Lake: Primary and specialty care, Westlake. (540) 297-0100.
Finding a Doctor
The two major health systems (Centra Health and Carilion Clinic) both have physician finder tools on their websites. Centra dominates the Lynchburg area, while Carilion is stronger in the Roanoke/SML corridor. Most primary care practices accept new patients, though popular doctors may have waitlists. Start the process of finding a primary care physician, dentist, and any specialists as soon as you know your move date.
Pet Licensing
Virginia counties require dogs (and in some cases cats) to be licensed. Requirements vary by county:
- Bedford County: Dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually. Proof of rabies vaccination required. Fee: approximately $10 (spayed/neutered) or $15 (intact). Contact the Treasurer's office.
- Franklin County: Dog license required annually. Similar fee structure. Available through the Commissioner of the Revenue.
- Campbell County: Annual dog license required. Available at the Treasurer's office or online.
- City of Lynchburg: Dogs and cats over 4 months must be licensed. Available through the Treasurer's office.
All dogs and cats in Virginia must have current rabies vaccinations. If you're moving to a lakefront property, be aware that wildlife encounters (deer, foxes, the occasional bear) are more common in rural areas, so keeping pets leashed and vaccinated is especially important.
County-Specific Tips
Bedford County
- Trash collection is not county-provided in most areas. You'll need a private hauler or use the county convenience centers (free for county residents with a permit sticker).
- The Bedford County convenience centers accept household trash, recycling, and yard waste. Hours and locations at bedfordcountyva.gov.
- If you're near Smith Mountain Lake, check whether your property is in a flood zone. Most SML properties are above the flood plain, but verification is important for insurance purposes.
Franklin County
- Similar to Bedford County, trash service is primarily through private haulers or county convenience centers.
- Franklin County has some of the lowest property tax rates in the region at $0.43 per $100. Budget accordingly, as your tax bill will be noticeably lower than in most Virginia counties.
- The county seat of Rocky Mount has a charming downtown with local shops and restaurants worth exploring as you settle in.
Campbell County
- Campbell County provides curbside trash and recycling collection in many areas, which is a notable convenience compared to Bedford and Franklin Counties.
- The county's proximity to Lynchburg means you'll frequently cross between county and city jurisdictions. Be aware that speed limits, traffic enforcement, and some regulations differ between the county and the city.
Amherst County
- Many Amherst County properties are on well water and septic. If this is new to you, learn about well maintenance (annual testing recommended) and septic care (pump every 3-5 years).
- The James River runs through Amherst County and offers excellent recreation. The James River State Park is a hidden gem.
Getting Connected: Community Resources
- Smith Mountain Lake Association: If you're moving to the lake, join the SML Association (smlassociation.com). They organize events, coordinate lake cleanup, and provide community news.
- Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce: Networking, events, and business resources. lynchburgchamber.org.
- Libraries: Bedford Public Library, Franklin County Library, and Campbell County Public Library systems all offer free cards to county residents. Great resources for families.
- Recreational: Smith Mountain Lake State Park (state park pass recommended), Peaks of Otter (Blue Ridge Parkway), and numerous county parks and recreation programs.
- Faith communities: Central Virginia has a wide variety of churches and faith communities. The SML area alone has dozens of congregations ranging from small country churches to larger community churches.
The First 30 Days Checklist
Here's a quick-reference checklist for your first month after moving:
- Set up utilities (electric, water, gas, internet, trash)
- Change locks on your new home
- Submit USPS mail forwarding
- Visit Virginia DMV (driver's license + vehicle registration)
- Get vehicle safety inspection
- Register to vote
- Enroll children in school
- Find a primary care physician and dentist
- Transfer prescriptions to a local pharmacy
- License your pets
- Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance, and subscriptions
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors
- Explore your new community (drive the back roads, visit the local coffee shop, find your grocery store)
- Update your emergency contacts with your new address
Welcome Home
Moving is stressful, but the payoff of life in Central Virginia is worth every box you unpack. The mountains, the lake, the communities, and the pace of life here are what brought most of us here in the first place. And the people you'll meet, from your neighbors to the folks at the farmer's market to the regulars at your new favorite restaurant, will make it feel like home faster than you expect.
If you're still in the process of finding your Central Virginia home, or if you've just closed and have questions about the transition, our team is always happy to help. We don't disappear after closing day. We're here for the long haul, just like you.
Teresa Grant is the Owner and Luxury Listing Specialist at The Realty Group Team, Keller Williams. She has helped hundreds of families relocate to Central Virginia over the past 21 years and knows the region inside and out. Reach her at therealtygrouponline.com.