Virginia / Bedford County

Moving to Forest, VA

Thinking of making a move to Forest, VA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest, VA

Considering a move to Forest, VA? This welcoming community of 11,400 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $343,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Forest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Forest, VA

Forest has a population of 11,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 9% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
11,400
Density
900 per sq mi
Median Age
44.2
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.0%
Black
8.5%
Asian
2.1%
Others
3.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Forest, VA?

The cost of living in Forest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.8. Median home values are around $343,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$343,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$124
Auto Insurance
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,775
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2%| High: 5.75%
Cost Of Living Index
94.8
Grocery
96.0
Housing
91.5
Utilities
103.2
Transportation
91.0
Health Care
95.5
Miscellaneous
98.0

Crime

Is Forest, VA a safe place to live?

Forest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 78 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 116. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Virginia.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
78
Property Crimes Per 100k
865
Crime Index
943
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 116

Weather

What is the weather like in Forest, VA year-round?

Forest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 25°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
25°F
Max
46°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
87°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
43.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $82,100 and a low poverty rate of 7.9%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$45,000
Household Income
$82,100
Family Income
$94,000
Per Capita Income
$36,900
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$43,500
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Non English Speakers
6.8%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
0.3%
Commute Time
23.1 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.5%
Bachelors or More
39.2%

Education

How are the schools in Forest, VA?

Forest offers quality education options, with public schools like Jefferson Forest High School and Forest Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Liberty University and University of Lynchburg. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Jefferson Forest High School
Street
1 Cavalier Cir
Phone
434-525-2674
Students
1,330
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Forest Middle School
Street
100 Ashwood Dr
Phone
434-525-6630
Students
860
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Timberlake Christian Schools
Street
202 Horizon Dr
Phone
434-237-5943
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Liberty University
City
Lynchburg
State
VA
Distance
8 miles
Students
90,000
Name
University of Lynchburg
City
Lynchburg
State
VA
Distance
10 miles
Students
2,800

Healthcare

Forest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital
Address
1613 Oakwood St, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone
(540) 586-2441
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Centra Lynchburg General Hospital
Address
1901 Tate Springs Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone
(434) 200-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Forest, VA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $343,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 84%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.1%. Forest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$343,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
84.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Forest handle vehicle services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Richmond. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Virginia
Department
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone
1-804-497-7100

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Forest, VA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Forest, review the core fields on this page: population 11,400, median home value $343,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 23.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

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