Montvale offers country living and access to nearby towns
Montvale, 16 miles from Roanoke, is a small community that values country living and access to nearby towns. “Usually, to move there, you're getting out of the city life and embracing country living,” says Jessica Perdue, a Realtor with MKB Realtors. Perdue grew up in Montvale and has worked in the industry since 2018. “They have a really good view of the mountains on either side.” The Lynchburg Salem Turnpike bisected the area, which leads to Roanoke, Lynchburg and Bedford. Further from the turnpike, there is farmland and countryside. The area was home to gas and oil companies: TransMontaigne, Buckeye Partners, CITGO, RYT LLC. The companies closed in 2018, taking jobs with them, and leaving 35 empty oil tanks. The tanks may be removed and the land opened for redevelopment in the future.
Housing along country roads and near popular roadways
Most homes are along gridded streets near the Lynchburg Salem Turnpike. Outside the main thoroughfare, homes line winding roadways. Homes are in the foursquare and ranch-styles. They have a median sale price of $80,000. “There are older homes built from 1930 to the 1980s; those homes will have public water but private septic,” says Perdue. “They are on quarter-acre to an-acre lots. Outside of that little town area, it's more about the country living and owning a few more acres; some people have farms there, a house with one or two acres and a huge farm beside it.” Those in the community's more rural areas have wells and septic systems.
Parks and recreation in Montvale
Montvale Park has a play structure and an open, grassy area for picnics. Baseball and soccer fields are nearby. The park also has a forested section with trails. Along Pike Road is the Montvale Recreational Club. “There's also a Montvale rec club there,” says Perdue. “It was built back up by the community after a fire. It’s where locals host birthday parties and small events. There are also several baseball fields there, so people go there to play or have tournaments.” The club hosts fundraisers and events such as pro wrestling and holiday markets.
The Montvale Public Library hosts programs throughout the year, including book clubs, arts and craft sessions and story times. Every Saturday, the Montvale Farmers Market sells fresh produce and artisanal goods outside the library.
Commuters use the Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
The Lynchburg Salem Turnpike connects Montvale to most major towns in the area. The turnpike leads to Bedford, 12 miles away, Roanoke, 16 miles away and Lynchburg, 40 miles away. The Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital is 17 miles away, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is 18 miles away. Faith Life Baptist Church, Montvale Baptist Church, Montvale Presbyterian Church and other houses of worship are within Montvale.
Students attend school in Bedford County
The Bedford County Public Schools, which gets a B from Niche, serves the area. Children attend Montvale Elementary and continue to Liberty Middle and Liberty High. All three schools receive a B-minus. The high school is upgrading its theater, including a new lighting and sound system. The school will also be repairing the outside awnings; these updates should be completed by the fall of 2026.
Locally owned restaurants in Montvale and Bedford
A Dollar General and a Roadside Market line the Lynchburg Salem Turnpike. Also along the turnpike is Dale’s Diner, a Southern comfort food restaurant. Residents head into Bedford, 12 miles away, for more restaurants and retailers. The area has a Food Lion, a Walmart for groceries and other necessities. There are several locally owned restaurants, such as Liberty Station. The eatery is an old train station turned restaurant serving American fare.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
