Big Otter Mill / Centerville, Bedford, VA
Is Big Otter Mill / Centerville a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Bedford, Virginia - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe7
Medium3
Low8
Other21
45 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape6
Child involved23
Assault10
Other9
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, ambulance unit 85 reported on scene with patient contact near Longwood Avenue. | Longwood Ave, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews responded to an apparent sprinkler system problem at an apartment building near Longwood Avenue in Bedford. Units worked in the basement and in an upper-floor apartment to slow the water flow, drain the system, and cover belongings while coordinating with the water authority and the property manager. One ambulance made patient contact on scene, and some medical units were later released. | Longwood Ave, Bedford, VA 24523 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving a sick person is reported near Roundtree Drive at Cherry Hill Retirement lower building. | Roundtree Dr, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical call for severe abdominal pain occurred near Ashland Avenue. Ambulance 14 was dispatched to the location. | Ashland Ave, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, fire units were dispatched to the area of the Burks Hill industrial complex for a report of lines down on the roadway, announced as Box 3. | Burks Hill Rd, Bedford, VA 24523 | Fire |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency units responded to a report of low-voltage communication lines down across the northbound lanes of Route 122 near Industrial Avenue and a nearby fuel station. Crews raised the lines from the roadway and the area was cleared. | VA-122 & Industrial Ave, Bedford, VA 24523 | Road Closure |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Roundtree Drive involving a 32-year-old with chest pain. | Roundtree Dr, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 10, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a reported fall near Wellington Drive. | Wellington Dr, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 9, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, squad 12 responded to a priority two hemorrhage near Berry Lane. | Berry Ln, Thaxton, VA 24174 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical services responded to a dialysis patient ready for transfer near Blue Ridge Avenue in Bedford. | Blue Ridge Ave, Bedford, VA 24523 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$350,639
Average Rent
$1,021
Vacancy Rate
1.7%
Neighborhood Overview
Big Otter Mill / Centerville is a remote neighborhood in Bedford, Virginia, characterized by medium to small single-family homes and mobile homes.
The area offers affordable housing with a median home price of $350,639 and average rent of $1,021, both below most Virginia neighborhoods.
Vacancy is low at 1.7%, indicating tight housing supply relative to demand.
Remote LocationAffordable HousingLow VacancyRetiree-Friendly
Quick Facts
| Retiree-Friendly Rank | Top 5.9% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Housing in Big Otter Mill / Centerville mainly consists of owner-occupied medium to small single-family homes and mobile homes, with many built between 1970 and 1999.
| Owner Occupied Rate | Most residential real estate is owner occupied |
|---|---|
| Housing Types | Medium (3-4 bedroom) to small (studio-2 bedroom) single-family homes and mobile homes |
| Housing Age | Many homes built between 1970 and 1999; some between 1940 and 1969 |
What buyers will notice right away
Low vacancy rate indicates strong demand relative to supply.
Most homes built in the late 20th century, offering established community character.
Families & Lifestyle
Big Otter Mill / Centerville is recognized as a retiree-friendly neighborhood with a peaceful environment and diverse housing options.
Peaceful and quiet setting suitable for retirees
Safety from crime contributes to quality of life
Diverse housing options accommodate different needs
Retirement Living — The neighborhood attracts college-educated seniors alongside other age groups, making it a notable choice for retirement.
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Top 5.9% in Virginia |
|---|
Demographics & Culture
| Executive, Management & Professional Occupations | 38.7% of working population |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing & Laborer Occupations | 33.7% of working population |
| Sales & Service Occupations | 18.8% of working population |
| Clerical, Assistant & Tech Support Occupations | 8.8% of working population |
| Median Income Rank | Higher than 43.2% of U.S. neighborhoods |
| Child Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| English Speakers | 97.3% of households |
| Top Ancestries | English (17.1%), Irish (11.8%), German (9.9%), Scottish (6.3%), Polish (5.3%) |
| Scottish Ancestry | 6.3% |
Commute & Transportation
Most residents commute between 30 and 45 minutes one-way, with a majority driving alone to work.
Big Otter Mill / Centerville residents rely heavily on private automobiles for commuting, reflecting typical suburban travel patterns.
Car-Dependent — Three quarters of commuters drive alone, indicating a need for personal vehicles.
Moderate Commute Length — Most residents spend 30-45 minutes commuting, which aligns with average U.S. neighborhood commute times.
| Typical Commute Time | 30 to 45 minutes (42.1% of workers) |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 75.0% |
| Carpool Rate | 13.8% |
Homes for sale near 24523
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Big Otter Mill / Centerville?
The median home price is $350,639, which is less expensive than 65.5% of Virginia neighborhoods.
How affordable is renting in this neighborhood?
Average rent is $1,021, lower than 98.1% of Virginia neighborhoods.
Is Big Otter Mill / Centerville a good place for retirees?
Yes, it ranks in the top 5.9% of retiree-friendly neighborhoods in Virginia, offering peace, safety, and diverse housing.
What are common commute patterns here?
Most residents drive alone (75%) with typical commutes of 30 to 45 minutes.