There is one unique ZIP code in Forest, Virginia and it is 24551. Area code: 434.
1
ZIP codes
74.18
sq mi land
0.34
sq mi water
434
area code
Forest, VA ZIP code map
About Forest, VA
Forest, Virginia is a census-designated place located in Bedford County in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia. Positioned just west of Lynchburg, Forest serves as a prominent suburban community offering residents a blend of small-town charm and easy access to urban amenities. With a single ZIP code — 24551 — and telephone area code 434, the community maintains a tight-knit identity while continuing to grow as one of the more desirable residential areas in the region.
Location & geography
Forest, VA is situated in Bedford County in the central-western part of Virginia, lying directly west of the city of Lynchburg and roughly 50 miles east of Roanoke. The community is surrounded by rolling Piedmont terrain transitioning toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving residents scenic views and proximity to outdoor recreation areas including the Peaks of Otter and Smith Mountain Lake. Forest spans 74.18 square miles of land and 0.34 square miles of water, reflecting its largely terrestrial suburban and semi-rural character.
Community & economy
Forest is recognized as one of Bedford County's most prosperous and family-friendly communities, characterized by well-maintained neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and a strong sense of community pride. The local economy is driven by a mix of healthcare, retail, professional services, and construction, with many residents commuting to Lynchburg for employment at institutions like Centra Health and Liberty University. Daily life in Forest revolves around community parks, local dining along Wards Road and Timberlake Road, and easy access to shopping centers that serve both Forest residents and surrounding Bedford County communities.
Transportation
Forest is conveniently served by U.S. Route 221 and Timberlake Road, two major corridors that connect the community directly to Lynchburg and the broader regional highway network including U.S. Route 460 and U.S. Route 29. The nearest commercial airport is Lynchburg Regional Airport (also known as Preston Glenn Field), located just a short drive northeast of Forest and offering connecting flights to major hubs. While public transit options within Forest itself are limited, the proximity to Lynchburg provides residents access to the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company bus network for regional travel.
History
Forest developed primarily as a residential and commercial extension of Lynchburg during the mid-to-late 20th century, growing steadily as families sought suburban living outside Lynchburg's city limits while remaining in the orbit of its economic and cultural resources. Bedford County, in which Forest sits, has a long history rooted in agriculture, tobacco farming, and later manufacturing industries that shaped the broader region's development. The area's growth accelerated significantly in the 1970s through the 1990s, transforming what was once rural farmland into one of Virginia's thriving suburban communities.
Did you know?
One surprising fact about Forest, Virginia is that despite being an unincorporated community with no official city government, it consistently ranks among the most populous census-designated places in Virginia, functioning in nearly every practical sense as a full-scale city. Forest's location places it within easy reach of some of Virginia's most celebrated natural landmarks, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Smith Mountain Lake State Park, making it an ideal home base for outdoor enthusiasts.
