| Official Name: | Moneta, Virginia |
| Settlement Type: | Census-designated place |
| Pushpin Map: | Virginia#USA |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Virginia |
| Subdivision Type2: | County |
| Subdivision Name2: | Bedford |
| Unit Pref: | Imperial |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 3.846 |
| Area Land Sq Mi: | 3.834 |
| Area Water Sq Mi: | 0.012 |
| Population As Of: | 2020 |
| Population Total: | 450 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | auto |
| Timezone: | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | EDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Elevation Ft: | 860 |
| Coordinates: | 37.1814°N -79.6172°W |
| Postal Code Type: | ZIP Code |
| Postal Code: | 24121 |
| Area Code: | 540 and 826 |
| Blank Name: | FIPS code |
| Blank1 Name: | GNIS feature ID |
Moneta is a census-designated place (CDP) in southern Bedford County, Virginia, United States. The community is located along Route 122 between the towns of Bedford and Rocky Mount. It is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church and the Holland-Duncan House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On August 26, 2015, the community made news when journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward were murdered on live television by former colleague Vester Flanagan at a nearby shopping center and marina.[1]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.846 square miles (9.96 km²).
The community was delineated by the United States Census Bureau for the first time during the 2020 census.
As of the census of 2020, there were 450 people residing in the CDP. There were 223 housing units. The racial makeup of the CDP was 81.8% White, 6.9% African American or Black, 0.0% American Indian, 0.7% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 2.4% from other races, and 8.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.7% of the population.
Moneta Park, a 119-acre public park maintained by the Bedford County Parks and Recreation Department, is located in the CDP. The park features two multi-use ball fields, a football field, an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic shelters, and walking trails.[2]
Waterwheel Marina, Bridgewater Marina, and Crystal Shores Marina Resort offer waterfront access to Smith Mountain Lake.
The United States Postal Service operates the Moneta Post Office within the CDP. The Moneta ZIP Code extends to both sides of Smith Mountain Lake, including parts of Franklin County, since there is no Smith Mountain Lake postal address.
The CDP is served by Bedford County Public Schools. Public school students residing in Moneta are zoned to attend Moneta Elementary School, Staunton River Middle School, and Staunton River High School.
The closest higher education institutions are located in Bedford, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.
The Bedford Regional Water Authority operates a public water and wastewater system within the CDP.
Law enforcement is provided by the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, which maintains a field office within the CDP. Fire protection is provided by Moneta Volunteer Fire Department, which operates three fire stations, including one within the CDP. Emergency medical services are provided by the Moneta Volunteer Rescue Squad and Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue.
The Smith Mountain Lake Airport is the closest general aviation airport to Moneta. The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and Lynchburg Regional Airport are the closest airports with commercial service.
The Norfolk Southern operated Altavista District runs through the CDP. The closest passenger rail service is located in Roanoke and Lynchburg.
Moneta was popularized as the filming location for scenes in the 1991 movie What About Bob?. In the movie, Bob arrived by bus with his goldfish and went into a local general store, which still stands, albeit in a disheveled state because it is no longer open.