Vintage storefronts shaded by colorful striped awnings, the soft glow of antique streetlights and a water tower rising above the horizon. The bygone charm of Selma makes it the place for those “looking for a really old southern historical community,” says Julie Toy, a Raleigh native and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage. Known regionally for its antique stores and old southern homes, Selma is a country town that developed in the late 1800s around the North Carolina Railroad. Today, a red preserved train car greets Amtrak travelers at its historic railroad crossing. The town’s location along Interstate 95 makes it a popular pitstop for those passing through Johnston County. Residents here witness the ebb and flow of crowds downtown as cars and buses full of visitors make a pit stop so passengers can stretch their legs and explore the quaint shops and eateries.
Selma was born as a “Railroad Town,” and the rail heritage is still evident today.
Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center has an indoor eight lane 50-meter pool.
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Antiquing on Raiford Street
Downtown is the place for shopping and sipping, with boutiques, bars and breweries lining Raiford Street. People specifically come to Selma for its antiquing. One destination is Trackside Antiques. Inside its brick building adorned with emerald-green awnings, people hunt for treasures like glassware, vintage magazines and Elvis memorabilia. Eclectic items like jewelry, clocks and chandeliers are for sale at Treasury Antiques. People can walk to Coffee on Raiford for a latte or Old Fashioned Ice Cream for a milkshake. Quesadillas and empanadas can be found at Fiorentine Café. Old North State Food Hall, where Interstate 95 crosses U.S. Route 70, offers an array of dishes from curry and Cuban sandwiches to pizza and hot dogs. In the evening, people head to the Rudy Theatre, a downtown performing arts venue with a cast that performs concerts throughout the year. For grocery shopping, there are a handful of small food markets, like Neighborhood Market and Selma IGA Supermarket, and locally grown fruit and vegetables can be picked up at Crooked Row Produce. Big-name grocery stores like Food Lion and Walmart Supercenter sit outside city limits.
Coffee on Railford is a locally owned coffee shop in Selma , NC.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream in downtown Selma serves homemade icecream.
There's a Walmart super Center in Selma, NC.
Treasury Antiques is a popular stote in downtown Selma, NC.
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Settling down in Selma
The gridded residential streets here are wide and lined with concrete sidewalks. Branches from mature oak and hickory trees stretch high into the sky, shading yards below. Since Selma sits in a grid formation, most of its houses are right next to each other, with about a half-acre of land each. Buyers will find plenty of single-story builds, from midcentury brick ranch-style homes with carports to 1930s shotguns with covered front porches. There are also cozy 1920s Craftsman-style bungalows and minimal traditional homes. Those seeking a larger space may fall in love with the two-story Greek Revival and Queen Anne homes in the West Selma Historic District featuring columns, wrap-around porches and ornate detailing indicative of classic southern charm. “If you were to Google ‘old southern downtown homes,’ Selma would show up,” Toy says. “I have a friend who lives in one of those homes. It’s a labor of love. It’s older than 100 years old,” she continues. Buyers who prefer less maintenance can find newly built properties sprinkled around town. The average home value in Selma is $242,895, well below the U.S. and Raleigh area averages. Depending on size and condition, prices typically range between $100,000 and $500,000.
New homes and subdivisions are being built on the outskirts of Selma, NC.
Large historic homes line the streets of downtown Selma, NC.
Small cottages can be found around the downtown area of Selma, NC.
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Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center is located next to Smithfield Community Park.
Learn, play and socialize at SRAC
Three small neighborhood parks dot the outer perimeter of Selma. Families can play on the playground at Brack Wilson Park, grab a book from the little library at Raiford Street Park or play tennis at Edgebrook Park. Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium is centrally located for ball games inside or outside. One of the most popular recreational spots is the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center, known as “SRAC” by locals. At SRAC, children learn to swim, adults meet up for running club on Saturdays or to take pottery classes, and people of all ages can sign up for walks along the Neuse River.
Learning in Johnston County Public Schools
A few blocks from downtown, a brick clocktower welcomes students at Selma Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche. C-rated Selma Middle School is right down the street off U.S. Route 301. Smithfield-Selma High School, located between the two towns, has a C-plus rating. It offers career-focused programs like the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and the Fire Science Program. Families interested in charter or private schools have several nearby options, including Neuse Charter School, Innovation Academy and Star Christian Academy. Johnston Community College offers higher education close to home, and qualifying students can attend tuition-free.
Selma Elementary is located in Johnston County, NC.
Smithfield Selma High School is located in Johnston County, NC.
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Downtown Selma is full of cute stores and restaurants.
A never-ending Carolina yard sale
Selma is a popular starting point for the 301 Endless Yard Sale each June. Bargain hunters and collectors drive more than 100 miles between the town of Weldon and the city of Dunn to shop for antiques, clothing, crafts and more at yard sales and markets lining U.S. Route 301.
Easy access to U.S. Route 301 and I-95
Downtown Selma is very walkable, but most residents drive around town. Selma is proud of its location along Interstate 95, making it a popular place to fuel up or even stay the night during a long road trip. Residents use Interstate 42 and U.S. Route 301 to reach destinations around North Carolina. Raleigh is a 33-mile drive, Durham is a 57-mile drive and Chapel Hill is a 60-mile drive. Residents can catch an Amtrak train daily at Selma Station for trips along the Atlantic coast. “Price and proximity are two reasons people move to Selma,” says Brownlee. “You can get to and from Raleigh, and the train station can take you just about anywhere.”
Selma is an important rail junction in the Eastern United States.
Selma, NC is conveniently located on Highway 301 and Interstate 95.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephanie Mann,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Selma, NC sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Selma, NC over the last 12 months is $334,900, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 3BR/2BA ranch located in a quiet cul-de-sac on a large lot in a desirable, fast-growing Selma community. Enjoy the freedom of NO HOA in this peaceful subdivision. Home features a newer roof, leaf guard gutters, and a well-appointed kitchen with recessed lighting and tile backsplash. French door Whirlpool refrigerator conveys, along with front-load washer and dryer and mounted TVs. Cozy
$10,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE + SS REFERGERIATOR Welcome to the desirable Pine Tree Knolls subdivision! This beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,616 sqft. of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.57 are lot. Enjoy an open-concept layout featuring a stylish kitchen with granite countertops, a center island, and seamless flow into the dining and living areas-perfect for
Move-In Ready Lucas Plan at Honaker Farms! Welcome home to the Lucas plan by Neuse River Homes, where thoughtful design meets beautiful custom craftsmanship in the sought-after Honaker Farms community, just minutes from Flowers Plantation. This stylish ranch home features an open, easy-flow layout that's perfect for everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious living room opens to a
Experience peaceful living with this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom ranch home on a prime lot in the Pine Tree Knolls subdivision. This better-than-new home is situated on one of only two lots in the subdivision with a wooded view from the front porch and back porch. The property boasts a professionally landscaped and sodded front and back yard, creating a stunning first
This Selma home is a great value and provides over 2000 square feet for under 300,000! Come see this well maintained, remodeled & spacious home located in Selma's Paceville Subdivision. This home has a new roof installed in January 2026 and energy efficient vinyl windows from Window World that feature a transferable warranty. This lovely home features a spacious eat in kitchen with plenty of
Charming 3BR/2BA ranch located in a quiet cul-de-sac on a large lot in a desirable, fast-growing Selma community. Enjoy the freedom of NO HOA in this peaceful subdivision. Home features a newer roof, leaf guard gutters, and a well-appointed kitchen with recessed lighting and tile backsplash. French door Whirlpool refrigerator conveys, along with front-load washer and dryer and mounted TVs. Cozy
$10,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE + SS REFERGERIATOR Welcome to the desirable Pine Tree Knolls subdivision! This beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,616 sqft. of thoughtfully designed living space on a spacious 0.57 are lot. Enjoy an open-concept layout featuring a stylish kitchen with granite countertops, a center island, and seamless flow into the dining and living areas-perfect for
CLOSE TO CLAYTON FLOWERS WATERFRONT DISTRICT by award winning CUSTOM BUILDER- 4 bedroom & 2.5 bath beauty, with the primary suite conveniently located on the main floor. The suite offers a spacious walk-in closet, dual vanities, a beautiful tiled walk-in shower, and a private water closet for added comfort. The kitchen is tastefully designed with quartz countertops, a large island, and an open
CLOSE TO CLAYTON FLOWERS WATERFRONT DISTRICT by award winning CUSTOM BUILDER- This stunning 3-bedroom ranch with a bonus room, 3 full baths, and over 1,100 sq ft of unfinished space upstairs, offering endless potential! Nestled on a generous .92-acre lot in the desirable Talton Pointe community, this home combines comfort, style, and room to grow. The thoughtfully designed kitchen features
Step into a home that feels like an upgrade in every way. Located in the highly sought after Flowers Plantation area. Stunning NEW Construction 3BR/3BA home with bonus room and 2-car garage features an open-concept layout with a show stopping kitchen offering a large island, gas cooktop, built-in oven, tile backsplash, and ample cabinetry. The living room showcases a stone gas fireplace, custom
LUXURY MEETS AFFORDABILITY in this new construction home by Award-Winning Kirkwood Builders! Fabulous 3 BDR/2.5 BA RANCH home with 2104sf has a Bonus & 1/2 Bath upstairs. The entertaining, open floorplan features a spacious & vaulted Family Room with fireplace which flows into the Kitchen, Dining Area & amazing Sun Room (which is heated & cooled) overlooking a serene wooded view. Primary Retreat
Lovely ranch plan with rocking chair front porch! Cozy family room is open to the eat in kitchen that offers SS appliances, granite, tile backsplash and FRIDGE! Split bedrooms. Owner's suite with a walk-in closet and dual vanity. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom. Patio in back is great for entertaining guests. See agent remarks!
The Hampton offers a spacious and flexible design with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 3,125 square feet of thoughtfully crafted living space. The open-concept main level features a chef’s kitchen with a central island, seamlessly connecting to the great room and dining area for easy entertaining and everyday living. A tech nook near the kitchen provides a convenient space for work, study, or
Looking for worry free, low maintenance living? This charming end unit townhome offers a like new feel with a thoughtfully designed layout featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The main level includes a first floor bedroom with a full bath, ideal for guests, a home office, or flex space. The open floor plan provides comfortable living and entertaining space, while the kitchen shines with
Move-In Ready Lucas Plan at Honaker Farms! Welcome home to the Lucas plan by Neuse River Homes, where thoughtful design meets beautiful custom craftsmanship in the sought-after Honaker Farms community, just minutes from Flowers Plantation. This stylish ranch home features an open, easy-flow layout that's perfect for everyday living and effortless entertaining. The spacious living room opens to a
Beautiful 3 bedroom 3 bath townhome conveniently located in desirable Woodberry forest neighborhood in Selma. Granite countertop, ssappliances, recess can lights and kitchen island. Bedroom suite on 1st fl. Twospacious bedroom on 2nd floor. All the bedroom are directly connected with bathrooms. A large outdoor patio with storage room. Master with dual vanity, walkin closet and standing shower.
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2074.70. That covers your base rent, $1935.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Fantastic, like new home available in early 2026! This Lynchford Pointe Subdivision is just minute to Flowers Crossroads & easy access to highways. Open concept floor plan with gorgeous kitchen & finishes. Luxury primary suite with generous closet space & bathroom with separate tub/shower. Two additional BRs and shared hall bath. Great flat yard for entertaining! $300 pet fee per pet if approved.
COMING SOONThis home is coming soon. Please check to see the estimated availability date.Welcome to 109 Boykin Ave, a thoughtfully designed 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offering 1,238 square feet of well-planned living space in Selma. With its neutral exterior, charming shutters, and covered front entry, this home makes a welcoming first impression before you even step
This one level duplex offers over 975 sq. ft. with 2- bedroom and 2 baths. All appliances are included as well as yard maintenance and off street parking for 2 cars. It is situated on a nice corner lot convenient to dining and shopping, the train station and I-95. Pet allowed with a $300 nonrefundable Pet deposit.
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
New paint and flooring throughout! This is a beautiful 2 Br 1 Full bath townhome (one side of duplex) in Selma. Kitchen w breakfast area, large family room and backyard. Plenty of parking and quiet neighborhood.
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $1788.70. That covers your base rent, $1649.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
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