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
Joan Petty,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Selma, NC sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Selma, NC over the last 12 months is $334,900, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The Hampton Craftsman by Robuck Homes is an award-winning plan that offers modern open concept living with timeless Craftsman styling. It's easy to imagine entertaining family and friends indoors and out on just over a half acre homesite. The screened-in covered porch out back is perfect for gatherings or when you need a little solitude. As you enter the wide front entryway, you're greeted with 9
Designed as a ranch and upgraded with a finished upstairs, you get the benefits of main-level living including the primary suite and two additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a powder room, an open living room-kitchen-dining area, a large walk-in pantry, laundry room, and a spacious flex room that's perfect for a home office or a formal dining space! With the finished upstairs, you can also
Welcome home to the Naples plan—where space, style, and everyday living come together. From the true foyer, enjoy a layout designed for both entertaining and easy living. Host gatherings in the formal dining room, gather around the oversized kitchen island, and relax in the open family room that flows effortlessly into the breakfast nook. The main-level primary suite offers a private retreat with
Set in a peaceful country setting on a 1.46 acre cul-de-sac lot, this thoughtfully upgraded home offers modern comfort with room to breathe. No HOA! Major improvements provide peace of mind, including a full roof and siding replacement (2023), sealed crawlspace with dehumidifier (2024), updated electrical panel (2025), and a full-house Generac generator (2021, serviced Feb 2026). Inside, enjoy
Welcome to 113 Okra Court in the peaceful Selma community of Olivia Preserve. This beautifully maintained 2023-built home offers the perfect balance of modern comfort, privacy, and small-town charm while still being conveniently located near major commuter routes to Raleigh, Clayton, and Smithfield. Situated on a spacious 0.53-acre cul-de-sac lot, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home delivers the
Set on 2.4 private acres, this custom-built 5BR/4BA estate offers over 6,000 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space ideal for both everyday living and working from home. Rich in character with perline walls, imported woods, and natural stone accents, the home features a spacious main level with a grand gathering room, open kitchen, and first-floor primary suite. Upstairs, flexible living areas
OPPORTUNITY AWAITS! Enjoy the space and possibilities of this 1.97 acre property featuring a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home with 1,650 square feet, plus an additional 340 square feet above the garage (not included in main square footage). The split-bedroom floor plan includes a generously sized primary bedroom, and a large dining area that opens to the family room for easy everyday living and
Corner Lot!!! Ranch style home in established neighborhood!!! LVP Floors!!! Tile floor in Bathroom-Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, including Refrigerator, Lots of Cabinets and Counter space with eat-At Island-Vinyl Exterior with GUTTERS, Large Grilling DECK and Detached storage builing-Walking distance to Schools, shopping and restaurants!!!
NEW CONSTRUCTION!!!! This beautiful RANCH w/ BONUS Room Features 3 CAR GARAGE-Kitchen has Custom Cabinets, GRANITE Countertops, Tile Backsplash and STAINLESS Appliances and Eat-At ISLAND Bar-Den has Vaulted ceiling and Fireplace with GAS LOGS-Door leads to SCREENED PORCH and Grilling Deck-Master has WIC and large Bath with Dual sinks and Separate Tub and Shower-BONUS Room can be Office or Play
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
HOA is in the process of being DISSOLVED! Parade of Homes Award winning CUSTOM BUILDER- Stunning 3 bedroom, 3 FULL Bath ranch with a bonus room, & over 1,100 sq ft of unfinished space upstairs, offering endless possibilities! Nestled on a generous .92-acre lot in the desirable Talton Pointe community, this home combines comfort, style, and room to grow. Gorgeous kitchen features upgraded quartz
NEW Construction!!! NO City Taxes!!! This 4 Bedroom home features Family Room with FIREPLACE w/ GAS LOGS-Kitchen has Custom Cabinets, GRANITE Counter Tops Stainless Appliances, ISLAND and PANTRY-LVP Flooring in Living Areas-Downstairs Master has Large Bath with Dual Vanity-Door leads from Dining Room to SCREENED Porch w/ Grilling Deck-
NEW Construction!!! NO City Taxes!!! This 4 Bedroom home features Family Room with FIREPLACE w/ GAS LOGS-Kitchen hasCustom Cabinets, GRANITE Counter Tops Stainless Appliances, ISLAND and PANTRY-LVP Flooring in Living Areas-DownstairsMaster has Large Bath with Dual Vanity-Door leads from Dining Room to SCREENED Porch w/ Grilling Deck-
NEW CONSTRUCTION!!!! This beautiful RANCH w/ BONUS Room Features 3 CAR GARAGE-Kitchen has Custom Cabinets,GRANITE Countertops, Tile Backsplash and STAINLESS Appliances and Eat-At ISLAND Bar-Den has Vaulted ceiling and Fireplacewith GAS LOGS-Door leads to SCREENED PORCH and Grilling Deck-Master has WIC and large Bath with Dual sinks and SeparateTub and Shower-BONUS Room can be Office
The floorplan features a second family room on second floor OR a 5th bedroom option. First floor with formal dining room with optional wainscoting detail and coffered ceiling. Option for a Flex Room in lieu of formal dining room. Kitchen open to breakfast area and great room with island, corner pantry. Covered porch or patio option. Great room with optional fireplace. Second floor primary suite
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,
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month?s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $40/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Estate new home available for immediate occupancy on a 0.5-acre lot in the Clearview Estate community, Selma, NC. Very close to Hwy70 and I-95(I-40 Alt). 3 Bedrooms & 2 bath & 2 car garage, gorgeous kitchen with large pantry, beautiful large patio and extended driveway.Very close to Smithfield outlets.Close proximity to Smithfield, Clayton, Raleigh and Goldsboro.Utilities included -
Brand new home in new community Pate Landing available in Selma! Enjoy living in a peaceful cul-de-sac in a brand new construction home with 3 bedrooms with large closets, 2 full bathrooms, wide driveway provides for ample parking space. Close to major highways for easy commute to the I-95 corridor. Furry friends welcome!
Beautifully updated and full of charm, this 1 bedroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and smart use of space! Sunlight pours through the windows, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the open concept layout that creates a natural flow to the space.. The home features a walk-in shower, included washer and dryer for added convenience, and a versatile upstairs loft
Charming Historic Home in Downtown Selma – A Rare Find!Step into a piece of history with this beautifully remodeled rental property nestled in the heart of cozy downtown Selma. This stunning home boasts 12-foot ceilings and impressive 9-foot windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.Modern Upgrades: Enjoy brand new flooring and
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