With a walkable historic downtown, busy commercial corridor and I-95 rest area, Smithfield is a rural town with many identities — including one that is still evolving. “Downtown has a nice mix of shops, including jewelry and formal wear stores, but the nightlife part is where we’re trying to take off,” says Michele Brownlee, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage in Smithfield and a 21-year resident of North Carolina. Smithfield also has an Art Deco movie theater and a museum honoring an old Hollywood starlet buried there, and a stone veneer courthouse built in the Classical Revival style. Homebuyers can find what they're looking for in Smithfield whether it's something historic or a brand new build.
With just over 13,000 residents, Smithfield still has that small town feel.
Smithfield is walker friendly and has paved sidewalks all through town.
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History and shopping in downtown Smithfield
Downtown Smithfield is a historic town center developed between the late 19th- and mid-20th century. One- and two-story brick veneer buildings house pizza shops, delicatessens and law offices in this walkable area. One local institution is the Howell Theatre, an Art Deco movie house showing films since 1935. Before a show, residents enjoy breakfast and lunch at The Diner, a no-frills local establishment serving key lime pie, club sandwiches and a variety of daily specials. “The Diner has been owned by the same husband and wife team since before I was here,” says Brownlee. The subs at Gotham’s Deli and crepes at the Gilded Pear are also local favorites. Along North Brightleaf Boulevard, the main commercial thoroughfare in Smithfield, there are chain stores like Lowe’s and Belk, fast food eateries like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A and grocery stores like Food Lion and Walmart Supercenter. People shop for J. Crew sweaters and Coach bags at the Carolina Premium Outlets.
For over 20 years, Gotham's Deli has brought a touch of the Big Apple down to the South.
Check out the many shops downtown Smithfield has to offer.
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Colonials in Carolina
Smithfield has a gridded downtown area where neighbors can walk to restaurants from their houses. In its residential areas, one-story houses sit right next to each other on windy, suburban streets behind tall trees and roadside bushes. A two- or three-bedroom home in need of some renovations can go for under $200,000. On the other end of the price range, a newly built home with four or five bedrooms can go for as high as $650,000. Some neighborhoods like Brooklyn offer historic homes from the 1920s with classic architecture. Others have subdivisions like Avery Landing where stick built homes with large garages are currently being built.
Smithfield is a great place to raise a family.
Homes built in the 1930s' and 1940s can be found around downtown Smithfield.
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The desirable Smithfield-Selma High School
Smithfield is zoned for Johnston County Schools, a large school district with a B rating from Niche. Some kids will attend South Smithfield Elementary School, Smithfield Middle School and Smithfield-Selma High School, which serves Smithfield and the neighboring town of Selma. All three schools have a C-plus rating from Niche. Construction on a new auxiliary gymnasium at Smithfield-Selma High School started in late 2023. “Smithfield-Selma is known for its great culinary program, and its marching band,” says Brownlee. “A lot of kids want to go to school there just so they can be in the band.”
Smithfield-Selma High School has a locally famous band.
The Smithfield Middle School fighting Knights are the envy of the class around Smithfield.
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Access to I-95 and near by cities
Smithfield is located along Interstate 95, making it a popular spot for those passing through, but it also makes for a convenient commute to Fayetteville and larger cities. Raleigh is 31 miles northwest of Smithfield and Durham is 55 miles away. The Amtrak stops nearby in Selma, providing a direct route to Washington, D.C., and New York City.
The location right next to I-95 in Smithfield makes shopping at Carolina Premium Outlets easy.
Smithfield is the county seat of Johnston County, NC.
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Green space along the Neuse River
Smithfield sits along the Neuse River, a 250-mile waterway connecting Raleigh to North Carolina’s original capital of New Bern. The word “Neuse” is derived from the Neusiok tribe and translates to “peace,” which is fitting because it’s a calm, flowing river. Those exploring downtown can stroll along the Smithfield Neuse Riverwalk, which runs from Riverside Cemetery to Smithfield Community Park. Next to the park is the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center, an indoor athletic facility with a pool, fitness classes and summer camps for kids. Smithfield Community Park has football and soccer fields, picnic tables and a playground area.
Smithfield is situated on the Neuse River in Johnston County, NC.
Go for a stroll along the Nuese River in Smithfield at Town Commons Park.
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Ava Gardner and Ham & Yam
One of Smithfield’s most famous landmarks is the Ava Gardner Museum, created to honor the Hollywood actress buried in town at Sunset Memorial Park. Known for roles in films like “Show Boat” and “The Night of the Iguana,” Gardner is a Golden Age of Hollywood legend. The museum has rotating exhibits and artifacts like movie posters and outfits from Gardner’s various films. Every year, the museum hosts an Ava Gardner Festival with film screenings, book signings and special presentations over the course of a weekend in October. In May, the community comes together for the Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival, a one-day event with entertainment, inflatables, about 130 vendors and country ham biscuits from the Kiwanis Club of Smithfield.
Ava Gardner may be Smithfield's most beloved resident. Her museum can be visited downtown.
The Kiwanis serve up the finest ham biscuits around at the Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival.
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Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Lawrence Hiatt
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Julie Toy,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Smithfield, NC sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Smithfield, NC over the last 12 months is $322,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home, where design meets functionality. The first floor boasts a dedicated office and primary suite with a luxurious wetroom. enjoy an open floor plan with a spacious living area featuring 12 foot sliders that open onto a trex deck, perfect for seamless indoor-outdoor living. and easy maintenance. Upstairs find 2 bedrooms and a bonus that doubles as a secondary suite with
USDA FINANCING ELIGIBLE! Ask about our SPECIAL 30-YEAR FIXED RATE! Fridge, washer, and dryer included! Introducing the Splendor, an exquisite new home boasting four generous bedrooms, providing ample space for both privacy and togetherness. The loft area adds an extra layer of versatility, perfect for a playroom, home office, or cozy reading nook. Main level features a flex space with its own
The Smith Floor Plan is a stunning 1.5-story with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, plus a BONUS ROOM and built by JSJ Builders in the newly established Lucas Park Subdivision. Located in the desirable Brogden Community, Princeton School District, and minutes drive from I-95 and the future I-42 (Highway 70), Lucas Park offers unparallelled accessibility from Raleigh to the Coast, and seamless travel north and
Experience timeless Southern charm in the heart of historic downtown Smithfield! This beautifully updated 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence offers over 4,200 sq. ft. of elegant living space on a private corner lot. A large wraparound rocking chair front porch invites you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The home greets you with a grand open foyer featuring soaring 11-foot ceilings and
Price improvement! This is a rare and unique opportunity to own your slice of paradise! This idyllic country estate features over 28 acres of unrestricted land with a pond! So many possibilities exist for this property that includes a spacious 3 bedroom brick home and a detached garage with a second floor apartment. The main house features the owners suite on the main floor and boasts a large
Vacant lot in Princeton School District in Summer Wynds. Build to suit! Bring your plan and enjoy Princeton living! Conveniently located just minutes from the schools and super convenient to Hwy 70!
STUNNING BRAND-NEW TOWNHOUSE in a very convenient subdivision of Smithfield!! Contemporary two-story townhome featuring a seamless open-concept layout. On the main floor, the Great Room connects effortlessly to the dining area and chef-inspired kitchen, which boasts sleek finishes and ample workspace. Step outside onto a covered patio, ideal for enjoying fresh air or hosting casual gatherings.
Come visit our newest, beautiful community in Smithfield! ~FINLEY LANDING~This new two-story home, the Chadwick is casualand elegant. The first floor has an open plan among the kitchen, dining space and Great Room with a covered patio for sippingsweet tea. Upstairs are a loft that could be a home office and three bedrooms, including the luxe owner's suite.Open floor conceptwith a large kitchen
BEAUTIFUL OGBURN ACRES DUPLEX, OFFERING 3 BEDS, 2 BATHS, 1ST FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM, NEW LVP FLOORING THROUGH OUT FIRST FLOOR, NEW HOT WATER HEATER, FRESHLY PAINT, ROCKING CHAIR FRONT PORCH, DECK, UPDATED LIGHTING, BLINDS, LANDSCAPING INCLUDED, AND MUCH MORE!
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