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Smithfield

Smithfield

Located in Johnston County

$300,386 Average Value
$184 Average Price per Sq Ft
68 Homes For Sale

A small town south of Raleigh

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.
With just over 13,000 residents, Smithfield still has that small town feel.
Smithfield is walker friendly and has paved sidewalks all through town.
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.
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.
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.
Smithfield is a great place to raise a family.
Homes built in the 1930s' and 1940s can be found around downtown Smithfield.
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.
Smithfield-Selma High School has a locally famous band.
The Smithfield Middle School fighting Knights are the envy of the class around Smithfield.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Kiwanis serve up the finest ham biscuits around at the Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival.
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Joyelle Ronan
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Lawrence Hiatt
Photography Contributed By
Lawrence Hiatt
Benjamin Rose
Video By
Benjamin Rose

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lisa Hayes, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Smithfield Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$344,900
Median Sale Price
$330,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$344,900
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$260,990
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
929
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-7%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$184

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
8,134
Number of Homes for Sale
68
Median Year Built
1990
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,792
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,545
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
969
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
20,908

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 3pm

    15 Independence Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577

    $750,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,674 Sq Ft
    • 15 Independence Dr

    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

    Agent Photo
    Amy Fann
    HomeTowne Realty
    (984) 204-6403
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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    1:30 - 3:30pm

    113 Castle Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577

    $282,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,812 Sq Ft
    • 113 Castle Dr
    • New 19 days ago

    ** Seller offering 5,000 seller concessions to buyer with acceptable offer** Welcome to 113 Castle Drive in Smithfield! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a generous 0.39-acre lot with a peaceful backyard retreat. Enjoy your morning coffee or unwind in the evenings on the screened back patio overlooking the serene outdoor space. Inside, you'll find a comfortable layout perfect for

    DEVIN MILES ONNIT REALTY GROUP

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Smithfield Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
13,453
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$38,056
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,690

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.1%
College Graduates
23.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.9%
% Population in Labor Force
54.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
4''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

34 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

15 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Smithfield