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
Anita Oxford,
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 Smithfield, NC sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Smithfield, NC over the last 12 months is $323,450, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! MOTIVATED SELLER!! BRING ALL OFFERS!! This huge 4 bedroom 3 bath well kept home with 2 car garage is a MUSTSEE! This home features Many Custom Features and upgrades that are STUNNING! This Beautiful home has 4 bedrooms 3 of them on the main level and 1 bedroom upstairs. Home features crown molding and chair molding in the kitchen and living area. Along with that upstairs
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
Custom-built home in the premier Freedom Farms community offering over 2,800 sq ft on a desirable cul-de-sac lot just one mile from Cleveland High School. This thoughtfully designed home blends luxury finishes with functional everyday living. Step inside to a soaring living room with vaulted ceilings and a stunning floor-to-ceiling shiplap fireplace with gas logs, creating a dramatic focal point
UPDATE, Preferred Lender credit up to $3K and Seller Credit $5K Cute as a button and full of thoughtful updates This charming one story home stands out with coastal inspired paint accented by rich jewel tones, giving the space a warm and unique personality. Dimmer switches in the kitchen and dining room let you set the mood, while new light fixtures in the dining room and office add a fresh,
Historic Samuel R. Brady House Located in the heart of Smithfield, this lovely, established home at 514 S 5th Street offers the perfect blend of timeless charm and thoughtful modern updates. On the corner of a quiet street, the property showcases the character buyers love in a historic area while providing the conveniences of upgraded living.This home features Full sized front porch on the
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! MOTIVATED SELLER!! BRING ALL OFFERS!! This huge 4 bedroom 3 bath well kept home with 2 car garage is a MUSTSEE! This home features Many Custom Features and upgrades that are STUNNING! This Beautiful home has 4 bedrooms 3 of them on the main level and 1 bedroom upstairs. Home features crown molding and chair molding in the kitchen and living area. Along with that upstairs
Tucked into one of Smithfield's most desirable areas near Holt Lake and the Country Club of Johnston County, this beautifully maintained all-brick townhome offers an exceptional blend of comfort, privacy, and convenience. Step inside and move to the right into the main living area where the spacious kitchen showcases solid surface countertops, abundant cabinetry, and a convenient breakfast bar.
2 Lots totally over 1 acre of unrestricted land in Princeton School district partially cleared. Come check it out for yourself. The tax value shown here is for the 2 lots - Lot 1 ,52 Acres is 15,480 and Lot 2 .71 Acres is 29,540
Experience true multigenerational living in this beautifully updated home featuring TWO full primary suites- one on the main floor and another on the second level--perfect for extended family, long-term guests, or flexible living arrangements.This property blends classic comfort with modern convenience, offering 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 bonus rooms, an enormous private office, and
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!
Brick ranch charm meets rare amenities in this one-of-a-kind property overlooking a serene, oversized pond. Situated on just under 2 acres, this home offers space, privacy, and features you simply don't see every day. The main home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and an attached 2-car garage. The spacious kitchen is the heart of the home with a large center island, granite countertops, and
Welcome to 246 Lake Magnolia Way, where everyday life feels like a getaway. Set on nearly three private acres in one of Smithfield's most scenic lake communities, this custom-built estate offers more than luxury living, it offers a lifestyle most only experience on vacation. Here, you don't even need to own a boat to enjoy the water. The HOA provides access to a shared community boat, along with
Stunning New Build Home on 1.32 Acres - No City Taxes - No HOA! Get 1% Toward Closing Costs With Acceptable Offer! You'll love the bright, open floorplan with wide plank LVP flooring, designer black & gold fixtures, boxed oak stair treads with open railings, & smart home features like an Ecobee thermostat & WiFi garage door opener. The Dream Kitchen features oversized island, quartz countertops,
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
Welcome to 109 Peebles Drive, a beautifully designed end-unit townhome in the heart of Smithfield,NC. Blending modern comfort with classic charm, this home offers bright open spaces, stylish finishes, and a convenient location near shopping, restaurants, and parks. Step inside to discover a spacious open-concept layout filled with natural light and contemporary design. The main living area
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!
This new two-story home offers a spacious and functional layout. The main floor features a generous Great Room, a dedicateddining area, a modern kitchen, a secluded bedroom perfect for guests or a home office, and a patio ideal for outdoor living.Upstairs includes a versatile loft and three additional bedrooms, including the owner's suite with a private en-suite bathroom and alarge walk-in closet.
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
Property Id: 897452Nice townhome style house located in Smithfield NC. 2 bed 1.5 bath. Includes a private yard and a shed. Back patio. LVP flooring on the first floor, carpet on the second floor. Comes with appliances including washer and dryer. Close to shopping in Smithfield and convenient to I-95. No large dogs and no cats. Small dogs allowed after approval. No smoking or vaping on the
Welcome to 206 Britt Street, Smithfield, NC Nestled in a quiet, friendly neighborhood, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home at 206 Britt Street offers comfort and convenience in a prime Smithfield location. As you enter, you'll be greeted by an inviting living room with large windows that flood the space with natural light. The open layout seamlessly connects the living area to the dining and
**MOVE-IN SPECIAL!!! ONE MONTH’S RENT FREE AND NO MOVE IN FEE WITH DEPOSIT BY 3/21/26**SPLIT THE PAYMENT! Reserve your new home by paying 50% of your security deposit now, with the remaining balance due before move-in.Introducing this stunning, single-story home at 907 East Street, offering 1,439 square feet of spacious living with 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The bright, open
Beautiful 2 bedroom duplex half in the heart of Smithfield! Practical floorplan make excellent use of space. Back utility closet great for extra storage. Pets may be negotiable case-by-case. Contact Manager for consideration before applying. **Move-in Special: 1 week free rent credit, to be applied to 3rd month, for an approved move-in to begin before 12/05/2025.
Property Id: 2353912Beautiful ranch plan in Water View Landing Subdivision! Spacious family room with cozy fireplace is open to the island kitchen that offers stainless steel appliances, granite, tile backsplash and FRIDGE! Master bedroom has WIC and a private bath that features a dual vanity, separate shower and garden tub. Two good sized secondary bedrooms share a full bathroom. Patio
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
Property Id: 2353898This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property spans 1,567 square feet and features a spacious layout that is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Enjoy the warmth of a cozy fireplace in the living area, complemented by central heating and cooling for year-round comfort. The modern kitchen is equipped with high-end appliances including a dishwasher, microwave,
Please note, our homes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not reserved until the lease is signed by all applicants and security deposits are collected.This home features Progress Smart Home - Progress Residential's smart home app, which allows you to control the home securely from any of your devices. Learn more at Want to tour on your own? Click the “Self
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 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
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