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
Hunter McNair,
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 $321,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
🚧 HOME MOVE-IN READY IN 12-15 WEEKS 🏡 Welcome to this beautifully crafted 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the highly desirable Elk Creek community in Smithfield. This home is now available at an unbeatable value! Built by Adams Homes, known for their superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. A large family room with a stunning marble fireplace seamlessly flows into the spacious
Under Construction - Spacious 5BR/3.5BA Home with Finished Basement in Prime Smithfield Location! Discover your dream home in the heart of Smithfield! This stunning new construction offers over 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and an array of flexible living areas perfect for modern living. The oversized living area provides endless layout
This beautifully maintained brick ranch blends timeless vintage charm with thoughtful modern updates. Loved by only two owners, the home greets you with a classic rocking-chair front porch and sits in a quiet, established neighborhood just minutes from key conveniences. Inside, the layout offers exceptional flexibility with three bedrooms, two full baths and an additional flex/office room -
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
Built in 2022 and nestled on a spacious 0.63-acre flat corner lot, this beautifully upgraded home offers modern living without the constraints of an HOA or city taxes. Located in the newest phase of Charlestowne, you'll enjoy peace and privacy while still being just minutes from downtown Smithfield, I-95, Smithfield Outlets, and easy access to Hwy 70, Princeton, Clayton, Goldsboro, and
STUNNING BRAND-NEW TOWNHOUSE in a very convenient subdivision of Smithfield!!261 Lily Patch LnSmithfield, NC 27577Contemporary 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 private patio, ideal for
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.
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.
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