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
Tracy Benton,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Smithfield, NC sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Smithfield, NC over the last 12 months is $324,245, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WELCOME TO THE CUTEST LITTLE BUNGALOW IN SMITHFIELD! This CHARMING NEW CONSTRUCTION home offers the perfect blend of COMFORT, STYLE, and CONVENIENCE--ideal for a PRIMARY RESIDENCE, DOWNSIZE opportunity, or INCOME-PRODUCING AIRBNB!Located in the HEART OF SMITHFIELD with EASY ACCESS to Raleigh and Goldsboro, this 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH home is designed to impress. The KITCHEN is a true standout
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
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
Ranch Style Home with DOUBLE GARAGE-GUTTERS- Home well maintained-Roof and Gutters w/ guard in 2021-HVAC 2022-Garage installed in 2018-Exterior Painted in 2023-Den has Brick FIREPLACE w/ GAS LOGS- Master Bedroom has Double Closets & Master Bath updated in 2025 w/ NEW Plumbing and NEW Tub (Transferable warrant on Bathroom is for Life)-NEW Floorcovering Throughout home except Baths that have TILE
Have you been looking for a quality build home in an established neighborhood? This one is move in ready with all the upgrades already done like the under sink water filter, under cabinet lighting, an auto defrost bathroom mirror and a fenced yard. The dog house even has AC and Heat. Welcome to 313 Blaze Ridge Drive, a stunning two-story residence featuring a huge finished bonus room over the
Price improvement!Opportunity Awaits in Downtown Smithfield! - Restore the Charm of This 1924 Classic Step into the potential of this 1924 home located just minutes from the heart of downtown Smithfield. With over 3,300 square feet, 5 bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms, this property offers a rare opportunity to reimagine a historic home to fit your vision.Situated on a corner lot, the home
Timeless All-Brick Charmer in a Coveted Neighborhood From the moment you arrive, this classic all-brick Cape Cod captivates with its storybook curb appeal, blooming azaleas, mature trees, manicured boxwoods, and a welcoming brick walkway set the tone for what awaits inside. Step through the elegant front door flanked by leaded glass sidelights into a gracious foyer featuring gleaming hardwood
Experience refined living in this beautifully appointed townhome located in a sought-after 55+ community. Designed for both comfort and elegance, the inviting interior features a spacious den highlighted by a stunning corner fireplace with gas logs--perfect for cozy evenings. The gourmet kitchen showcases custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, seamlessly flowing
Charming, updated bungalow in Historic Downtown Smithfield, conveniently located within walking distance to downtown and the Neuse River Trail. This one-story vintage home is filled with character, featuring tall Craftsman trim, solid wood doors, new quartz countertops, new walk-in closet, new kitchen luxury floors and original 1928 hardware. Bathroom consists of clawfoot tub with shower, fresh
Welcome Home where refined living meets a true water driven lifestyle. Set on nearly three private acres within one of Smithfield's most exclusive lake communities, this custom-built estate offers a rare blend of luxury, recreation, and preserved natural surroundings. Centered around a premier water ski lake, this community was designed for those who crave life on the water. And here, access
All Brick Ranch-Includes 3 LOTS- Only 1 owner-Large Den has Brick FIREPLACE w/ GAS LOGS-Seller States that HARDWOODS under Carpet-City Water & Sewer-Well on property hooked to hose bib in utility room-Circle Drive w/ Mature Landscaping-Storm Doors and Storm Windows
UPDATES in Progress per seller include-New Painting throughout-Replacing Floorcovering throughout Some LVP and New Carpet in bedrooms-Replacing Light fixtures and Bathroom mirrors-
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!
Super cute newly remodeled 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom ranch in Downtown Smithfield. All new paint, flooring, and counter tops. This makes this classic home feel like new again. Enjoy a fenced in backyard where the lawn care is included in the rental rate. No pets
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!
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.
Take a look at this beautiful home featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 1,315 square feet. Enjoy the freedom of a virtually maintenance free lifestyle while residing in a great community. This home is professionally managed and maintained by Tricon homes.
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.
Come to FINLEY LANDING in Smithfield, NC! This sunshiny NEW two-story Chadwick floorplan boasts an open layout with 9-foot ceilings, HUGE windows and LVP throughout the first floor, a cozy screened porch and a fully sodded yard. The friendly cook's kitchen features quartz, an island, pantry, and TONS of cabinets! LVP treads on the stairs lead to your open loft to be used for work or play! Laundry
Property Id: 2493621Welcome to your new home at 412 S 5th Street in Smithfield, NC! This charming single-family property features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, central heating, hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, and a fenced yard. Enjoy the convenience of washer/dryer hookups, a 2-car carport, and a spacious driveway. Don't miss out on this fantastic oppor
Check out this beautiful home only minutes to seventy bypass, twenty minutes to Raleigh.. This home comes with range and refrigerator.. This is in a strict HOA. Subdivision, all 4 tires have to remain on the driveway. And grass has to be cut often..Tenant will need to make over five thousand per month and have one on time Payment history letter. Examples car payment, landlord or credit card
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.Interested in this home? You clearly have exceptional taste. This charming 3.0-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is not only pet-friendly, but also equipped with smart home features to make everyday life more convenient and
Why choose between space and convenience when you can have both? Welcome to 385 Jackson Pond Drive -- a like-new home perfectly positioned for those commuting between Fort Bragg, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Raleigh and surrounding areas. Situated on nearly a full acre in a quiet, single-street neighborhood, this home offers the privacy and breathing room that's increasingly hard to find --
Welcome to your new home at 1210 S 1st Street! This spacious residence features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing 1,586 sq. ft. of cozy living space. You'll love the charming formal living and dining rooms, along with a warm family room that includes a brick fireplace, perfect for gatherings and relaxation. The kitchen is equipped with white cabinetry and a complete set of stainless steel
We've found the perfect place for you! Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in the highly sought-after Marin Woods community, located just a short distance from Smithfield Community Park. With shopping, restaurants, and conveniences nearby, you'll have everything you need right at your doorstep. This beautiful NEW 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home also features laminate flooring throughout for easy maintenance,
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