Located across the James River from Newport News lies Smithfield, a former Colonial seaport with small-town charm. “It’s a good town to live in and to raise kids, too,” says Jimmy Auvil, broker/owner of 1st Advantage Realty, and a lifelong Smithfield resident who’s been selling homes here for 15 years. “Everybody knows everybody and looks out for each other. It’s a place we’ll always stay.” Smithfield Foods, Inc. is the town’s largest employer. With its proximity to the rest of Hampton Roads, there are also government jobs available, including at Newport News Shipyard and Naval Station Norfolk.
Historic downtown Smithfield is perfect for shopping, with restored storefronts and charm.
A quaint walking path weaves through the charming downtown area of Smithfield.
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Single-family homes range from older Victorians to new traditionals
Homes in Smithfield include late-1800s Victorians, ranch-style homes and colonial revivals from the mid- to late-1900s as well as modern traditional styles. “There’s a pretty broad price range in Smithfield, and the market is hot over here,” Auvil says. Older home styles are found closer to the city’s historic downtown, while the suburbs that surround it offer more modern styles. The town also has waterfront properties, many of which have private boat docks with access to the James River. The median price for single-family homes in Smithfield is $495,000, compared to the national median of $418,700 reported by the National Association of Realtors. There are also a few townhome communities around the city with a median price of $330,000.
Smithfield’s townhomes offer comfortable living in a quiet, close-knit community.
Smithfield is home to many century-old homes.
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Top marks for Smithfield schools
Students in Smithfield attend Isle of Wight County Schools, which collectively earn a B-plus. Most older students attend Smithfield High, which has a dual enrollment partnership with nearby Paul D. Camp Community College.
Smithfield High School offers a quality education and dual enrollment opportunities.
Paul D. Camp Community College offers dual enrollment for students at Smithfield High.
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Parking and riding across Hampton Roads
The Hampton Roads Transit Park and Ride on Main Street and a bus stop at the Smithfield meat packing plant offer commuters public transit options. Those driving in and out of town can take Highway 258 south to Portsmouth and Highway 17 to get to Newport News. “People like that Smithfield has a small town feel and isn’t busy, but it’s still easy to get to the busier parts of the area if you need to,” says Auvil.
Restored historic storefronts of downtown Smithfield
Smithfield’s small-town charm is evident in its historic downtown, where local shops and eateries occupy restored buildings. Main Street has popular local eateries like the Wharf Hill Brewing Company, Smithfield Gourmet Bakery and Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor. “That’s my kids' favorite place to go for ice cream,” says Auvil. Locals can also browse Main Street’s stores, including Hamtown Mercantile with over 40 local boutiques.
Smithfield Ice Cream Parlor is a local favorite for sweet treats and family outings.
Go shopping at Hamtown Mercantile on Main Street in Smithfield.
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Trails and a natural playscape at Windsor Castle Park
The town’s largest attraction is Windsor Castle Park, a more than 200-acre riverside area that was originally part of the historic Windsor Castle Farm. The park offers over 4 miles of walking and biking trails, a natural playscape with a rock-climbing wall, a fishing pier, kayak launch and a fenced dog park. Windsor Castle Park is also home to some of the town's most popular festivals. The Wine & Brew Fest takes place in the spring, the Bacon, Bourbon & Music Fest is in the fall and the BOB Fest – bloody marys, oysters, Brunswick stew and BBQ – is held in the winter.
Smithfield’s history is on display at the Isle of Wight County Museum, which is home to local artifacts like the world’s oldest ham. The Luter Family YMCA is on James Street with an indoor gym and pool. The Smithfield Little Theatre has been putting on plays in town since 1962. And Cypress Creek Golfers’ Club is a semi-private 18-hole course just 3 miles away.
Stroll along Windsor Castle Park's numerous scenic paths.
The Luter Family YMCA in Smithfield offers a gym, pool, and programs for all ages.
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Crime stats and flood risks
According to data reported to the FBI, the town had a 40% increase in violent crime from 2022 to 2023. Property crime increased 4% during the same period. Overall crime rates in Smithfield are slightly below state and national averages.
With its many creeks and rivers, flooding can be an issue for homeowners close to waterways. Isle of Wight County has a flood map online that can let residents know if their home is eligible for discounted flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
Photography Contributed By
Lindsay Lack
Video By
Benjamin Rose
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Carlson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Smithfield, VA sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Smithfield, VA over the last 12 months is $465,023, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in Ready "Rembert" is a beautifully designed, 4 bed, 2.5 bath home offering over 3,100sqft of comfortable, modern living. The main-level primary suite provides a private retreat w/ oversized WIC & spa-inspired bath w/ tiled shower, double bowl vanity, & linen closet. The open-concept layout showcases warm family & dining rooms. Inviting kitchen w/ large island, stainless steel gourmet
Move-in ready "Rembert" is designed for modern living. This 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in Mallory Pointe offers over 3,100 square feet of flexible space. The main level features a private primary suite w/ spacious WIC and en-suite bath with tiled shower & double bowl vanity. The main living features an open-concept layout with a gourmet kitchen, oversized island, walk-in pantry and butler’s pantry
Move-in Ready "Easton" is thoughtfully designed 2650sqft. ranch-style home w/ 4 beds & 3 baths in Mallory Pointe offering functional, flexible living space. The main level showcases easy living with three bedrooms, including a private primary suite w/ en-suite bath with tiled shower w/ seat, large double bowl vanity, & huge WIC. First floor layout features an open-concept w/ gourmet kitchen,
***Available Summer 2026!!! ***This elegant home features an open and spacious design. A large kitchen with central island provides the perfect place to entertain or have a quiet breakfast. Plenty of storage, a window view, and efficient workspaces. Adjacent to the kitchen you will find a dining area and living room perfect for entertaining your guests. The Owner's suite features tray ceilings
Cypress Creek in Smithfield is premier living and feels like a retreat. Enjoy the scenic drive in, winding past grand homes and golfers, setting the tone this community is known for. Tucked in a quiet cul-de-sac, this like new 2023 Hanover model offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a layout that shines from the moment you enter. A distinct foyer with a private office leads to an open living space
Introducing the Rembert at Mallory Pointe, an inviting neighborhood with playgrounds, trails, and gathering spaces near shopping and dining.. This move-in ready Rembert brings 3,175 square feet of open, connected living across two floors, with a two-car garage, five bedrooms, three full baths, and a powder room. The main level flows kitchen to dining to living in one continuous sweep, making it
Available Now!!! This gorgeous home epitomizes excellence in architecture with an open, non-confining floor plan. The open, spacious kitchen features a large kitchen island, providing the perfect prep space. Off the great room, views of your enclosed patio light up the living space. The enclosed patio provides endless possibilities: relax and read in the afternoon or enjoy your morning coffee.
DEEP DEEP WATER!!! Beautiful waterfront views out to the Pagan River and conveniently located next to Smithfield Station! The value is in the land!! The possibilities are endless! Property is being sold as-is/where-is.
Welcome home to this charming ranch-style retreat offering 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, designed for comfortable everyday living. Filled with abundant natural light, the inviting interior creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout. Come outside to enjoy the expansive covered patio, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing with your morning coffee. The backyard is your own private
Welcome to the Easton at Mallory Pointe, an inviting neighborhood with playgrounds, trails, and gathering spaces near shopping and dining.. This move-in ready Easton delivers 2,689 square feet of single-floor living with four bedrooms, three full baths, and a two-car garage. The open-concept main level connects the kitchen and living area, with a gourmet kitchen layout and gas appliances for
The Aspen 3000 Barndominium Style Custom home to be build with your selections and customizations! Stunning Covered Front Porch leads to the Open Great Room designed with 18ft vaulted ceiling for the perfect open Living, Dining and Kitchen space. Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, butler pantry AND walk-in pantry. Large Primary with huge walk-in closet and
Welcome home to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence nestled in the heart of Smithfield. Thoughtfully updated from top to bottom, this home features fresh paint, brand-new flooring, plush carpeting, modern cabinetry, stylish vanities, updated appliances, and a new HVAC system—offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and peace of mind. Every detail has been carefully
LOT 33! Lawnes Point on the James | 1129 Lawnes Neck Drive, Smithfield. Build your dream waterfront home on this exceptional 2.38-acre lot in the prestigious Lawnes Point on the James community. Nestled among mature trees, this buildable homesite offers breathtaking James River views, a sandy beach, and deep-water access for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing.
Meet the Rembert at Mallory Pointe, an inviting neighborhood with playgrounds, trails, and gathering spaces near shopping and dining.. This move-in ready Rembert brings 3,175 square feet across two floors, four bedrooms, two full baths, a powder room, and a two-car garage. The main level opens into a connected kitchen, dining, and living area where the layout keeps everything within easy reach.
Discover space that speaks to your lifestyle at The Westerly at Benn’s Grant. From expansive interiors to over 70 acres of untouched open space, here you’ll find room to relax, grow, and breathe. Nestled in the Benns Church area of Smithfield, our brand new one, two, and three-bedroom apartments boast modern, designer finishes that amplify every detail of sophisticated living.*But life at
CONVENIENCE AND VALUE ALL IN THE HEART OF SMITHFIELD – BRADFORD MEWS…THE PERFECT CHOICE! Bradford Mews is just 10 minutes from the James River Bridge and less than 30 minutes to the Southside. You’ll enjoy living in a small town atmosphere, with the convenience of big city life right at your doorstep.
A most private location in Smithfield. We are pleased to offer a 3-bedroom, 2 full bath ranch style home w/ over 1,800 sq. ft. on a 5.25 Acre parcel. Beechwood Lane is a private street located about 1/2 mile from the Benns Church Intersection heading toward Smithfield. Home features a living room, dining room, family room and eat-in kitchen. Workers are completing the enclosure of the rear deck.
Experience the tranquility of small-town charm in this inviting, fully furnished 2-bedroom, 1-full bath sanctuary. Enjoy the spacious semi-private balcony, perfect for embracing peaceful moments. Situated in Main Street's historic district, this residence offers unparalleled access to charming coffee shops, delightful bakeries, exceptional dining venues, captivating boutiques, and an enticing
Welcome home to 5053 Old Stage Hwy in Smithfield! This newly updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath rental offers fresh paint, new LVP flooring throughout, and new appliances for a clean, modern feel. Enjoy a spacious layout, a charming porch, and a large yard with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Located in a peaceful country setting while still offering convenient access to nearby shops,
Charming Cape Cod-style rental in the heart of Smithfield! This 3 bedroom home offers 1,364 square feet of inviting living space with a bright, comfortable layout and a warm sense of character throughout. Step inside to find updated flooring, a welcoming living area filled with natural light, and a functional kitchen designed for everyday ease, complete with refrigerator, electric range,
Welcome to Gatling Point. This custom-built brick rancher has that one level living that includes 2 Primary Suites, both with luxury bathrooms with jetted tubs, walk in showers and walk in closets. Step into the foyer with hardwood floors. To the right is the formal dining room. Plenty of room for those special holiday gatherings. Continue through to the custom kitchen with granite counter-tops,
Spanning over 300 square miles west of the James River in Hampton Roads lies Isle of Wight County, Virginia, a vast semi-rural county with quaint small towns and swaths of farmland. “Isle of Wight County is a great combination of peaceful country living and town amenities,” says Lee Cross, a native of nearby Suffolk, Virginia, and the managing broker and third-generation co-owner of Cross Realty. “You have farmland if you prefer to have some elbow room, but you also have traditional neighborhoods if you like a sense of community.”
The choice of single-family home styles in Isle of Wight is as vast as the county itself, from ornate Victorians with gingerbread trim in Smithfield’s historic downtown to 1960s ranch styles in quiet neighborhoods near Windsor to modern traditional new-builds on acres of sprawling farmland. Home sizes range from around 1,000 to 4,400 square feet, and list prices span from $100,000 to nearly $1 million.
Area kids children attend Isle of Wight County Public Schools, including Westside Elementary, rated a B by Niche, and Smithfield Middle, which earns a B-plus. Next, students move on to B-rated Smithfield High, which offers several academic programs, including dual enrollment with Paul D. Camp Community College. “In my experience, the schools are definitely a draw for people,” Cross says.
With Routes 460 and 258, both significant area roadways, running through the county, folks who commute to other parts of the region for work or play will find Suffolk, Newport News and Norfolk are all within a 30-mile drive of the heart of the county. Since public transit is limited to only about three Hampton Roads Transit bus stops around Smithfield, most county residents depend on a car to get around. “Smithfield Foods is a big employer in the area, so a lot of people have local jobs and don’t have to commute very far,” Cross says. “But for those that work in other areas of Hampton Roads, like Newport News or Norfolk, it’s an easy drive time, especially from the northern part of the county.”
Much of the dining and retail options in the county are located near the towns of Smithfield and Windsor, with Smithfield’s historic downtown taking the top spot for its collection of charming locally-owned restaurants, like Taste of Smithfield with dishes featuring the town’s world-renowned ham. Smithfield’s downtown also boasts an eclectic mix of local specialty shops, while both Smithfield and Windsor feature grocery stores for everyday needs, including Food Lion and Kroger.
County residents have numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from Smithfield’s vast Windsor Castle Park, with its endless amenities, including walking trails and a natural playscape for children. Folks in the southern part of the county enjoy events at Heritage Park near Windsor, including Fourth of July Fireworks and the Isle of Wight County Fair.
The county fair isn’t the only fun in Isle of Wight County. From Smithfield’s Party with Purposes fundraising festivals, which include a spring Wine & Brew Fest, to Windsor’s annual Christmas Parade featuring area marching bands and decorated snow plows, Isle of Wight County folks know how to have a good time in their communities.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Smithfield Has More Owners
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
3
Median Rent
$2,400
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,350
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,000
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,400
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,300
Median Condo Rent
$1,125
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,125
Demographics
Total Population
9,181
Median Age
44
Population under 18
23.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$84,134
Above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$104,989
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
90.1%
College Graduates
30.6%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
32°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat bikeable
Bikeability®
30/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
