$252,490Average Value$176Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes For Sale
A historic Carolina railroad town
Vintage storefronts shaded by colorful striped awnings, the soft glow of antique streetlights and a water tower rising above the horizon. The bygone charm of Selma makes it the place for those “looking for a really old southern historical community,” says Julie Toy, a Raleigh native and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage. Known regionally for its antique stores and old southern homes, Selma is a country town that developed in the late 1800s around the North Carolina Railroad. Today, a red preserved train car greets Amtrak travelers at its historic railroad crossing. The town’s location along Interstate 95 makes it a popular pitstop for those passing through Johnston County. Residents here witness the ebb and flow of crowds downtown as cars and buses full of visitors make a pit stop so passengers can stretch their legs and explore the quaint shops and eateries.
Selma was born as a “Railroad Town,” and the rail heritage is still evident today.
Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center has an indoor eight lane 50-meter pool.
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Antiquing on Raiford Street
Downtown is the place for shopping and sipping, with boutiques, bars and breweries lining Raiford Street. People specifically come to Selma for its antiquing. One destination is Trackside Antiques. Inside its brick building adorned with emerald-green awnings, people hunt for treasures like glassware, vintage magazines and Elvis memorabilia. Eclectic items like jewelry, clocks and chandeliers are for sale at Treasury Antiques. People can walk to Coffee on Raiford for a latte or Old Fashioned Ice Cream for a milkshake. Quesadillas and empanadas can be found at Fiorentine Café. Old North State Food Hall, where Interstate 95 crosses U.S. Route 70, offers an array of dishes from curry and Cuban sandwiches to pizza and hot dogs. In the evening, people head to the Rudy Theatre, a downtown performing arts venue with a cast that performs concerts throughout the year. For grocery shopping, there are a handful of small food markets, like Neighborhood Market and Selma IGA Supermarket, and locally grown fruit and vegetables can be picked up at Crooked Row Produce. Big-name grocery stores like Food Lion and Walmart Supercenter sit outside city limits.
Coffee on Railford is a locally owned coffee shop in Selma , NC.
Old Fashioned Ice Cream in downtown Selma serves homemade icecream.
There's a Walmart super Center in Selma, NC.
Treasury Antiques is a popular stote in downtown Selma, NC.
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Settling down in Selma
The gridded residential streets here are wide and lined with concrete sidewalks. Branches from mature oak and hickory trees stretch high into the sky, shading yards below. Since Selma sits in a grid formation, most of its houses are right next to each other, with about a half-acre of land each. Buyers will find plenty of single-story builds, from midcentury brick ranch-style homes with carports to 1930s shotguns with covered front porches. There are also cozy 1920s Craftsman-style bungalows and minimal traditional homes. Those seeking a larger space may fall in love with the two-story Greek Revival and Queen Anne homes in the West Selma Historic District featuring columns, wrap-around porches and ornate detailing indicative of classic southern charm. “If you were to Google ‘old southern downtown homes,’ Selma would show up,” Toy says. “I have a friend who lives in one of those homes. It’s a labor of love. It’s older than 100 years old,” she continues. Buyers who prefer less maintenance can find newly built properties sprinkled around town. The average home value in Selma is $242,895, well below the U.S. and Raleigh area averages. Depending on size and condition, prices typically range between $100,000 and $500,000.
New homes and subdivisions are being built on the outskirts of Selma, NC.
Large historic homes line the streets of downtown Selma, NC.
Small cottages can be found around the downtown area of Selma, NC.
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Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center is located next to Smithfield Community Park.
Learn, play and socialize at SRAC
Three small neighborhood parks dot the outer perimeter of Selma. Families can play on the playground at Brack Wilson Park, grab a book from the little library at Raiford Street Park or play tennis at Edgebrook Park. Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium is centrally located for ball games inside or outside. One of the most popular recreational spots is the Smithfield Recreation & Aquatics Center, known as “SRAC” by locals. At SRAC, children learn to swim, adults meet up for running club on Saturdays or to take pottery classes, and people of all ages can sign up for walks along the Neuse River.
Learning in Johnston County Public Schools
A few blocks from downtown, a brick clocktower welcomes students at Selma Elementary School, which earns a C-plus from Niche. C-rated Selma Middle School is right down the street off U.S. Route 301. Smithfield-Selma High School, located between the two towns, has a C-plus rating. It offers career-focused programs like the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and the Fire Science Program. Families interested in charter or private schools have several nearby options, including Neuse Charter School, Innovation Academy and Star Christian Academy. Johnston Community College offers higher education close to home, and qualifying students can attend tuition-free.
Selma Elementary is located in Johnston County, NC.
Smithfield Selma High School is located in Johnston County, NC.
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Downtown Selma is full of cute stores and restaurants.
A never-ending Carolina yard sale
Selma is a popular starting point for the 301 Endless Yard Sale each June. Bargain hunters and collectors drive more than 100 miles between the town of Weldon and the city of Dunn to shop for antiques, clothing, crafts and more at yard sales and markets lining U.S. Route 301.
Easy access to U.S. Route 301 and I-95
Downtown Selma is very walkable, but most residents drive around town. Selma is proud of its location along Interstate 95, making it a popular place to fuel up or even stay the night during a long road trip. Residents use Interstate 42 and U.S. Route 301 to reach destinations around North Carolina. Raleigh is a 33-mile drive, Durham is a 57-mile drive and Chapel Hill is a 60-mile drive. Residents can catch an Amtrak train daily at Selma Station for trips along the Atlantic coast. “Price and proximity are two reasons people move to Selma,” says Brownlee. “You can get to and from Raleigh, and the train station can take you just about anywhere.”
Selma is an important rail junction in the Eastern United States.
Selma, NC is conveniently located on Highway 301 and Interstate 95.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melinda Monroe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
East Clayton Dog Park
Talton Field
Football
Picnic Area
Soccer
Smithfield Town Commons Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Grills
Smithfield Community Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center
Basketball
Pool
Volleyball
Wilsons Mills Community Park
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Selma
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Selma, NC sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Selma, NC over the last 12 months is $287,158, down 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 1920 Ranch Home in the Heart of Selma!Welcome to this timeless 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch-style home offering 1,024 sq ft of cozy living space. Built in 1920, this home is filled with vintage character and offers a wonderful opportunity for those looking to add their own style and updates. The inviting side porch—perfect for rocking chairs and relaxing evenings—adds to the home's classic
Charming established farmhouse full of potential, being sold as-is. With a little TLC and elbow grease, this home could be beautifully restored. Located just minutes from downtown Selma and Smithfield, offering both convenience and charm. No HOA. An ideal opportunity for someone looking to bring new life to a classic home.
Move-In Ready! Welcome to the stunning Gavin II, where modern design meets timeless elegance. This beautiful home boasts a three-car garage, providing ample space for vehicles and storage. The heart of the home is the open-concept family room and kitchen, perfect for entertaining or cozy family gatherings. The kitchen features quartz countertops and a large island , offering both style and
3 bed, 2 bath home in Wynbrooke. Step into the light-filled family room with vaulted ceiling and palladium front window. Large eat-in kitchen overlooks the back yard. Split-bedroom floorplan allows for privacy. Great storage or hobby space with the wired 12x20 accessory building.Updates include brand new vinyl plank flooring just installed throughout. New roof installed in 2024. 2019 water
Corner Lot located in the cozy and upcoming small town of Selma, NC. This cleared lot is nestled in the established area of downtown Smithfield. Located minutes from schools, shops, dining, medical, the new shopping center, I-95 & I-40.
Built in 2022, this move-in-ready home offers the peace of mind that comes with all major systems still in their early years—making it a low-maintenance dream. With 4 spacious bedrooms (one being a main floor guest suite), 3.5 bathrooms, and an open-concept layout designed for everyday living and effortless entertaining, this home checks all the boxes. You'll love the thoughtful storage
Experience modern living in this immaculate duplex, just one year old and designed for comfort and style.Incredible kitchen featuring sleek white cabinetry, stunning quartz countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances. Easy maintenance flooring throughout, no carpet! Two spacious bedrooms, perfect for relaxation and privacy plus two full bathrooms. Do not miss out on the fully fenced
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening! Take advantage of the incredible location, nestled
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melinda Monroe,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
12,549
Median Age
38
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
26.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$38,949
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,837
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.8%
College Graduates
17.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62%
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®
30/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
