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
Julie Toy,
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 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Smithfield, NC over the last 12 months is $324,490, 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 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
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
Price improvement! Historic Property with Strong Income Potential in Downtown SmithfieldThe historic Samuel R. Brady House at 514 S 5th St presents a unique investment opportunity in the growing Smithfield market. This large 1924 property features 11 total rooms, 5 bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms, offering multiple value-add strategies for the savvy investor.Situated on a corner lot just
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
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
Welcome to 313 Blaze Ridge Drive, a stunning two-story residence featuring a huge finished bonus room over the garage, perfect for a media room, playroom, or home office. Every bedroom includes its own walk-in closet, offering exceptional storage and convenience. The luxurious primary suite boasts walk-in shower, creating a relaxing retreat. The kitchen is designed for both function and style,
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
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
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!
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
All-brick townhome in Smithfield, NC near Holt Lake and Johnston County Country Club with main-floor primary suite, bonus room, screened porch, and 2-car garage.This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome offers an open-concept floor plan with hardwood floors, a spacious living room with fireplace, and a kitchen featuring solid surface countertops, breakfast bar, and abundant cabinetry. The main-level
Welcome home! This gorgeous property is inviting from the front yard to the backyard. Beautifully landscaped, it boasts a large front porch perfect for sunny afternoons and relaxing evenings. Step inside the open floor plan and discover upgrades like granite countertops in the kitchen and master bathroom, stunning tile floors, elegant tile showers throughout, and spacious bedrooms. You'll fall in
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
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!
Take a look at this beauty!!!! Large open concept beautiful home. Three bedrooms and two baths, large mature yard and two car carport. This home will be managed by the owner.Requirements: Credit score 640 or greater, income 3 x the amount of the rent; no evictions or landlord collections in the past 5 years; currently employed for at least 12 month. This home will be managed by the owner.
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.
We found the perfect one! Enjoy life within a short distance to the Smithfield Community park. Shopping and restaurants nearby. This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome offers upgraded features like stainless steel appliances, beautiful white cabinets, granite countertops and an open floor plan. Contact me today for more information on this amazing community located in Smithfield! Apply
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 floor plan is flooded with natural light through abundant windows, featuring a lovely kitchen
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
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.
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,
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,
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,
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,
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