7 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Smithfield, NC

Living in Smithfield 

Are you considering a move to Smithfield, NC? Follow along as we explore the seven best things about living in Smithfield! 

Are you thinking about moving to Smithfield, North Carolina? Located in Johnston County and with a population of 12,468 people, Smithfield is known to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.

Smithfield is located just 30 minutes southeast of Raleigh and combines historic charm with modern conveniences. As the county seat, it serves as the governmental and cultural hub of the area while maintaining its distinct small-town character.

A safe place to raise your children, many families and young professionals are moving to the area for its prime location, affordable cost of living, gorgeous landscape, and growing business opportunities.

As experts in the Triangle real estate market, we at Raleigh Realty want to share what makes Smithfield unique and provide essential information to help you decide if it's the right place for your next home. Read on to learn more about the seven things to know before moving to Smithfield, North Carolina.

Here is what you need to know about life in Smithfield 

1. Affordable Cost of Living and Real Estate 

With a cost of living that is 7.3% lower than the national average and 1.9% higher than the North Carolina average, living in Smithfield means affordability. As part of the Raleigh Metropolitan area, Smithfield has seen an increase in housing, transportation, and food prices over the years due to its growth. 

Although housing costs are slightly higher than the national average, overall, they remain cheaper than in other large metropolitan areas. While goods and services remain competitively priced, utilities are generally low compared to the rest of the state. 

Smithfield offers significantly more affordable housing options than Raleigh and other parts of the Triangle area, which makes it a sought-after place to buy real estate. With a median list price of $339,668 and an average price per square foot of $183, Smithfield remains one of the more affordable places to live within commuting distance of Raleigh. 

Known for its somewhat competitive housing market, most homes receive multiple offers. When considering what property type is best for you and your family, it is essential to acknowledge your options and choose which neighborhood best suits your needs.

Offering diverse housing options and home styles, Smithfield offers beautiful historic homes, established neighborhoods, new construction communities, and rural properties to choose from, with larger lots available on the outskirts of town. 

2. History of Smithfield 

Smithfield has a fascinating history that dates back to colonial America. Founded in 1777, Smithfield was the first town and second county seat in Johnston County. Named after its location on Smith's Ferry on the Neuse River, Smithfield is where the Johnston County Courthouse was moved to.

Legend has it that Smithfield almost became the capital of North Carolina but lost to Raleigh by one vote. Playing a significant role in the American Civil War by accommodating the encampment of General Sherman's troops, Smithfield remains a historical city that has seen a rise in growth over the past several years. 

Boasting a well-preserved historic downtown district with buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town has many historical sites and museums, including the Smithfield Heritage Center, Ava Gardner Museum, and the Historic Hastings House. 

3. Smithfield Has a Great Education System 

Part of the Johnston County School District, Smithfield's education system constantly changes to keep up with the demands of its growing population. Home to one of the highest numbers of top-rated public schools in North Carolina, the Johnston County School District has 48 schools and teaches over 37,286 students in its vicinity.

Some of the best public schools in Smithfield include South Smithfield Elementary School, Smithfield Middle School, Johnston County Early College Academy, and Smithfield-Selma High School.

If you are moving with your family and have school-aged children, Smithfield understands how important quality education is. When buying a house, choose one that feeds into the schools you want your children to attend.

The area also offers several private school options and is within commuting distance of Johnston Community College.

Check out these top-rated schools in Smithfield: 

Elementary School	Middle School	High School
Neuse Charter School	Innovation Academy at South Campus	Johnston County Early College
West Smithfield Elementary School	Smithfield Middle School	Neuse Charter School
South Smithfield Elementary School	Neuse Charter School	Smithfield-Selma High School

*Data Sourced from GreatSchools. 

For those seeking higher education opportunities, Johnston Community College is located in Smithfield. Right off of Interstate 95 and US 70, it offers its students amazing workforce programs.

With a 175-acre campus and over 40 programs and areas of study, students can excel close to home. From cosmetology to accounting and business, this technical leadership academy is the perfect option for students who do not want to attend a four-year university.

If a public institution is more of your style, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are some of the best colleges near Raleigh and within a commuter's distance at an in-state tuition price.

4. Smithfield Employment Opportunities 

Smithfield's job market reflects its position as a small town within commuting distance of larger employment centers. Welcoming a new Amazon facility in 2024 brought more than 1,000 new jobs to Smithfield and Johnston County, and the area continues to see increases in growth and job creation. 

This Fortune 500 Company has not only drastically improved the local economy but also laid the foundation for further welcoming leaders in business and technology to the area. 

Spearheading the agritourism industry and tobacco farming for generations, the job search in Smithfield offers a lot of variety. If you are actively searching for a job, make sure to add Smithfield to your list.

Not only are big companies scoping out the area to grow and expand but because it is only a short drive away from Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, commuting to work could not be easier.

With multinational technology company Apple announcing its 1 billion dollar investment in its Research Triangle Park campus, Raleigh and its surrounding areas are about to explode in opportunity and job growth.

Local employment opportunities within Smithfield include: 

• Johnston Health (hospital system)
• Johnston County Government
• Retail and service industries
• Manufacturing and distribution companies

5. Things To Do in Smithfield 

Along the Neuse River, Smithfield is most famous for its distinct culture and abundant fun activities. One of the most popular and local favorites is the Ava Gardner Museum. Born near Smithfield, this American actress and singer was most popular in the 1940s and admired for her femme fatale roles.

Appearing in classic films such as The Killers and Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, Ava was considered one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood during her time. Once married to Frank Sinatra, visitors to the museum can learn about her life through new exhibits and her fabulous costume collection.

Once you have visited this museum, check out some of these other local favorites:

• Carolina Premium Outlets: This mall features 76 stores, including Tommy Hilfiger, Addidas, and Micheal Kors. 
• Raleigh Brewing JoCo: This is a popular place to enjoy craft beer and cocktails. It is the third taproom location and second production facility in Johnston County. 
• The Howell Theatre: This nostalgic theatre has operated since 1935 and continues to show feature films on four screens.

The annual events and festivals in Smithfield are what bring the community together. If you want to meet your neighbors and explore the town, there is always something to celebrate.

Smithfield and Johnston County collaborate yearly to bring some of the best events to the area. The Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival started in 1985 and has been an ongoing tradition of honoring the Smithfield agriculture industry.

Most popular for its live music, ham biscuits, barbeque, and sweet potato treats, the festival brings the family together in May for arts and crafts and pig races. Visit the Johnston County website for more information about other festivals, and mark your calendar. 

6. Dining in Smithfield 

Offering a diverse dining scene, the dining options in Smithfield range from southern fare to international cuisine. In a city where the tea is sweet, have your choice of tavern, cafe, barbeque joint, or steakhouse.

Due to Smithfield's proximity to farms, most local restaurants serve fresh and seasonal produce. Many dining spots are family-friendly and serve as community gathering spots. 

Most restaurants are known to close relatively early on weeknights, and reservations are recommended for popular spots on Friday and Saturday evenings.

If you love exploring new places to eat, check out some of these local favorite restaurants:

• San Marcos Mexican Restaurant: This local casual restaurant serves the highest-quality Mexican food. Popular for lunch and dinner, it serves tacos and enchiladas while offering a daily drink special. 
• White Swan BBQ: This fried chicken and BBQ restaurant has operated for 60 years and is a Smithfield favorite. Make sure to order the hushpuppies. 
• Low and Slow Smokehouse: Serving locally sourced meat and freshly made sides at an affordable price. 

7. Weather in Smithfield 

Similar to Raleigh's weather, Smithfield is known for its humid subtropical climate characterized by cool winters and hot and humid summers. Enjoying four distinct seasons without extreme temperature variations, outdoor activities are possible year-round, and Smithfield receives abundant sunshine. 

For those moving from northern states, the humidity and heat of summer are often the most significant adjustment, while the mild winters are typically seen as a welcome change. Over the year, temperatures usually vary between 30 and 90 degrees. 

Many residents consider Smithfield's climate highlights to be the pleasant spring and fall seasons, which offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities and community events. While spring is beloved by many residents, it also brings high pollen counts, particularly from pine trees, which are known to increase allergens. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Smithfield, NC 

Pros: 

• Suburban feel 
• Family-friendly 
• Safe place to raise kids 
• Great education 
• Top-rated restaurants 
• Job opportunities 
• Fun things to do 
• Affordable cost of living 
• Beautiful homes for sale 

Cons: 

• Little to no nightlife 
• Long commute times 
• Hot and humid summers 

Methodology 

Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Great Schools, U.S. News and World Report, and Best Places to determine the best things to know about living in Smithfield, NC. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about moving to Sanford, NC. 

Is Smithfield, NC, a good place to live? 

Smithfield is a great place for families due to its affordable housing, excellent education system, low cost of living, low crime rate, and suburban way of life. 

What is Smithfield, NC, known for? 

Smithfield, NC, is best known for its historic downtown district and the Smithfield Ham and Yam Festival in the Spring. 

Is Smithfield, NC, growing? 

Johnston County is recognized as the fastest-growing county in North Carolina over the last five years. Growing about 19% between 2014 and 2018 and again between 2019 and 2023, the growth in Johnston County and Smithfield is predicted to keep increasing as more people discover its appeal. 

Moving to Smithfield, NC - Final Thoughts 

Centrally located, travel only two hours to the North Carolina beaches from Smithfield and four hours to the mountains. Providing residents with the perfect mix of urban and rural life, they can live in a flourishing city while surrounded by beautiful landscapes and family-owned farms.

If you decide to move to Smithfield, expect fantastic job opportunities, beautiful real estate, and friendly neighbors. Contact our realty specialists today when looking for your dream home in Smithfield.