SMITHFIELD NC
MOVING / RELOCATION GUIDE
SMITHFIELD NC: OVERVIEW
One of the fastest-growing cities in North Carolina, Smithfield is a great place to live. With an affordable cost of living, a growing number of business opportunities, and a prime location, it’s very popular among families and young professionals looking for a quiet place to live that’s still near the hustle and bustle of urban areas.
If you’re thinking about moving to Smithfield, you’re in the right place! Here are a few things you need to know before you relocate here.
Looking for a Smithfield moving company? Contact Us.
SMITHFIELD WEATHER
The weather in Smithfield is fairly pleasant, with daily average highs of around 83°F in the summer and around 60°F in the winter. The hot season runs from late May through mid-September. During this time, it tends to be hot and muggy. July is the hottest month, with an average high of around 90°F.
Winters are short and fairly mild, and it rarely snows. The cool season runs from the end of November through the end of February. January is typically the coldest month, with average lows around 34°F and highs around 53°F.
SMITHFIELD SCHOOLS
There are currently 10 public schools and one private school serving residents in Smithfield. The top-rated public schools here are:
- Johnston County Early College Academy
- Johnston County Schools Career Technical Elementary School
- Neuse Charter School
- The Innovation Academy at South Campus
- Choice Plus Academy
There are also several excellent colleges nearby. This includes Johnston Community College (Smithfield), Wake Technical Community College (Raleigh), Campbell University (Bules Creek), William Peace University (Raleigh), and Saint Augustines College (Raleigh). The top-rated Duke University and UNC at Chapel Hill are also just a short drive away.
AVERAGE PROPERTY VALUE IN SMITHFIELD
When looking for homes in Smithfield, you may be impressed by the affordable prices. As of January 2023, the median home sale price here was $281,500. Although this is a 17% year-over-year increase, the prices are significantly lower than in other nearby cities. In addition, the price per square foot is down 3.2% since last year.
With the area’s rapid growth rate and affordable prices, it’s not surprising that the housing market in Smithfield is considered somewhat competitive. Some homes get multiple offers and hot homes tend to go pending in about 15 days. However, average homes tend to stay on the market for as long as 65 days and sell for about 3% below the list price.
COST OF LIVING IN SMITHFIELD
In 2023, the average cost of living in Smithfield is 13% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the average in North Carolina. The cost of food, transportation, and housing are all lower than the national average, while the cost of healthcare tends to be more expensive. The average household income here is approximately $54,980. This is significantly lower than the national average of approximately $70,785.
SMITHFIELD DEMOGRAPHICS
There are approximately 11,391 residents living in Smithfield and the population is growing at an annual rate of around 0.29%. The city spans about 12 miles, giving it a population density of 956 people per square mile.
The median age in Smithfield is 44.2 and 39% of residents are married. The demographics here are primarily white (64.79%), black or African American (29.38%), and “other race” (3.28%).
SMITHFIELD CRIME STATISTICS
While there are a lot of things to love about living in Smithfield, the crime rates here are less than ideal. The violent crime rate is 37.0, which is higher than the national average of 22.7 and the property crime rate is 75.9, which is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 35.4.
Generally, the southeast part of the city is considered the safest. The chances of being a victim of a crime in the eastern neighborhoods may be as high as 1 in 13, while this goes down to as low as 1 in 35 in the southeastern neighborhoods.
TRANSPORTATION IN SMITHFIELD
One of the primary attractions of living in Smithfield is its prime location. It’s on the Neuse River and is just a 33-minute drive from both Raleigh and Research Triangle Park. Residents appreciate the easy access to both commercial and urban centers. It’s also just 46 miles from Durham and 90 miles from Greensboro.
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is just 54 miles from Smithfield and the Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is 51 miles away, making both domestic and international air travel easy for residents.
SMITHFIELD DINING, Shopping, and Entertainment
Historic Downtown Smithfield is a welcoming, walkable place that offers excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment. Beyond downtown, there are also many other fun things to do. Thrifty shoppers love visiting the 100,000-square-foot Brightleaf Flea Market and the Carolina Premium Outlets. There are also many excellent dining choices and a few prime breweries nearby.
The nostalgic Howell Theatre has been in operation since 1935, and the Ava Gardner Museum is also a popular attraction. Smithfield Community Park is a local hotspot for sports enthusiasts, featuring 2 playgrounds, a 9-hole disc golf course, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, horseshoe courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball courts, and more.
The city is also known for its many festivals, including the Ham & Yam Festival held in May, the Smithfield River Rat Regatta held in August, and the Smithfield Wine Walk in November.
Plan Your Move to SMITHFIELD
Check out our full set of moving services, including:
If you’re thinking about moving to Smithfield, you’re in good company. As you begin to plan your relocation, put your trust in John’s Moving. Our experienced professional movers will help streamline your move so you can focus your attention on setting into your new home. Contact us today to request a free quote.