Smithfield

Smithfield, Johnston County's first town, began as a river settlement at the site of Smith's Ferry on the Neuse River. The courthouse was moved there in 1771, and the town was incorporated in 1777. In 1770, the colonial assembly had attempted to boost North Carolina's tobacco trade by erecting a warehouse near Smith's Ferry for receiving and storing tobacco to be shipped down the Neuse River to the sea. In the mid 1800's, the arrival of railroads to the area propelled Smithfield as a leading cotton producing area.

Cotton prices collapsed during the depression of 1893 and forced many local farmers to look for another money crop. The success of "bright leaf" tobacco growers in the Piedmont areas of North Carolina and Virginia soon began to catch on in Johnston and other Eastern North Carolina counties in the 1890s to the extent that a market for tobacco was established in Smithfield in 1898. The county's first bank, by no coincidence, was also established that year. Within a few years cotton mills had been built and put in operation in Smithfield, Clayton, and Selma, and telephone lines were extended to practically every town. Within a couple of decades Johnston townsfolk would have electric lights and running water. It was a time of great optimism for those who had wealth and those who aspired to it. The array of stately homes in both town and country, brick stores, paved streets, schools, and churches of the 1920s had certainly reached a level higher than those of only a generation earlier.

Following World War II many soldiers returned home to family farms. Within a few years, however, farming operations were becoming increasingly mechanized, causing a loss of farm jobs. There was a corresponding decline in Johnston's population, which dropped from 65,906 in 1950 to 62,936 in 1960. The county's alarmed business leaders responded by recruiting new industries such as Jerold Corporation, a garment manufacturer that came to Smithfield in 1954, and Shallcross Manufacturing Company, an electronic-assembly operation from Pennsylvania that set up shop in Selma in 1958. Other big-name industries followed in the 1960s and 70s. Two Interstate highways built through Johnston County --- I-95 in 1960 and I-40 in 1990 --- have boosted commercial and residential development in recent times.

Johnston County is still an agricultural, rural county, boasting the state's largest number of farms and highest total farm income, Johnston. Agri-business has supplanted the family farms that were once the county's mainstay, but there are still a considerable number of farms that several generations have owned for a century or more.

The growth in Johnston County continues to this day, Johnston County's 11th municipality came to life November 3, 2009 when voters within the proposed corporate limits approved establishment of the Town of Archer Lodge. Located in a rural area northwest of Clayton not far from the Wake County line, Archer Lodge is looking more and more like other suburban "bedroom communities" in the fast-growing Research Triangle region surrounding Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

All in all, Smithfield is a charming Southern town with a rich heritage and a new economy joining its heritage as a great agricultural community. Oh, and Smithfield is merely 90 minutes from the beach, or you can be in the mountains is three hours!

So here you are. You have made your choice to move to North Carolina, specifically to the Greater Research Triangle area. Good choice! Many people have decided that living here will provide the very best lifestyle available, including buying a home in Smithfield, landing the best employment and even finding the best schools and/or or higher education. Thousands of people have made the decision to relocate to the Research Triangle, just like you. A newcomer will find why the Greater Research Triangle has ranked as one of the best regions in North Carolina to live or work, to buy the best real estate, to start a business, to raise a family, or even to retire.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SMITHFIELD

Exploring life in Smithfield is a good decision, and here are fun things to know:

*Ava Gardner Museum - In 1941, as the economy gained strength and U. S. involvement in World War II was imminent, a Johnston County girl named Ava Lavinia Gardner was propelled to Hollywood stardom after an errand clerk for Metro Goldwyn Mayer saw her picture hanging in her brother-in-law's photography studio in New York. This internationally known Johnstonian's career would span five decades. She died in 1990 and is buried in Smithfield, where a The Ava Gardner Museum showcases her life's work.

*Paul A. Johnston Auditorium - located on the campus of Johnston Community College in Smithfield includes a 1,000-seat performing arts auditorium, library and learning resource center. The auditorium hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Performing Arts Concert Series and the Country Music Showcase.

*Johnston County Heritage Center - has become known as one of the best- equipped facilities in the country for studying local history and genealogy. An extensive collection of public records, manuscripts, family histories, photographs, vintage newspapers, and artifacts has been assembled for scholars, amateur historians, genealogists and students.

*Strawberry Festival - is held each April. It is an all day celebration for the community focused on family fun and entertainment. There will be local business vendors, classic car show, face painting and activities for kids, lots of food and of course, strawberries!!

*Carolina Premium Outlets - is located along Interstate 95 at Smithfield. The facility boasts over 443,000 square feet and several outparcels. The 83 stores include name brands such as Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Bass, Van Heusen, OshKosh B’ Gosh, Stride Rite, Coach, Liz Claiborne, Nike, Banana Republic, Adidas, Timberland and Jones New York.

The outlet center attracts regional shoppers and also tourist traffic. With its easy access from Interstates 95 and 40 and U.S. 70, it has become a natural stopping place for travelers headed to Maine, Florida and places in between. Shoppers can see savings of 25 – 65% off regular retail prices.

*Neuse River Walk - Take a stroll along the Neuse River Walk in historic Smithfield's Town Commons. Watch nature, go fishing, or picnic along the river. A boat ramp is located at end of Front Street for canoes and kayaks.

SMITHFIELD'S GOOD LIFE

It has become almost routine for Smithfield to be praised as a wonderful place to live. Residents' testimonials, articles and various organizations bestow glowing reviews and accolades about living here. With these superlatives publicized for so long, the Research Triangle area's fame as a great place to live has been a magnet attracting people, like you, to explore and relocate.

This sense of the Smithfield good life is expressed on the website of the Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce:

"If you love early springs; warm, long summers; crisp, cool falls and mild winters, you'll love the weather in the Smithfield-Selma area. While far enough north to

have four distinct seasons, the Smithfield-Selma area is located in the nation's sun belt, which is very conducive for year-round outdoor activities. The average July temperature is 75.9 degrees with average highs reaching the upper 80's. January's average temperature is 43.2 degrees. Average highs in winter usually reach into the 50's.The area averages about 4 inches of snowfall a year, and annual rainfall is about 48 inches.

“Rick Childrey, president of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce says, 'The outlet center in Smithfield is a huge anchor with 80 stores and 450,000 square feet...and then J.R. in Selma does a huge business: They’re one big store with a lot of different things.'

"New and expanding industries are driving the economy, too. Johnston County leaders announced capital investment plans of $175 million and 1,300 new jobs in the past 2 years. Sysco has invested nearly $40 million in a food distribution facility creating 500 jobs that pay $48,000 on average."

SMITHFIELD'S NEIGHBORS

Smithfield is one of 32 sister communities in the Greater Research Triangle region:

Angier

Apex

Benson

Butner

Carrboro

Cary

Chapel Hill

Clayton

Creedmoor

Durham

Franklinton

Fuquay-Varina

Garner

Henderson

Hillsborough

Holly Springs

Knightdale

Louisburg

Mebane

Morrisville

Oxford

Pittsboro

Raleigh

Rolesville

Roxboro

Selma

Siler City

Smithfield

Wake Forest

Wendell

Youngsville

Zebulon

WHY MOVE TO SMITHFIELD?

Smithfield and her neighboring communities share several common benefits. The first great reason to live in the Greater Research Triangle is a wonderful climate. Spring and summer are filled with a bouquet of blossoms that flood the visual and olfactory senses. Parks and beautiful homes treat citizens and visitors alike with colors as if from the palette of a great landscape painter. The fall blazes with glorious colors so awesome that it almost takes your breath away. The winters are mild, and every now and then, the students get a day off for a light snow. It rarely gets below freezing. How could anyone not like the weather and climate in Smithfield, North Carolina?

The second reason to live in Smithfield is that it is a great place to buy a home. Smithfield real estate is affordable. Newcomers can choose between well- established homes for sale or new homes in outstanding new home communities. You can choose a lot and build a custom home. Simply select a homebuilder from the many in Greater Research Triangle. A qualified REALTOR®, real estate agent, mortgage broker or loan officer can assist in the home purchase process and can guide you through the process of finding and buying real estate in Smithfield.

Schools are another reason Greater Research Triangle is a wonderful place to live. Oh yeah - families especially love the schools in Smithfield. In fact, some of the best schools in Greater Research Triangle are found in Smithfield. Smithfield is serviced by Johnston County Schools, known for several outstanding programs. Smithfield schools are considered safe places for students.

EDUCATION IN SMITHFIELD

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

To better help you select the best schools in Smithfield, North Carolina, read what the Johnston County Schools system says on its website:

"Our district serves over 32,000 students in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. Doubling the student population in the past 15 years, Johnston County’s growth is due to the excellent education JCS provides to our students. We enjoy strong community support through funding for new schools, partnerships with business and faith based organizations, and fabulous parental involvement. What are the results of this support? Student achievement ranks among the top 20% of all North Carolina districts. We are proud of our 256 Nationally Board Certified teachers, placing JCS within the top 50 school districts in the nation."

PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH A SMITHFIELD ADDRESS

Elementary Schools in Smithfield:

South Smithfield Elementary School

West Smithfield Elementary School

Middle Schools in Smithfield:

Smithfield Middle School

South Campus Community Middle School

High Schools in Smithfield:

Johnston County Early College

Academy Smithfield-Selma High School

South Campus Community High School

CHARTER SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina charter schools are independent public schools that exist to offer Smithfield students, parents and educators choices in teaching, learning methods and environments. An emphasis is placed on innovation and accountability with improved student achievement the common goal.

There are now nearly 5,000 public charter schools in 39 states and the District of Columbia, educating more than 1.6 million public charter school students. North Carolina public charter schools are intended to improve North Carolina's traditional public school system.

Any Smithfield charter school, while independently operated, must meet four requirements, like any other North Carolina public school:
*Tuition-free and open to every student who wishes to enroll *Non-sectarian, and do not discriminate on any basis

*Publicly funded by local, state and federal tax dollars like other public schools *Held accountable to state and federal academic standards

List of Charter Schools in Smithfield:

There are no charter schools with a Smithfield address.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS WITH A SMITHFIELD ADDRESS

Private schools, also known as independent schools or non-state schools, are not administered by Smithfield, North Carolina, or the Federal government; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition, rather than relying on public funding. Smithfield students can get a scholarship into a private school, which makes the cost cheaper, depending on a talent the student may have, such as a sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship.

List of Private Schools in Smithfield:

Johnston Christian Academy, grades PK-12

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES IN AND NEAR SMITHFIELD

Higher education in the Greater Research Triangle region is another great reason to live in Smithfield, North Carolina. The local colleges and universities contribute more than just classrooms, by also bringing the best in sports and cultural offerings to the Research Triangle communities at large. If your life calls for upper level learning, choose from the following list of universities, colleges and community colleges:

Duke University

Smithfield Technical Community College

Johnston Community College

Smithfield College

Meredith College

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina State University

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

St. Augustine’s College

Shaw University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Vance-Granville Community College

Wake Technical Community College

William Peace College

So, whether you are researching the Greater Research Triangle region and getting a feel for living here, or if you are learning about your education options, or if you have definitely decided to purchase a home in Smithfield, even if only from across town- congratulations, and...

Welcome HERE to Smithfield, North Carolina