Just a 30-mile drive from Raleigh, NC, there’s a small town that could be exactly the right blend of living in the country with easy access to both urban and suburban activity. Here are 5 reasons why Selma, NC, has become a popular place to call “home”.

Reason 1: It’s so commutable.

You can make the 31-mile drive from Selma, NC, to Raleigh in about a half-hour by heading up US 70. With the recent completion of the 540 Loop, the commute is even easier. Once you get to the Loop in Raleigh, you don’t have to navigate downtown. Main highways feed into the Loop, which wraps around the perimeter of the city. Avoid driving through the city center and take the Loop exit to get right to where you need to go.

Reason 2: Reap the rewards of small town life.

Selma, NC, has a population of 7,229, representing growth of nearly 14% since 2020. Selma’s appeal stems from its small town charm and all that goes with it. Residents are proud of the friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors and newcomers alike. Beyond the heart of the town lies the sprawling landscapes that separate Selma from larger towns and cities. If you want open space around you, Selma, NC, is a great choice.

Reason 3: Live close to everything you need and want to do.

Downtown Selma is a balanced blend of history and modern trends. The town has 3 historic districts: Downtown Selma, Richard B. Harrison School District, and West Selma Historical District. The care taken to restore and maintain these buildings is a tribute to the rich history of the town and a reflection of the pride here.

Born as a railroad town in 1867. Selma has one of the older surviving train depots in North Carolina, the Mitchener Station, which dates back to the Civil War.

Living in Selma, NC, you’ll discover the area is so much more than its past. The town is growing and welcoming new businesses that thrive with the loyal following of Selma residents and visitors. Locally owned restaurants and shops occupy some of the historic buildings, bringing new life to them. Downtown Selma is lined with eateries, shops, and boutiques, including the Strickland Art Gallery that features the work of local artists and artisans. The Southern Bostonian expanded its unique shopping experience of antiques, home decor, crafts, and DIY workshops by adding dining to the menu: The Hahvahd Yahd Cafe, a Boston accent to the Southern ambience, proving the North and South can happily coexist!

Looking for live entertainment? For more than 25 years, the cast of entertainers at The Rudy Theatre have been delivering Broadway-style performances, including music and comedy. The venue also hosts events throughout the year.

Among the other fun things to do in Selma, NC are the special events. Over 4 days every fall, the Clayton Harvest Festival, just beyond the Selma border, attracts more than 30,000 visitors. Railroad Days Festival takes over Downtown Selma in the fall and includes North Carolina’s oldest 5K run.

When listing the 5 reasons why Selma, NC, has become a popular place to call “home”, we also have to include the quality of healthcare. UNC Health Johnston has facilities in nearby Smithfield and Clayton.

Reason 4: Selma, NC, is a haven for treasure hunters.

Do you enjoy searching for that one-of-a-kind item? The antiques trail runs directly through Selma, with plenty of stops in town.

Trackside Antique is open every day and filled to the brim with vintage treasures. Treasury Antiques and Country Boy Antiques & Bottle Shop are always worth a visit to Downtown Selma. Or wander through the Selma Cotton Mill Flea Market, set on—you guessed it—the grounds of an old cotton mill. This unique flea market supports animal rescue, with adoptable pets wandering freely throughout the 50 vendor booths (so you could possibly take home a more precious find!). And for some items purchased, 100% of the money goes toward helping these animals.

Every June, you’ll love the 301 Endless Yard Sale, which stretches across 100 miles of Highway 301, coming right through Selma. Bring a truck or trailer because you won’t be able to resist the bargain riches.

Reason 5: Selma, NC, is affordable.

Living in Selma, NC, is also kind to your budget, with an affordable cost of living. Housing is 36% lower than the national average, with the overall cost of living 12% below the average.

Selma’s sales tax is 6.75%, lower than 63% of North Carolina municipalities. Property tax in North Carolina is determined on a county-by-count basis, currently 6% in Johnston County, where Selma is located. For affordable living near Raleigh, Selma is worth a look.

Bonus Reason: Hearon Pointe

Do you need more than 5 reasons why Selma, NC, has become a popular place to call “home”? How about brand new homes?

Selma’s neighboring town of Smithfield sits just 5 miles west. The two municipalities share quite a few things, like the Smithfield-Selma High School and Selma-Smithfield Amtrak Station. Like the townspeople of Selma itself, these communities are close-knit.

New Home Inc. is developing a community of new construction homes in Smithfield, just minutes from Selma. NC. SItuated a few miles from Selma, Hearon Pointe will have only 24 homes, each with a large yard—a design that offers privacy and solitude.

We’ve assembled a portfolio of Hearon Pointe floor plans that give you a variety of choices—single-level, 1.5-story, and 2-story home designs that give you a variety of plans, from 1,871 to 3,145 square feet of beautifully appointed living space. And each home is designed with options to create the curb appeal you want. With a few choices, transform a Craftsman to a Farmhouse, an English Country to a Low Country. Your home will be as individual as you are!

The single-family homes planned for Hearon Pointe will be built on homesites that offer just under an acre to more than 2 acres. This kind of spaciousness is hard to find. And at prices starting from $389,700, the homes offer a great way to find affordable living near Raleigh. Buying one of the 24 homes for sale at Hearon Pointe is a truly unique opportunity—and a limited one. We already have quick move-in homes for sale, so you could be one of the first to move to Hearon Pointe.

Modern new homes for sale near Selma, NC

The new homes at Hearon Pointe feature a long list of details that many Raleigh home builders consider an upgrade. At New Home Inc., we’ve built our company—and our homes—to meet the needs of homebuyers today and into the future. We started with a clean slate and the knowledge gained from research. What we came up with are “Future-Proof” homes that include features that are new, smart, and healthy for you and your family. Here are some of our innovations:

• The fully enclosed, secured Smart Home Delivery Center protects your packages from the weather and porch pirates. The delivery person uses a one-time code to access the space. The smart lock automatically relocks and your package is safe.
• Smart home automation package gives you a control panel, whole home network panel, smart door lock, smart thermostat, and video doorbell. You start with the right smart home technology and with our package, and it’s easy to add more!
• Our “messy kitchen” service pantry adds on to your work and storage space by providing a separate nook with cabinets, countertops, and the option of a sink, mini-fridge, dishwasher, wine chiller, and other features that reduce the traffic and messes in your kitchen.
• The oversized kitchen island has seating on 3 sides expands the function of this valuable space.
• If you have an electric vehicle, you’ll appreciate the forethought of including an electric vehicle charging station rough-in. All the behind-the-wall work is done, making it simple to finish the station.
• ecoSelect Home Efficiency Program incorporates energy efficiency throughout your home, which delivers significant savings on your utility bills.
• The included whole home air filtration system protects your family by reducing indoor pollutants.
• CAT6 cabling is the latest in wiring and delivers strong, reliable connections throughout your home without dead zones. Don’t settle for less than CAT6 cabling in your new home!
• A clutter-free drop zone is outfitted with a hall bench and cubbies to maintain order.
• We even feature pet spaces, like a nook under the stairs and a grooming station, if you want them.

Explore the relaxing life waiting for you at Hearon Pointe. New Home Inc. is also building new homes for sale near Raleigh, in the suburbs Lillington, Fuquay-Varina, Smithfield, and Willow Spring, NC. Contact New Home Inc. to plan a tour of our furnished model, quick move-in homes, homesites, and floor plans.