Tips for moving to Smithfield, NC

Posted on May 9, 2023 in LIVING IN NC

Once you’ve narrowed down your new hometown to Smithfield from among the many wonderful Raleigh suburbs, you’ve got some choices to make.New Home Inc. knows the area so we’ve put together these tips for moving toSmithfield, NC, to make the process easier and more fun!

Designated as a nationalMain Street Community, this charming small town is a great place to call home. You’ll be adding to the population of about 11,600 people. And you can be sure to experience a warm welcome, no matter which part of Smithfield where you choose to live. 

But before you start packing your bags, there are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the right location, the right home, and the right builder.

Find the right location

The town covers 12.1 square miles, so it’s not big in size, but that’s one of the reasons you’ve decided on moving to Smithfield, NC, right? 

Think about what part of town presents the right fit for you. Do you want tolive within walking distance of Downtown Smithfieldand the activities there? Would you prefer being a bit farther away?

Downtown Smithfieldis centered around the intersection ofFront Streetand Market Street, which is also Business Route 70, the road heading toward Raleigh. Along these streets, you’ll find a variety of things to do that you might not expect in a small town. Locally owned and very unique shops, restaurants, galleries, nightlife, entertainment, and gaming fun makesDowntown Smithfielda popular destination in the area. And for you, it’s right in your hometown! 

Brightleaf Boulevard is a main roadway that runs through Smithfield, intersecting Market Street a few blocks east of  Downtown Smithfield. Follow this road to find major national retailers, restaurants, and services. Keep following Market Street toward I-95 and you’ll come toCarolina Premium Outlets, a bargain hunters paradise with 81 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Smithfield.

TheNeuse Riverruns through Smithfield’s west side. For people who want to be close to the river—for kayaking the river or hiking the trails that run alongside—buying a home in Smithfieldthat’sclose to the Neuse Riveris a good choice. If you want to live close to the downtown activity AND the Neuse River, New Home Inc. hasnew homes for sale in Smithfieldthat are right where you want to be!

New construction or resale home?

Your next decision about living in Smithfield is whether you want to buy a new construction home or a resale. Each has their advantages so you should decide which one better fits your long-term needs.

A resale home is available. Depending on the seller’s situation—whether they’re ready to move right away—you could close quickly. A resale home might even be less expensive than new construction. But you should weigh the actualcost of ownership, not just the purchase price to get into the house.

Consider these factors:

  • Will the home needrepair or replacementof costly features, like the roof, air conditioning system, furnace, or water heater? 

  • Do you need torenovate? Kitchen and bathroom makeovers will take a big bite out of your savings. Even changes like replacing the flooring or appliances is a costly endeavor.

  • Is the resale homeenergy efficient? Compare the annual energy cost estimates and factor them into your monthly budget.

  • Can you easily integrate yoursmart home automationwith the home’s current wiring? Are you going to be stuck with dead zones in your home?

New construction homes are designed and built to the latest standards. From indoor air quality and energy efficiency to advanced building materials, a new home provides protection from the extra expenses that come with buying a resale home. In addition, everything in a new home—foundation to roof and everywhere in between—is covered by warranties. 

What does this mean to you? You have a budget for your monthly payment. The mortgage includes the principal, interest, property taxes, and HOA, if applicable. If you decide to buy a resale home that reaches the limits of your budget, can you afford the repairs, renovations, and replacements that you’ll need to pay for after you move in? Don’t let yourself fall into the frustrating “house poor” zone.

No matter which home you decide to buy, look at the total cost of ownership, including monthly mortgage, utilities, and after-purchase expenses. That’s the best way to do an apples-to-apples comparison.

Connect with the town’s resources.

Once you’ve bought your home in Smithfield, theTown of Smithfield’s websitehas useful resources for new residents. Use the links toset up your utilitiesand find out the local rates. You can also go to smithfield-nc.org to learn more about theJohnston County School Districtand each school included. You should also check out theSmithfield Parks and Recreation Department, where you can learn about sports programs and camps for kids, adult athletics (e.g., running club, softball league, and fitness classes). As a new resident, you should explore theSmithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center, a popular place for recreation and creative adventures!

If you have pets moving to Smithfield with you, learn about thelicensing requirement.

TheDowntown Smithfield Development Corporationis another useful resource for you. If you’re planning to open a business here, be sure to reach out to this helpful group. They can link with you a valuable network of businesses and professionals, guide you to available grants, and find the right commercial space. Even if you work from home, the Downtown Development Corporation is an important step in becoming part of the business community 

Find new homes for sale in Smithfield, NC

New homes for sale in Smithfield are available throughout the locations we’ve covered. So, what are you looking for?

  • Single-level or 2-story?

  • A home near Downtown?

  • A big yard?

  • Atownhome?

  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms?

You’ll probably start by searching online listings. Then you contact a Realtor and schedule yours.

But…if you’re leaning toward new construction, New Home Inc. is your true guide to buying a home in Smithfield, NC! We have brandnew homes for sale in Downtown Smithfield.Riverwalkhas homes for sale on Bridge Street and North Front Street—and directly across from the Neuse River. These new 2-story homes reflect a variety of designs— Farmhouse, Coastal Carolina, and Traditional. Each one is distinctive, adding to the curb appeal. You can choose from 2,100 to more than 3,100 square feet for your new home in Riverwalk, with up to 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Prices start at $434,700.

The New Home Inc. higher standard

Whether you choose a single-family home at Riverwalk or a townhome at Franklin Townes, your new home includes the many new features of New Home Inc.’s “Future-Proof” approach to new construction homes:

Need more tips for moving to Smithfield, NC?New Home Inc.is creating exciting opportunities for people who want the benefits of living in Smithfield, NC—location, amenities, quality lifestyle, good schools, recreation, and hometown hospitality. So, here’s your tip:Contact New Home Inc!