As the Triangle continues to grow, the arc of fringe cities surrounding the region will start to evolve. Smithfield and Selma provide the convivence of the Triangle while also providing two unique cores.
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Continuing our Triangle Fringe City series with a look at the future of Smithfield and Selma. Be sure to check out the introduction, Henderson, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Goldsboro features if you missed them.
Smithfield is a city of roughly 12,000 about 30 miles Southeast of Raleigh and 55 miles Southeast of Durham. Next door, Selma is home to about 6,000 people. The population has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. Smithfield and Selma are located at the interchange of I-95 and US 70 (Future I-42).
Downtown Smithfield features a couple blocks of classic brick buildings bisected by US 70 Business. Just a couple blocks from the core flows the Neuse River and a Riverwalk trail. A healthy grid system extends out from Downtown.
Four miles up US 301, Downtown Selma features a slightly smaller collection of buildings built around a major railroad junction.
While the rate of Downtown decline is far less in Smithfield and Selma when compared to earlier cities in this series, the sprawl influence is still evident. Strip centers have dotted the four mile stretch of US 301 between the two Downtowns and outlet centers have sprung up along I-95.
While there aren’t many three bedroom properties within walking distance of Smithfield for under $300,000, several can be found in Downtown Selma.
Looking toward the future
Smithfield and Selma’s location being within 30 miles of Downtown Raleigh, while also being along I-95, a major rail junction, a river, and future I-42 give it a major leg up as a future industrial and economic hub.
In addition to the infill opportunities there are several large scale developments planned for the Towns. One of these is Eastfield Crossing which is a large mixed-use development featuring shopping, dining, residential, and industrial uses. There’s also a multitude of subdivisions and industrial developments in the works playing off the location along I-95 and easy access to Raleigh.
Unlike many of the cities featured earlier in this series where growth will be a long term play, the growth is here in Smithfield and Selma.
Stay tuned next time as we explore the future of Sanford.
Cover photo via GoogleEarth
Phil Veasley is a registered Professional Engineer in NC and GA. Opinions and insights are my own and are not representative of my employer or any organization. Any ideas displayed on this site are purely that – just ideas to help improve the future of the built environment and begin discussions.
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Phil Veasley 
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