Take a Jaunt Through Johnston County!
October 14, 2026
Finding the perfect home means finding a floor plan that fits your family in an area that offers everything you need. From restaurants to recreation to the roads you’ll travel, the place you live is as important as the property you purchase. If you’re relocating to central North Carolina, there are many areas worth exploring, but before scrolling through endless listings, take a jaunt through Johnston County. The Rodney Carroll Team offers loads of local knowledge on Johnston County’s unique communities.
Located just outside Raleigh, Johnston County offers a wide range of lifestyles within one county. It offers several growing communities close to the Research Triangle Park, historic downtowns filled with local businesses, peaceful rural areas, and quick access to major highways.
Find the perfect place to call home in Johnston County by exploring these spots!
Clayton:
Sitting on the northern end of Johnston County, Clayton is for homebuyers seeking easy access to Raleigh but in a more distinctive area. It is a growing, active area with a strong sense of community. When visiting Clayton:
- Spend time downtown, where locally owned restaurants, shops, public art, and regular community events offer a glimpse of life beyond the workweek.
- Explore the Clayton River Walk, which connects residents to miles of walking and biking opportunities.
The Rodney Carroll Team suggests Clayton for those wanting a suburban lifestyle with plenty of options for dining and shopping.
Selma:
Head just east of Clayton for a stop in Selma and experience railroad history, colorful murals, local shopping, and entertainment.
- Walk through downtown to explore shops and Selma’s outdoor art.
- Check out The Rudy Theatre, a gem for theater buffs as it offers year-round music productions.
- Explore Selma’s antique market for inspiration on outfitting your new home.
The Rodney Carroll Team recommends Selma for those seeking a town where becoming a local is a priority. With frequent festivals and live performances, Selma makes it easy for new residents to find familiar faces quickly.
Smithfield:
While Smithfield is the county seat, it’s known for its slower, more charming pace. Smithfield is nestled in the middle of Johnston County, offering small-town character blended perfectly with access to big-town amenities. On your stop in Smithfield:
- Visit Carolina Premium Outlets, one of central North Carolina’s best-known shopping destinations. The outlet area is also surrounded by dining and service options perfect for days when shopping isn’t on the docket.
- Tour the Ava Gardner Museum, which celebrates the Hollywood star who was local to the area.
- Take a walk along the Buffalo Creek Greenway, which connects local shops and locally owned restaurants to a beautiful greenway.
The Rodney Carroll Team loves the variety of settings that Smithfield offers residents. Smithfield is home to both established neighborhoods and new-build communities, plus plenty of natural spaces and shopping. Each home in Smithfield offers unique surroundings and lifestyle opportunities.
Benson:
Benson is conveniently located near the intersection of I-40 and I-95 in southwest Johnston County. It offers both a quaint, walkable downtown area and easy access to Raleigh. On your stop in Benson, check out:
- The Singing Grove gathering space, which hosts events year-round.
- Main Street! Enjoy breakfast or lunch before browsing the local shops.
- Johnston County’s Beer, Wine and Shine Trail, which includes nearby wineries and distilleries.
- The area’s agricultural side! Depending on the season, you’ll get to enjoy pick-your-own produce and farmers markets around nearly every corner.
The Rodney Carroll Team suggests Benson for those on the hunt for a true small-town atmosphere, quieter pace, and plenty of local personality.
Four Oaks:
Johnston County is filled with more rural areas, including Four Oaks. If you are seeking a bit more space with plenty of access to outdoor recreation, Four Oaks may be the answer.
- Downtown, you’ll find small-town charm while the surrounding area opens into fields, woods, and stunning landscapes.
Four Oaks highlights a side of Johnston County where residents can trade errands and traffic for woods, water, and wildlife without planning a getaway.
The Rodney Carroll Team can help you find a property in Four Oaks that fits your privacy, lifestyle, and home maintenance focuses.
Take a Jaunt through Johnston County!
Turn your home-buying journey into a Johnston County field trip by exploring each unique area across several Saturdays to fully experience the differences. While visiting, ask these practical questions:
- How long will my regular work commute take from this area?
- Which grocery stores, medical offices, and amenities work best for my family here?
- Does the area offer the dining, recreation, and activities we most enjoy?
- Am I more drawn to established neighborhoods, new construction, or larger homesites?
- How are the roads? As you narrow down your search, drive the roads you would use most often, such as the routes to work, schools, or healthcare providers.
The Rodney Carroll Team has extensive local knowledge relating to Johnston County as well as insight into planned development or commercial projects. We can explain the differences between each of Johnston County’s communities, big or small. This will help you evaluate which will meet your family’s unique priorities.
Johnston County offers homebuyers a connection to the greater Triangle area while maintaining a small-town experience across its municipalities. Partnering with The Rodney Carroll Team is the best way to find everything you need in your next home, both within its walls and in the surrounding community.
Take a jaunt through Johnston County and partner with The Rodney Carroll Team to find the perfect spot to call home.