Pros and Cons of Living In Selma, NC

Are you considering moving to the Raleigh area and heard about the town of Selma? Wondering if it might be a good fit for you and your family? Whether you're drawn to its small-town charm or curious about the opportunities here, Selma offers a unique blend of southern hospitality and growth potential that deserves a closer look.

Location and Accessibility

Selma is strategically located approximately 30 miles southeast of Raleigh, with an average drive time of 40 minutes to downtown. The town sits at a transportation crossroads, making it exceptionally accessible. Interstate 95, a major North-South highway running along the Eastern Seaboard, passes directly through Selma, while US Highway 70 (which is being upgraded to become future Interstate 42) provides an east-west connection to cities like Raleigh and Goldsboro. Here's a fun fact you might not know – Selma is positioned almost exactly midway between New York City and Daytona Beach, Florida.

One of Selma's historical treasures is the Mitchener Station, built in 1855 and believed to be the oldest surviving train station in North Carolina. Today, the historic Selma Union Depot hosts Amtrak Palmetto and Carolinian passenger trains, offering convenient service to Charlotte, New York City, Savannah, and points in between. This rail connection gives residents easy access to major cities without having to drive.

Size and Demographics

With just over 7,200 residents, Selma maintains a cozy small-town atmosphere while experiencing a growth rate of just over 3%. The median household income sits at approximately $29,325, which is lower than the national average. While the slower pace of life may not appeal to everyone, many find it refreshing compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. For those who occasionally crave more action, several suburbs with expanded shopping and dining options are just a 20-30 minute drive away.

Affordable Housing Options

If affordable housing tops your priority list, Selma deserves serious consideration. In the last quarter of 2024, the median home price in Selma was approximately $340,000, with a median price per square foot of about $195. The average home value has increased by 3.5% over the past year, suggesting a stable market with growth potential.

Selma offers diverse housing options to match various preferences and budgets. If you're looking for more space between you and your neighbors, you can find properties from half an acre to a full acre with homes ranging from the low $300,000s all the way up to $900,000. There's even a luxury property currently listed at $1.2 million – a beautiful brick home sitting on 18 acres complete with a five-stable horse barn. While the horses aren't included, I'm sure we could negotiate!

Historic Character and Downtown Revival

Selma boasts three distinct historical districts: the Downtown Selma Historical District, the Richard B. Harrison School District, and the West Selma Historical District. Downtown Selma serves as the heart of the community and is currently experiencing an exciting revitalization aimed at preserving its historic character while adding modern amenities.

According to Mayor Byron McAllister, key improvement efforts include enhancing infrastructure with sidewalk repairs, better crosswalks, and bike racks to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment. There's also a strong focus on public spaces and art, with new murals and the creation of Art Out Loud Park, a community space designed for outdoor activities. The town is encouraging the renovation of vacant buildings and promoting residential units above retail spaces, with successful examples like Hatchet Brewing Company already operating in revitalized buildings.

Shopping and Dining

If you love antique shopping, Selma is a true haven. The Selma Antique Shopping District draws visitors from throughout the region. Beyond antiques, you'll find JR Outlet (boasting the title of the largest cigar outlet in the nation) and Dwayne's, which offers a diverse shopping experience with its garden center, Christmas store, women's boutique, and Pandora jewelry.

For bargain hunters, the 301 Endless Yard Sale, held every third weekend in June, is a must-experience event. This massive sale features hundreds of vendors and attracts thousands of shoppers looking for unique finds and great deals.

Food lovers will appreciate the Old North State Food Hall, a 15,000-square-foot space featuring multiple vendors offering diverse cuisines from Cuban street food to Neapolitan pizza. Robin's Nest is a beloved local institution celebrating its 30th anniversary and known for its classic southern country buffet. For evening entertainment, The Alley Bar offers cozy, affordable drinks, casual bar food, and lively karaoke nights.

Development and Growth Opportunities

Perhaps the most exciting development for Selma's future is East Crossing, a massive 2.8 million square foot master-planned mixed-use development spread across 400+ acres. This ambitious project will include a business park, retail spaces, medical and professional offices, hospitality and entertainment venues, senior living facilities, and both single and multi-family residences.

Located in Johnston County (the fastest growing county in North Carolina with over 205,000 residents increasing by about 10,000 per year), East Crossing is perfectly positioned at I-95 exits 97 and 98 with easy access from Highway 70. Construction began in 2019, and the retail portion is expected to welcome its first tenants in Fall 2024. Well-known stores like Hobby Lobby, Burlington, Marshalls, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Academy Sports, and Ross are among the first announced tenants, with locals eagerly awaiting the official opening dates. This development promises to significantly boost Selma's economy and enhance the town's amenities.

Entertainment and Community Events

The historic Rudy Theater, built in 1948, stands as a cultural centerpiece in Selma. Renowned for its "Live at the Rudy" show, this Branson-style venue features diverse performances including music, comedy, and theatrical arts with four new shows annually.

Selma's community spirit shines through its numerous annual festivals and events. The 49th annual Selma Railroad Days celebrates the town's railway heritage with model train shows, carnival rides, the fire department barbecue cookoff, food trucks, vendors, and a parade. Other notable events include the Soul Food Feast, Rockin' on Raiford concert series, All-American Festival on the 4th of July, Old-Fashioned Farmers Day, and the Classic Car Show and Ice Cream Showdown.

Outdoor Recreation

While Selma's parks system is still developing, the town offers several pleasant outdoor spaces. Harrison Athletic Park features baseball and softball fields along with open areas for various activities. Edgebrook Park provides playgrounds, open green spaces, and picnic areas, while Blackstone Plaza Park offers a charming spot near downtown for a quick outdoor break. Though Selma doesn't yet have an extensive greenway system, the town is actively working on plans to enhance connectivity between parks and outdoor spaces, with a focus on linking downtown with Harrison Park and Edgebrook Park.

Employment Considerations

One challenge for Selma residents is the somewhat limited job market within the town itself. Many residents commute to nearby cities for employment, with Clayton being only a 20-minute drive, while Garner and Wendell are about 30 minutes away, and Raleigh approximately 40 minutes.

That said, Selma has seen some significant employment growth recently. Cisco Foods established a $52 million, 400,000-square-foot distribution facility that brought hundreds of jobs to the town. Healthcare is another major employer in the area, with UNC Health Johnston operating healthcare campuses in nearby Smithfield and Clayton, including a hospital with approximately 200 beds and the Johnston Medical Mall offering outpatient services, urgent care, and primary care practices.

Climate

Selma experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with average temperatures in the upper 80s to lower 90s, while winters are mild with occasional cold snaps – average highs in the 50s and lows sometimes dipping into the 30s. Snow is rare, and when it does occur, it typically melts quickly. Spring and fall are absolutely beautiful, reminiscent of California weather with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually, fairly distributed throughout the year.

Education Options

Selma is served primarily by the Johnston County Public Schools district, with Selma Elementary School, Selma Middle School, and North Johnston High School. Families also have access to private and charter school options in nearby areas. Neuse Charter School in Smithfield (about 10 minutes away) offers K-12 education focused on academic excellence and community engagement. Johnston Charter Academy in Clayton (roughly 20 minutes from Selma) serves K-8 students with a rigorous academic program.

For private education, options include Star Christian Academy in Smithfield and Southside Christian School in Clayton, both offering faith-based curriculums for various grade levels. For higher education, Johnston Community College is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes west of Selma in Smithfield, offering associate degree programs, technical and vocational training, and continuing education courses.

Is Selma Right for You?

Selma offers a welcoming blend of southern hospitality with genuine opportunities for growth and innovation. If you're looking for affordable housing in a small town with historic charm, convenient transportation access, and exciting development on the horizon, Selma, North Carolina, may be just the place to call home. With its strategic location, community spirit, and potential for growth, this town represents an appealing option for those who appreciate a slower pace while remaining connected to larger metropolitan areas.

If you're considering relocating to Selma or anywhere within Raleigh or the surrounding suburbs and looking to buy a home, I would love to help. Feel free to reach out to me at 919-583-6895 whether you want to give me a call, shoot me a text, or send an email. I'm here to answer your questions and help you find your perfect home in this charming corner of North Carolina.