Why buyers keep focusing on Smithfield and Selma for new construction

If you want Johnston County value plus easy highway access, Smithfield and the Selma and Pine Level area sit in a sweet spot. You can stay close to I 95 and major routes, while still finding neighborhoods where the homes are newer, the layouts are modern, and the lots feel usable.

This guide breaks the area into two simple buckets so you can compare faster: Smithfield side versus Selma and Pine Level side.

Smithfield area new construction communities

Lucas Park (Brogden area, Smithfield)

Best for: buyers who want a feature packed home, quick I 95 access, and a neighborhood that is nearly built out.

Status: final phase.

• Builders: Ben Stout Construction and JSJ Builders
• Home size range: 1,817 to 2,474 sq ft
• Location perks: about 3 miles to I 95, about 5 miles to Smithfield shopping and dining, Princeton School District, and no city taxes

What to watch: final phase usually means fewer homesites and fewer layout choices, so you move faster when something matches your wish list.

Savanna Oaks (between Four Oaks and Smithfield)

Best for: buyers who want Craftsman style, solid value, and presale flexibility.

• Builders: Neuse River Homes and Brown Pelican Construction
• Home size range: 1,515 to 2,058 sq ft
• Price range: $322,900 to $369,900
• Style and setup: one and two story options, presales available
• Commute access: positioned for Hwy 70, I 95, and I 40 access via McGee’s Crossroads and Hwy 210

What to watch: if you are planning around a specific closing month, ask what the builder’s current build timelines look like for presales versus spec homes.

Selma and Pine Level area new construction communities

Everette Landing (Selma)

Best for: buyers who want an approachable entry point into new construction and no city taxes.

• Builder: Weaver Homes
• Starting size: plans starting around 1,400 sq ft
• Pricing: from the $200s
• Lot and taxes: spacious level lots, outside city limits, no city taxes
• Access: about 2 miles to I 95 and about 4 miles to Hwy 70
• Buying options: presales available

Maxwell Farm (Selma)

Best for: buyers who want a smaller neighborhood and a quick close if the right home is available.

• Community size: 12 lot community, final opportunities
• Builders: On Top Building Company and Brown Pelican Construction
• Home size range: 1,418 to 1,631 sq ft
• Price range: $297,900 to $329,900
• Feature callout: select 3 car garage options
• Access: under 2 miles to I 95

Pine Tree Knolls (Selma, between Pine Level and Micro)

Best for: buyers who want privacy, a wooded setting, and no city taxes.

• Builder: Weaver Homes
• Status: final phase
• Home size range: 1,511 to 1,912 sq ft
• Price range: $309,900 to $373,900
• Features: wooded setting, no city taxes, select 3 car garage plans
• Access: about 3 miles to I 95

Howell Farms (Selma area, near Cardinal Country Club)

Best for: buyers who want more plan variety and the possibility of a golf view lot.

• Builders: multiple builders including Neuse River Homes, Caviness Land, Adamski Contracting, Ayscue’s Building, and On Top Building Company
• Home size range: 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft
• Price range: $333,900 to $469,900
• Setting: beside Cardinal Country Club, select golf view lots

Honaker Farms (Selma, near Hwy 39 and Flowers Plantation access)

Best for: buyers who want a feature packed home plus quick access to everyday amenities.

• Builders: Neuse River Homes and On Top Building Company
• Home size range: 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft
• Price range: $333,900 to $469,900
• Access: right off Hwy 39, about 3 miles to Hwy 42, and less than 10 minutes to Flowers Plantation for dining and shopping

Emily Gardens (Pine Level)

Best for: buyers who want strong value, multiple builders, and easy access to I 95 plus nearby retail.

• Builders: JSJ Builders, Ben Stout Construction, and Caviness and Cates
• Home size range: 1,618 to 2,530 sq ft
• Price range: $299,950 to $349,950
• Location: under 3 miles to I 95 and Hwy 70, minutes to Eastfield Crossing and major retailers

Quick comparison by budget and home size

If you want to narrow fast, here is a simple filter:

• From the $200s: Everette Landing, plans starting around 1,400 sq ft, no city taxes, close to I 95
• Upper $200s to low $300s: Maxwell Farm, smaller community, some 3 car garage options, under 2 miles to I 95
• Roughly $300k to $370k: Emily Gardens, Pine Tree Knolls, Savanna Oaks, Hudson Village with different settings and commute patterns
• $330k to upper $400s with larger plan ranges: Howell Farms and Honaker Farms, 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft ranges

Pricing can shift as inventory changes, so treat these as guide rails and confirm current availability when you are ready to tour.

What “presale” and “final phase” mean for buyers

Presale usually means you are selecting a plan and homesite before the home is built. This can be a big advantage if you want to choose your layout, lot position, and sometimes features.

Final phase usually means fewer homesites remain. The upside is you can see the finished neighborhood and surrounding area. The tradeoff is fewer choices, and sometimes faster decision making.

You can see both patterns in this corridor, with several communities described as final phase or final opportunities.

FAQs

Are there new construction communities with no city taxes?

Yes. Several communities are described as outside city limits or no city taxes, including Lucas Park, Everette Landing, and Pine Tree Knolls.

Which area is better for commuting, Smithfield or Selma?

Both can work. Smithfield often appeals to buyers who want quick access to shopping and dining hubs, while the Selma and Pine Level area tends to appeal to buyers prioritizing I 95 access and value. The smartest move is to map your actual work route and then pick the side that reduces daily friction.

What if I need a 3 car garage?

Some communities specifically note select 3 car garage options, including Maxwell Farm and Pine Tree Knolls.

Next step

If you tell me your price range, minimum bedrooms, and ideal commute, I can narrow this list to your best 2 to 3 communities and suggest a tour route that makes sense for one day.