Virginia Beach–Norfolk metro, VA–NC relocation guide
Moving to Smithfield, VA
About Smithfield
Smithfield is the "Ham Capital of the World" — an 8,500-resident colonial town on the Pagan River in Isle of Wight County, anchored by Smithfield Foods (the world's largest pork producer, headquartered here) and a National Register historic district with 18th-century homes. It blends working river-town authenticity with a surprisingly lively Main Street: the Smithfield Inn, the Isle of Wight County Museum (with the world's oldest ham), Windsor Castle Park's trails along the river, and St. Luke's Church (1632, a National Historic Landmark). Housing: historic-district colonials, riverfront homes, and fast-growing subdivisions (Church Square, Battery Park) serving as a Norfolk commuter base.
Home prices in Smithfield
The median list in Smithfield is $564,500.
Top places in Smithfield
- Historic Main Street — shops, restaurants, and colonial-to-Victorian architecture (shown in the Commons photo below).
- Isle of Wight County Museum — the famous "world's oldest ham" and local history.
- Windsor Castle Park — riverside trails, kayak launches, and the historic manor house grounds.
- Smithfield Inn (1752) — colonial tavern and inn on Main Street.
- Pagan River waterfront — boating and sunsets from the town docks.
- Smithfield Farmers Market — Saturday market in season.
- Carrollton Nike Park (nearby) — sports complex in the Carrollton growth corridor.
Commuting from Smithfield
- To downtown Norfolk: ~35–45 minutes via VA-10/VA-32 and I-664 or via the James River Bridge (VA-31) to the Peninsula (approximate).
- To Newport News: ~30–40 minutes via the James River Bridge (VA-31) (approximate; bridge openings delay traffic).
- To Suffolk: ~25–30 minutes via US-58/VA-10 (approximate).
Schools in Smithfield
Public schools: Isle of Wight County Public Schools. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Smithfield FAQs
- What is the housing market like in Smithfield, VA?
The median list in Smithfield is $564,500. Median listing price · Sep 2026 - How is the commute from Smithfield, VA?
To downtown Norfolk: ~35–45 minutes via VA-10/VA-32 and I-664 or via the James River Bridge (VA-31) to the Peninsula (approximate). - Which school district serves Smithfield, VA?
Smithfield is served by Isle of Wight County Public Schools. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Town links
Schools
Official town resources. School report cards via the National Center for Education Statistics.