How to Live Like a Local in the Triangle East

Two residents of this eastern North Carolina region share advice about living here and making connections.

By Rebecca Treon on February 28, 2024

Johnston County Visitors Bureau

Considering a move to the Triangle East? Two transplants, Ron Hester and Heather Driver, would agree that’s a good idea. Hear what they have to say about living in Selma, Johnston County and a region that manages to maintain its small-town charm while growing at an unprecedented rate. 

Ron Hester

Ron Hester grew up in a military family that moved frequently. His father, Charles, was a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps who later became the mayor of Selma. Though they have resided in many places around the country, living in Selma was always the place Ron Hester felt most at home.

When you want to work out, where do you go?
I’ve been going to HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center since it opened in 2003. It’s on the campus of UNC Health Johnston, which is a not-for-profit medical system that’s owned by the state and by part of the University of North Carolina. The gym has everything: cardio machines, free weights, a cycling room, group classes, a lap pool, whirlpool and therapy pool, and even a steam room, spa and teaching kitchen. I also love walking the greenway that starts at Smithfield-Selma High School or just walking around the town of Selma.

How do you spend your free time?
I love live theater, and we have a very good theater in Selma, Live at the Rudy, which has multiple variety shows and concerts. They’re celebrating 25 years in Selma, which is quite an accomplishment for a show that is centered around family. In Smithfield, I like to go to the Neuse Little Theatre. I’m a bit of a homebody, so my wife and I just like hanging around at Coffee on Raiford, a local coffee shop, and talking with people when they walk in. It’s my favorite coffee shop in the area; it’s like Selma’s version of “Cheers.”

What are a few neighborhoods you would suggest for someone who is thinking about moving to the Triangle East?
Well, I’m partial to Selma, but we have some excellent and friendly small towns in the area – Pine Level, Princeton and Four Oaks, to name a few. Homes are more affordable than in Wake County.

Any tips on the best ways to get connected?
I’m a member of Activate Selma, which is for local business owners and people from the community. We work on trying to make Selma a better place. I’m on the board of directors at the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce, which is a great way to get connected. I also find that one of the best ways to make friends is to just walk in some local shops and start talking. Community is very important and a fun way to interact with people you don’t know. Local churches are another good way.

What are some of your go-to restaurants?
I’m a foodie, so I love going to small, independent restaurants. We have Mama Nem’s in Selma, which is Cajun/Creole food, Island Delights in Smithfield, which is Jamaican cuisine. For good comfort food, I love Pixie Dust Lunch Box and Bakery Shoppe in Selma. We also have a food hall, the Old North State Food Hall, in Selma with many choices.

Heather Driver

Heather Driver moved to Johnston County 15 years ago after marrying someone from the area. She’s an account manager at CopyPro, a family-owned copier dealership. Driver is also a 2022 graduate of Leadership Johnston, a program with a mission to cultivate local leaders focused on positive change.

When you want to workout, where do you go?
We live in rural Northern Johnston County, but I am a member at Planet Fitness in Smithfield. I also enjoy visiting the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse. Sometimes my son and I load up our bikes and ride the riverwalk when the weather is nice.

What’s one of your favorite family-friendly activities in the area?
Rockin’ on Raiford is a monthly concert series in downtown Selma that’s fun to attend and family-friendly for our 9-year-old. They have good music, food trucks and games set up for the kids to play, like giant Jenga.

Are there any other annual events you enjoy?
The Ham & Yam Festival in Smithfield, Railroad Days in Selma, Mule Days in Benson and the Harvest Festival in Clayton. The Junior Women’s League hosts an annual “Touch a Truck” event, which lets kids explore big trucks and other vehicles. We also love the Rudy Theatre Christmas shows.

What are some of your go-to restaurants?
I love Coffee on Raiford in Selma for coffee. Another place in Selma that I love that is great for lunch is the Old North State Food Hall. In Pine Level, I like the Parkside Café, and in downtown Smithfield, I love Gotham’s Deli. For dinner, I’d recommend the Olde Towne Steakhouse in Micro.