The Majority of the area between Smithfield and Four Oaks is a mixture of single-family dwellings, light commercial and industry.

There is a major highway intersection a few hundred yards north of the Subject at the junction of U.S. Highway 301, U.S. Highway 701, N.C. Highway 96 and Interstate 95.  Within a few hundred yards of this intersection are two motels, service stations, restaurants, grocery stores, RV campgrounds, garage and other similar business properties as well as residential properties.

Smithfield, the County Seat of Johnston County, is about 3 to 5 minutes to the north and is considered the major market center for this area.  There are shopping, schools, churches, employment centers, county and state government centers located in this town.

Raleigh is located about 30 minutes to the northeast where there are additional centers and job opportunities.  The main transportation routes from Smithfield are U.S. Highway 70 to the east and west, U.S. Highway 301 and Interstate 95 to the north and south as well as other roads leading to other parts of the County.

There's an interesting story as to how Four Oaks received its name.  It seems that in 1885, the construction boss of the new railroad, a Colonel Bridgers, was staying with one of the landowners in the new unnamed town.  An oak tree in the backyard of the house caught his eye.  Four large trunk like branches had sprouted from the single trunk of the tree.  The tree had been cut 35 years earlier by a hunter who had tapped a possum in the tree.  As it turns out, an oak tree, a possum, a possum-hunting farmer and a railroad official helped name the town.

Today, Four Oaks, is a quaint little community whose civic-minded people participate in numerous community activities.

The Four Oaks Library located on Hatcher Street is open on Wednesdays from 10-5 and on Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-5 p.m.

Activities of interest in the town of Four Oaks are the Acorn Festival celebration each May and the Four Oaks Christmas Parade, tree lighting and live nativity.

Smithfield, Selma and Clayton have a council-manager form of government.  Smithfield's council consists of a mayor and seven councilmen, three of whom, are elected from three town districts and the other four are elected at-large.  The mayor's term is for two years and the councilmen are elected at-large.  As in Smithfield, the Selma and Clayton mayors serve a two- year term and the councilmen serve for four years.  Selma and Clayton have five council members who are elected at-large.