Most would say Smithfield is a quiet, charming, rural-ish town, but it’s got more in common with suburbia than a rural town. It’s a very green town, only about 1/2 the land is developed. Similar to Johnston, there are and will continue to be new homes built every year, not in mass quantities though. Typically, those living in the more densely populated towns of Providence/Cranston/Warwick/ and North Providence will “upgrade” to a larger home in a quieter and aesthetically appealing home in Smithfield. There is an area of Smithfield that is very densely populated, with residential and retail along the Johnston and North Providence borders. The Crossing at Smithfield, and other smaller retail clusters down the street have just about anything and everything you could need or want, including restaurants and bars. The majority of the Smithfield population live in the southern half of the town. The northern half mostly has rural neighborhoods, industrial companies, corporate companies, some public green spaces and reservoir, an airport, and Bryant University. Traditionally, Smithfield residents stay in their homes longer than the average homeowner.