Benson

Benson, on the south end of Johnston County, is quickly becoming a place for commuters (who will pay the gas prices) to Smithfield and the growing business side of Western Wake County.
It is right at the intersection of !-95 and !-40 which makes it a prime location for growth in distribution, but the town itself has killed most development within the area to maintain its "quaint" Mayberryesque appeal.
There is nothing resembling a nightlife and it has the appeal of a very small town. It is quiet and relatively crime-free.
One of its great appeals is the "Mule Days" in September, which is one of the largest such festivals in the southeast. It is in essence dropping a county fair into the middle of small town for three days. Horses (not mules) predominate the town and there is droppings everywhere, but the town manages to clean it all up in no time.
There are only two groceries in town and few other service providers, but it is relatively close enough to the larger town of Dunn, 7 miles to the south, and Smithfield, 15 miles to the north, for pretty much everything else you would need, including a Walmart.
Housing prices are like much of NC- fairly stable, but most of the older homes have sat because of a lack of buyers. When gas prices hit the ceiling, it hurt the bedroom status of the community.
The schools are fairly good. Benson Elementary is considered one of the best and newest facility in the county. The middle school leaves something to be desired. It is a great new facility but has problems keeping good faculty.
Their are two high schools South Johnston and West. West is preferred if you can live close enough.
There are a few fast food joints, enough to satisfy the interstate traffic, but for good sit down food, you need to travel to Dunn or Smithfield.
There are lots of churches and a terrific parks and rec department.