A North Carolina based research company has named the Town of Smithfield one of the top 10 “Redneck Cities” in the state.
RoadSnacks used “science and data to determine which cities in the Tar Heel State are redneck heaven” according to a press release.
Smithfield ranked 10th on the list: (1) Mocksville, (2) Mooresville (3) Gastonia (4) Aberdeen (5) Pineville (6) Asheboro (7) Lincolnton (8) Hendersonville (9) Monroe (10) Smithfield
The rankings were reportedly based primarily on the number of gun stores, bars, and stores where tobacco products could be purchased among other criteria.
Smithfield ranked 5th in the number of gun stores in NC per capita, 7th in bars per capita, and 10th for tobacco product stores.
Smithfield is the only eastern North Carolina city to make the top 10 list.
“Smithfield has lots of places to buy guns, chew and beer. And, if you’ve ever driven through Smithfield, or any of the other cities along (US) 70, you’d agree this area should be called Redneck Alley,” according to the press release.
The report even pokes some fun at the towns. “Is there anything really wrong with being called a North Carolina redneck? Most rednecks would say, “I don’t care what you call me, as long as you call me for supper.” Rednecks are a part of our culture. They are hailed as being great in our song lyrics. They’re prominently featured in reality television. There are even video games about rednecks,”the report stated.
Sarah Edwards, Director of the Smithfield Downtown Development Corporation, was asked to comment on the report but did not respond before our news deadline.
Rick Childrey, President of the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce disagreed with the company’s claims. “I’ve also seen this year where Smithfield was rated one of the top ten cities to raise a family in North Carolina. Smithfield and Selma are diverse small towns built on traditional values. Both towns offer all of the advantages of the Triangle area without all of the hassles of the big city. Smithfield and Selma are communities with thriving businesses that offer superior products and services and lend their unified voices for the continuous development of innovative, competitive commerce.”
Selma ranked 13th on the NC Redneck list. Clayton ranked 65th.
The same company was behind a report earlier this year that listed Smithfield as one of the top cities for being a victim of crime in North Carolina. Police Chief Michael Scott disputed the ranking.
