The Wilders township is a 15 minute drive to downtown Clayton, NC.
Coming home to Johnston County
While it was once called Wilders, this township around Archer Lodge is now just known as a part of Johnston County that includes sections of Wendell and Clayton. It has traces of the old Johnston County, the one with worn-down country homes on multiple acres, and the new one of brand-new cookie-cutter suburban streetscapes, commercial developments anchored by Publix and Harris Teeter. “You get a little more for your home out in Johnston County, which is a big draw for families,” says Michele Brownlee, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage who has lived in the area for 21 years. “Wake County is running out of room, so people are moving to Johnston.” Some residents work nearby at biotechnology companies like Novo Nordisk and Grifols Therapeutics. Residents and businesses see the advantages of being in Johnston County, says Brownlee.
Wilders township has a small town country charm, but is close to the big city.
New developments along Highway 42
Brand-new suburban developments have been popping up in Wilders over the past few years. Single-story Craftsman and traditional homes of brick and stone sit next to each other on paved streets ending in cul-de-sacs. Neighbors in developments hugging North Carolina Highway 42 can walk to nearby grocery stores and restaurants. Brand-new townhouses are available for purchase, and older structures like ranch-styles houses from the late 1990s tend to have roughly 1 acre of land. Homes cost between $290,000 and $875,000, and the average home value is about $415,000. “You hear so much about the unaffordability of the housing market, and I couldn’t agree more, I totally understand that,” says Julie Toy, a life-long North Carolina resident and realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage. “But you can travel a short distance from a major hub like Raleigh and get out to a slightly more rural area, and the housing prices are a lot more accessible.”
Corinth Holders High School is a public school in Wendell, NC.
The Marching Pirates of Corinth Holders High
Part of Johnston County Public Schools, there are three elementary schools that serve the neighborhood: Corinth Holders Elementary, scoring a B-minus; River Dell Elementary, scoring a B, or the new Thanksgiving Elementary, which opened in fall of 2021. Archer Lodge Middle and Corinth Holders High both score a B. In 2024, the high school’s marching band performed at London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival.
Clayton, NC and the the Wilders township are considered bedroom communities to Raleigh.
Access to Route 70 and Raleigh
Wilders hugs the border of Wake County. “You have two major interstates going through in Interstates 95 and 40,” Brownlee says. Commuters can take U.S. Route 70 to Interstate 40 to Raleigh, about 30 minutes away. Durham is about 50 miles away, a drive of about an hour, and Research Triangle Park is a 45-minute drive. The closest hospital to Wilders is UNC Johnston Health Clayton, about 10 miles west of the library.
Don Beto's Tacos & Tequila Authentic Mexican Restaurant is located in the Flowers Crossroads.
Cravings in Clayton
Publix anchors a commercial plaza on Highway 42 with tenants like Great Clips and the UPS Store. Vinegar-based pulled pork, an Eastern North Carolina tradition, is available at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. Across the street are retailers like Harris Teeter and Petco, an ice cream parlor, a pizza place and Don Beto’s Tacos y Tequila, a go-to for nachos and margaritas. About 7 miles west is downtown Clayton, where people order juicy ribeye steak at Clayton Steakhouse and sip sparkling wine on the outdoor patio at Mannings Restaurant. “They do a lot of fun stuff,” Toy says of downtown. “On Friday evenings, it’s the place to go. People walk up and down the streets.”
East Clayton Community Park has an 18 hole frisbee golf course.
East Clayton Community Park
At East Clayton Community Park, people of all abilities can play on the new inclusive Harmony Playground. There’s space for baseball and soccer games; families can hold picnics or play disc golf. The East Triangle YMCA features an outdoor pool, strength and cardio equipment, reoccurring activities like family bingo and seasonal events like paper snowflake workshops. Members of The Neuse Pool also enjoy outdoor swimming with shaded sitting areas. Portofino Equestrian Center has a training area and boarding stable where horses can socialize and roam.
There are many produce farms in the Wilders township.
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival
Every year, all of Johnston County comes together for the Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival, a one-day event with entertainment, inflatables, about 130 vendors and country ham biscuits from the Kiwanis Club of Smithfield. During the months of June, July and August, Wendell Blueberry Farm opens so people can pick their own locally grown fruit.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rob Zelem,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Archer Lodge Park
Wendell Town Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
East Clayton Dog Park
East Clayton Community Park
Neuse River Greenway Trail
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Wilsons Mills Community Park
Transit
Airport
Raleigh-Durham International
47 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wilders
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Wilders Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wilders, Archer Lodge sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Wilders, Archer Lodge over the last 12 months is $419,300, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
In the heart of Clayton, this estate-style home offers a walk-out basement made for entertaining, an updated kitchen, and open-concept living area with custom built-ins. Fresh paint, new carpet, and new flooring throughout make it truly move-in ready. A spacious backyard and close proximity to every amenity Flowers Plantation has to offer. Create the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Ask
Your dream home is waiting for you! This home has Fresh Interior Paint, Partial flooring replacement in some areas. A fireplace and a soft neutral color palette create a solid blank canvas for the living area. Meal prep is a breeze in the kitchen, complete with a spacious center island. Relax in your primary suite with a walk in closet included. The primary bathroom is fully equipped with a
Farmhouse charm meets modern upgrades at this beautiful cul-de-sac retreat! Set on 1.76 acres with wooded and wetland views that can't be developed, this home offers both privacy and convenience, just under 40 minutes to Raleigh and close to shopping, dining, and schools. Inside, enjoy upgraded KitchenAid appliances (2024-2025), stylish LVP flooring throughout, and an open main living area
TUSCANY RETREAT! This 2,617 sqft home blends comfort, style, and plenty of space to spread out. The open-concept design is perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Highlights include a welcoming family room with fireplace, dining room with trey ceiling, and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, an island, and a gas range. Just off the kitchen, the light-filled sunroom adds the perfect
Welcome to Peachtree at Flowers Plantation! This stunning cul-de-sac home sits within a gated neighborhood in the heart of Flowers Plantation. Step inside to soaring cathedral ceilings and an open-concept floor plan that feels bright and spacious. On the main level, the private owner's suite is tucked toward the back, featuring a walk-in closet and a spa-like bath with dual vanity, garden tub,
This property at 53 Willow Green Dr features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within a total of 1,753 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances, and the adjacent dining area provides a convenient layout for meals. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, with the master bedroom including an en-suite bathroom. The
Come see this beautiful home situated on nearly 1.5 acres! The welcoming covered front porch sets the tone as you step inside. The kitchen is a baker's dream, offering abundant cabinet space, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and under-cabinet lighting. Just off the kitchen, you'll find a versatile room that would make an ideal office.The family room features vaulted ceilings,
We are currently making final preparations for this home to be available. We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rob Zelem,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
28,635
Median Age
40
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,980
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,262
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
39.2%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.7%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
