Clayton has a quaint, small-town feel in the Mount Diablo foothills
Near the foothills of Mount Diablo is the sleepy city of Clayton. This area is affectionately called “hometown Mayberry” by its residents for its parallels to the charming setting of the Andy Griffith Show. “Clayton has a small-town personality with a rich history. In the 1960s, locals wanted more control over the land’s development and moved to incorporate the city,” says Wendy Moore, a Clayton resident and Realtor with The Estates by Wendy Team. The mountain-adjacent Clayton has a bucolic feel with sloping landscapes, distant silhouettes of the sandstone ranges and a relaxed town center.
Patio homes, townhouses and executive-style estates in Clayton
Around this quiet community are sidewalks and homes with driveways leading to two and three-car garages. Many homes have a mix of decorative brick, lap siding and shingle exteriors. “Clayton has various types of housing. There are patio homes in Oaks Hollow, which range from $650,000 to $700,000,” Moore says. “The Black Diamond development has duets and attached housing from $700,000 to $1.2 million, depending on the condition. Near Dana Ridge are a mix of townhouses and detached duets.” She also says that Oakhurst Country Club is a large development with several smaller subdivisions. “These houses range from $800,000 to $1.8 million for executive-style estates,” Moore says.
Schools, including Mount Diablo Elementary and Diablo View Middle
The region is served by the Mount Diablo Unified School District, considered one of the top in the county according to Niche. “Clayton is attracting young families due to the area’s award-winning schools and educational opportunities,” Moore says. Mount Diablo Elementary earned a B plus on Niche and parents can expect a 30 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio. Diablo View Middle also received a B plus, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. Students often move on and graduate from Clayton Valley Charter High School. The school claims a 97% graduation rate and is one of the top charter high schools in the Bay Area, according to Niche. The high school promises career pathways in sports medicine, computer science, culinary arts and auto shop.
Downtown Clayton's local businesses
“Our downtown is three streets wide and three streets long. In the town center, we have a few small restaurants downtown and a bocce ball court,” Moore says. Downtown Clayton also has a historic watering hole, the Clayton Club Saloon. The establishment opened in 1873 and is considered one of the oldest bars in California. You can pick up a sweet treat at Sip’n Sweet, grab a slice of pizza at Skipolini’s or have a laid-back meal at Ed’s Mudville Grill. To the northwest, along Ygnacio Valley Road, which turns into Kirker Pass Road, are shopping centers with restaurants, grocery stores and retail. Clayton Station Shopping Center contains a Safeway supermarket, and Clayton Valley Shopping Center has a Grocery Outlet.
Events at The Grove
Along Center Street is The Grove, considered Clayton’s top gathering spot. “In The Grove, we have a lot of events, like the summer concerts, the annual Art and Wine Festival, and Oktoberfest,” Moore says.
Recreation areas from Lydia Lane Park to Clayton Dog Park
The city is also known for its natural beauty, which can be admired while meandering along the walking trails in the community. This collection of pedestrian routes leads locals to more verdant public spaces. Lydia Lane Park is nestled among the houses in the northern section of the small city. At Clayton Community Park, hikers can begin their ascent along the rolling hills to the east. The community space also includes playgrounds and sporting fields. Canine parents may head south to the Clayton Dog Park. This dedicated space has a wooden bark landscape with accessible water faucets.
Photography Contributed By
Angelo Sangiacomo
