Small town charm and big community values in Clayton
Clayton is a suburb outside Raleigh with small-town charm and a bustling downtown brimming with local businesses and community events. Its population has grown to just over 30,000, a 14.8% increase from 2020, when it was just over 26,000. The area attracts many residents from out-of-state. It’s still more rural and spread out than other sections of The Research Triangle. There are multiple large master-planned and mixed-use communities offering a range of home types and prices. “There is still a great amount of affordability there,” says Julie Toy, a life-long North Carolina resident and realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage.
Many of Clayton’s residents commute to Raleigh or Research Triangle Park for work. With over 300 companies, RTP is the largest research park in the country. “There are some major employers in the area,” Toy says. “So, living in Clayton can put them close to work. The backbone of Clayton for the last 50 years has really been the pharmaceutical industry.” It’s home to a biotherapeutics company called Grifols and Novo Nordisk, which is an insulin provider. Summers in Clayton see highs in the 80s to 90s, but the temperature drops to the 30s to 50s in the winter with little to no snow. Its location south of Raleigh means that Clayton is closer to the beach, which is less than a two-hour drive away.
Discover what Downtown Clayton has in store for you.
Check out the "Process" by Christian Happel at the Town Square on Clayton's Sculpture Trail.
Check out the artsy vibe in Main Street Community Garden downtown.
Jones Lunch is a Clayton legend, they've drawn crowds downtown for over 65 years.
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Downtown and the Clayton Farm & Community Market
While the residential areas of Clayton grew quickly, it’s taken a bit longer for the commercial side to develop. However, new residents have brought a greater demand for more shopping and dining. “The downtown has drastically changed,” says Melissa Grodecki, a local who has lived in the area for over 15 years and a Restaurant Manager at Vinson’s Pub + Eatery. “More restaurants are opening; there’s more retail, and the nightlife scene is growing.” Locally owned restaurants, cafes and breweries sit on a charming Main Street strip downtown. The town has committed to improving the downtown, making it even more attractive to new businesses. The city plans to renovate the historic and vacant town hall building into The Station Clayton, which will have a grocery store and market on the ground floor with office spaces on the upper level.
Clayton Corners is a shopping center with restaurants, pubs and chain restaurants. Flowers Crossings is a newer commercial area in the Flowers Plantation neighborhood. It’s planned to expand in 2025 with a new mixed-used development called The North Waterfront District. Small grocery stores and markets can be found all along Route 70. The community can also buy locally grown produce and artisan crafts at the Clayton Farm & Community Market in Horne Square every Saturday morning from March to December.
Aerial view of Downtown Clayton.
Downtown Clayton sign.
Clark Hippolito's abstract mural on Crawford Cookshop is meant to inspire imagination.
Whirligigs at Main Street Community Garden in downtown Clayton
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Harvest Festival, Concert Series and the Clayton Center
The Clayton Harvest Festival is an annual event hosted by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, and it includes carnival rides, the city’s largest vendor fair and a Latin American festival in a four-day celebration. The Annual Downtown Clayton Concert Series is a yearly tradition with food trucks, beer, wine and live music buzzing in Town Square. The Clayton BBQ Challenge is a new competition in which Kansas, Missouri, and North Carolina put their barbecue to the test in an event with live music and beer from local breweries.
The Clayton Center has been a cornerstone of community life since 1915. When it closed in 1997, the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation saved the center, and the auditorium remains the best place in town for residents to view comedy shows, live music performances, murder mysteries and more. Walking around downtown may lead pedestrians across 13 sculptures created by artists and placed along the sidewalk, known as the Downtown Sculpture Trail.
Walking along the Neuse River Greenway
The Clayton Municipal Park has a splash pad, a large field, covered shelters and new playground equipment near downtown. At East Clayton Community Park, people of all abilities can play on the new, inclusive Harmony Playground. It’s also home to a dog park and disc golf course. Those with an NC Fishing License can cast their lines at Clayton Community Park. The community center has an indoor walking track and a classroom for art classes.
Sights on the Sam's Branch Greenway feature outdoor art and colorful murals crafted by local kids along the fence line of a 1.25-mile trail. The greenway connects to the River Walk on the Neuse, a 4-mile trail by the Neuse River, which is part of the larger 30-mile Neuse River Greenway that goes all the way to Falls Lake Dam in Raleigh. The Neuse Country Club, on Glen Laurel Road, includes a members-only, Olympic-sized pool and a semi-private 18-hole golf course. Residents who are not members can play through all holes with a cart on a Saturday afternoon for $45.
New high school in Johnston County
Johnston County Public Schools has a B-plus overall Niche grade and serves over 37,000 students. Clayton High School, rated B on Niche, is currently the only high school in Clayton. The town’s second high school, Wilson’s Mills High, is in the construction process and is expected to accept students in the fall of 2026. There are also five private and one charter school option. Some small sections of Clayton are zoned for Wake County Schools, receiving an A grade on Niche.
North Carolina State University is about half an hour away, while the drive to Duke University and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill will take closer to an hour. Johnston Community College is just south of Clayton.
Newly built homes and development
The town of Clayton is considered one of the more affordable Raleigh suburbs. A larger portion of homes currently being sold are new construction. Older properties tend to have more land. The median price for a single-family home is $386,990, while the median price of a townhouse is $299,900. Housing styles include everything from new traditional builds to colonials and ranch-style homes. There is an increasing amount of residential development and newly built homes to accommodate a growing population. Many of these are in subdivisions on the east side of town. “As a realtor, when I get calls from people going ‘well, we kind of like Clayton, we want to live in Clayton’ It tells me a lot,” Toy says of Clayton’s growing popularity.
Single-family homes in the Flowers Plantation neighborhood range from $279,000 to $890,00, while townhouses go for $267,000 to $340,000. In the Portofino equestrian neighborhood, single-family homes start at $578,327 and go as high as $1.5 million.
Big yards are easy to find around downtown Clayton.
Ranch style hoouse in Clayton.
New Traditional style home in Clayton.
Large lots give families room to run near downtown.
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The drive to Raleigh and getting around
The commute to Downtown Raleigh takes around 16 miles on U.S. Route 70 and Interstate 40. This drive can take anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. It can take 30 minutes just to drive to the other side of town because Clayton is so spread out. The commute to Research Triangle Park is 35 miles or longer depending on where in Clayton residents are driving from. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 31 miles northwest. Driving is necessary here as public transportation is not usually an option and roads are not walkable or bike-friendly outside of downtown. The local government is working to add more sidewalks and crosswalks in the coming years.
Clayton Police Department’s new citizens academy
Clayton's crime rate has increased as the population has grown but remains low compared to national figures. Clayton had 246 incidents of violent crime in 2023, according to FBI crime data, compared to 132 incidents in 2018. There were 480 incidents of property crime in 2023, a 14% increase from 2018, when there were 422. The Clayton Police Department’s "Not So" Teen Citizens Academy allows applicants 21 and older to attend classroom sessions and activities to better understand a police officer’s duties and responsibilities.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Lawrence Hiatt
Video By
Khalil Chisholm
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Doninger Greer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Clayton, NC sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Clayton, NC over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this thoughtfully designed 2 bedroom/2 bath floorplan. Featuring a deluxe kitchen, Zero entry shower in the primary suite, easy flow throughout with a front and back covered porch! This 55+ Amenity Rich Community boasts a Outdoor Saltwater Pool, Pickleball Courts, Bocce Ball Courts, a Putting Green, Walking Trail, Sidewalks throughout, a Dog Park, Community Garden and The Mill
Walkable to Downtown Clayton... Welcome to McKee Homes' Premier 55+ Active Adult Community: The Walk at East Village!! The Aspen is a spacious and open single level home w 2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Baths at 1507sf! As you enter from the Covered Front Porch, you're greeted by an incredible and inviting living space! The expansive Family Room flows seamlessly into a versatile Kitchen, perfect for both
Rare Single-Level Living Townhome with 600+ SF Walk-Up Unfinished Attic With Bathroom Plumbed offering exceptional storage and future finishing potential. Upgraded Kitchen + Low Maintenance Lifestyle + INVESTOR Friendly. BONUS: Refrigerator, washer and dryer convey with an acceptable offer, and the seller is offering home warranty for added peace of mind. An open family room flows into an
Privacy, luxury and flexibility come together in this exceptional Portofino home situated on nearly two wooded acres. Designed for today's lifestyle, it offers two first floor suites, expansive living spaces, and the peace and privacy that are increasingly difficult to find. The primary bedroom has a walk in closet, and en-suite bathroom, and connects to the laundry room for maximum efficiency.
Big Beautiful Home Alert! This spacious home on 0.43 acres is full of gorgeous details and consists of 4 big bedrooms including two primary suites, a flex room, an office, and a bonus room. Entertainers will love the wide open floor plan with LVP floors throughout. The gourmet kitchen is to die for with gas cooktop, stainless steel hood, farmhouse apron sink, Smart fridge, wall oven, AND a
This Big Beautiful Home on a Quiet Street in the Desirable Alpine Valley Section of Riverwood Athletic Club is Sure to Impress! You'll love this open floorplan with several options for entertaining - starting with the formal dining room with coffered ceiling open to the living room with gas logs and views of the tree lined backyard - continue on to the gorgeous kitchen with miles of countertop
PRICE IMPROVEMENT! INCREDIBLE VALUE IN FLOWERS PLANTATION! Don't miss this move-in ready 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath End-Unit Townhome offering the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and value in one of Clayton's most sought-after communities! Welcome HOME to Flowers Plantation, an amenity-rich community, where shopping, dining, medical facilities, entertainment, and everyday conveniences are
Experience a rare blend of craftsmanship, privacy, and resort-style living in this exceptional custom home with private salt-water pool on 4.3 acres. Previously the personal residence of the builder behind the highly sought-after Walker Woods neighborhood in Flowers Plantation, many special touches can be found throughout the home. Nestled on 4.3 secluded acres stretching all the way to Mill
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a spacious bonus room, ideally situated in the intimate Wilders Woods neighborhood within the prestigious Flowers Plantation community. Designed with both comfort and entertaining in mind, this move-in-ready home features an open-concept floor plan highlighted by a large living room filled with natural light, hardwood floors, and a
Clayton Dream Home! Home feels NEW! Back porch is ready to be screened in + grilling patio. FIRST FLOOR OWNERS SUITE features tray ceiling, walk-in closet, double vanity & walk-in shower. Kitchen features quartz counter tops, island, S/S appliances, GAS RANGE, designer backsplash & pantry. 2nd floor LOFT! Nice corner lot. Roof, HVAC & water heater 6 years old. Subdivision features pool, gym &
Nestled in the sought-after Meadows section of Flowers Plantation, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home at 110 N Great White Way in Clayton offers the community feel and modern comfort today's buyers are looking for. Built in 2018, the 1,593-square-foot single-story layout puts everything on one level, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet and double-vanity bath. Inside, vaulted
Like-new, freshly painted end-unit townhome with a rear-entry garage! The main level features LVP flooring throughout and an open floor plan designed for modern living. The kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, pantry storage, and a breakfast bar just steps from the living and dining areas. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and private bath with a dual
LABOR DAY PRICE OPPORTUNITY — RESORT-STYLE 55+ LIVING! Celebrate Labor Day with a fresh opportunity to make this beautifully designed home yours! Elegantly appointed and highly sought after, this 2-bedroom ranch home is located within a desirable 55+ community and offers 2 full bathrooms and 1,747 square feet of effortless main-level living. The well-designed floor plan features inviting
Space, style, and a prime location collide in this stunning 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom retreat in Clayton's sought-after Tuscany community. The main level offers a flexible bedroom and full bath, perfect for guests or 2nd office. You'll love the elevated touches like custom built-ins and crown molding, plus a kitchen sparkling with granite and stainless steel. The floor plan is incredibly versatile,
$10,000 CASH Incentive For Updates, Rate Buy Down, Closing Costs! 4 bedroom home on a friendly cul de sac just a quick golf cart ride to restaurants and more! This versatile floorplan includes a first floor guest bedroom and full bath, a formal dining room which could be used as a playroom or office, and an open concept living room and kitchen. The kitchen has ample countertop space and storage
Three Bedroom two and half bath Townhome in the heart of Clayton. This property has Stainless appliances in the kitchen along with granite countertops - a nice area to cook and a coffee nook; a fireplace in the den area and an oversized Primary bedroom. There's also a patio in the backyard. Requirements are: Credit score of 640 or greater, income equal to three times the amount of the rent, no
The Arbors at East Village Apartments offers more than just a roof over your head—it's an experience to be savored and cherished. Living here means being surrounded by countless comforts, charming leisure spaces, and scenic nature spots. And with one, two, or three cozy bedrooms to return to, as well as corporate and fully furnished options available, it goes without saying that these apartments
Welcome to this inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse located in the desirable Neuse Colony community of Clayton, NC. This well-designed home offers spacious living with four generously sized bedrooms and multiple bathrooms for added convenience. The property features a 1-car garage, washer and dryer included, and a private backyard (not fenced), providing a comfortable outdoor space to
Welcome to Clayton's newest apartment that's anything but run of the mill. Adapted from an existing historic textile plant, Spinning Mill Lofts offers 25 sun-filled loft apartments complete with original mill windows, exposed beams and high ceilings that provide a bright, open, and airy aesthetic throughout. Ample garden-style apartment options offer something for everyone at this unique
Welcome to the beautiful Ashcroft community! This home offers modern finishes, thoughtful design, and an abundance of natural light throughout. Features include durable laminate flooring, stainless steel appliances, a side-by-side refrigerator, granite countertops, recessed LED lighting, 2-inch faux wood plantation blinds, and stylish five-panel doors with brushed nickel hardware.The
Parkside Village, located in Clayton, is the perfect lifestyle choice for those working in the Raleigh, NC area who wish to come home to "small town living"! Conveniently located just a few miles from Routes 40 and 440, Parkside Village offers the perfect blend of neighborhood, community and lifestyle amenities. Clayton’s Community Park is adjacent to Parkside Village and offers 42 acres of sport
Beautifully renovated three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home featuring stylish LVT hardwood flooring throughout. The eat-in kitchen boasts granite countertops and brand-new appliances perfect for everyday meals or entertaining. The spacious primary suite includes a double vanity, separate shower, private water closet, and a generous walk-in closet. Located within walking distance to downtown
NOW LEASING & TOURING Brand New Apartment Homes in Clayton, NC! Step into your newly constructed one, two, or three- bedroom home to be greeted by high-design features and finishes. Your new address will place you in the heart of everything you need and desire. Views at Flowers delivers a luxe living destination and places you moments away from upscale shopping, delicious dining, and all the
Welcome to this gorgeous single-family home in an amenity-rich community! This well-maintained home is loaded with upgrades, including beautiful quartz countertops and a large island, premium cabinetry, a tiled backsplash, and a walk-in pantry. Easy-maintenance luxury vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the main level. The spacious primary suite features a tray ceiling and a luxurious bath with
Brand-new three-bedroom apartment homes featuring attached one- or two-car garages, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and elegant granite countertops. Modern comfort with a polished, upscale feel.
A drive along Elevation’s two-lane roads reveals its rural characteristics, from aging barns in open fields to rows of tobacco plants that remain from North Carolina’s heyday as a producer of the cash crop. Still, this unincorporated community is close enough to Raleigh to draw commuters and residential development. Exp Realtor Doug Baer, who built a house in the area with his wife, tells an anecdote that sums up Elevation’s ongoing transformation. “I was buying a fridge when I built my new house, and the refrigerator salesman said, ‘I used to farm tobacco out there,’” Baer recalls. “I told the salesman where we were building our house. He said, ‘I used to farm right where your house is. The only thing you can grow there now is houses.’”
Some of the properties for sale in the neighborhood are true farmhouses, resting on double-digit acreage. Even in the new-construction subdivisions sprouting across the community, houses are more spaced out than in communities to the north. In fact, Elevation’s median lot size is nearly a full acre. These new builds are often contemporary spins on ranch-style or Craftsman designs, averaging around 1,800 square feet with yard space to play with. Three-bedroom houses start in the mid $200,000s, while four-bedroom homes begin in the high $300,000s. A house sequestered on 10-plus acres is more likely to command a price tag north of $800,000. “For a while, these houses were going as quickly as they were built,” Baer says. “It has slowed down a bit.”
Part of Johnston County Public Schools, students in the northern half of the neighborhood are likely to attend McGee’s Crossroads Elementary, which earns a B grade on Niche. McGee's Crossroads Middle and West Johnson High both score a B-minus. Other students are zoned for Four Oaks Elementary and Middle, earning a Niche grade of B-minus. At C-plus-rated South Johnston High School, students learn how to write resumes, practice job interviews and even access internship opportunities through the SJHS Career Center.
With the exception of the Elevation Fire Department, Elevation Methodist Church and Elevation Plant Nursery, the community doesn’t often go by the name “Elevation” and is more so recognized as part of Willow Springs. “I live in Johnston County and have for 35 years,” says Julie Toy, a realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage. “I’ve only heard of it because I’ve seen a sign maybe.” Still, it’s popular because drivers can travel on I-40 for nearly the entirety of a 30-mile trip to Raleigh. Meanwhile, residents are within 45 miles of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the region’s primary air travel hub. For health care, UNC Health Johnston hospital sits 12 miles north of Elevation, while Betsy Johnson Hospital is 13 miles to the south.
On the north side, there’s a pair of shopping centers less than a mile outside of the community. Food Lion supermarket, Dollar General and HealthSmart Pharmacy are clustered there for basic shopping needs. It’s also where many locals grab food at The Redneck BBQ Lab, founded by a team of cooks and pitmasters who have racked up dozens of awards at barbecue championships up and down the East Coast. Lane’s Seafood and Steak House is a family-owned restaurant sitting on a 140-acre farm. Homeowners on the southern side of Elevation are closer to the town of Four Oaks. It’s home to Carlie C’s IGA grocery store, as well as a cluster of shops to be explored downtown.
Greenery surrounds Elevation residents, but there are few designated parks or recreation facilities in the neighborhood. The most prominent is Reedy Creek Golf Course. The 18-hole, par-72 public course invites players of any skill level to shoot a round. Competitive golfers can keep an eye on the course’s calendar, which is usually stocked with upcoming tournaments. A couple of miles outside the neighborhood, there’s a swing and slide at the fenced-in, mulched playground of Johnston-Strickland Kiddie Park. The park can be rented for special events, such as birthday parties. Lakes surround the community, presenting fishing opportunities for anglers.
Houses of worship in the neighborhood include Pleasant Hill Christian Church, Benson Grove Baptist and Overflow Church.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
181
Median Rent
$1,902
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,899
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,095
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,750
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,750
Median Condo Rent
$1,245
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,450
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
3''
Area Factors
Not bikeable
Bikeability®
10/ 100
Somewhat walkable
Walkability®
20/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
