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
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Clayton, NC sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Clayton, NC over the last 12 months is $372,817, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
'New construction by Fischer Homes in the beautiful Watson at Flowers Plantation community, featuring the stunning Paxton plan, the Gold Winner for Best Overall Floorplan in the 2026 Johnston County Parade of Homes. This sophisticated design offers an island kitchen with walk-in pantry, lots of cabinet space and quartz countertops. Gorgeous kitchen with walk-in pantry, lots of cabinet space and
New construction by Fischer Homes in the beautiful Watson at Flowers Plantation community, featuring the Leland floorplan. This sophisticated design offers 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half bath. The open-concept layout connects the spacious family room with fireplace to the expansive kitchen featuring large island, walk-in pantry, and morning room with walk-out access to the deck. The primary
Check out our Supernova floorplan. This beautifully designed 5-bedroom home offers an open concept throughout the living room, dining room and kitchen. As you walk in you will see an open concept living space perfect for entertaining. ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. NO CARPET ON 1ST FLOORING LIVING AREA OR FLEX SPACE. The community will feature a pool, cabana, paved walking pathways, and playground.
Experience living at 260 Wilson Farm Lane, located in Clayton's highly desirable Wilson Farm community. Designed with both luxury and functionality in mind, this spacious home offers an impressive layout with abundant square footage, sophisticated finishes, and modern conveniences throughout. The main level features a flexible space perfect for a private home office or formal dining room,
This 4 bedroom home on a friendly cul de sac is ready to move right on in! 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 with a big pantry. The breakfast nook is bright and sunny with the windows
This gorgeous 5 bedroom home with two master suites is sure to impress! You are welcomed by a grand two story foyer with wrought iron railings on the fabulous boxed oak tread staircase, a chandelier, and dark hardwood floors. You'll love the first floor bedroom which could double as a study or office and the beautiful formal dining room with tray ceiling, wainscoting, and plantation shutters. The
Welcome to this beautifully maintained Chesapeake Homes Concerto plan, built in 2019 and offering nearly 2,800 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features a highly desirable floor plan with a main-level guest bedroom and full bath. The first floor also includes a versatile flex room that can be used as a home office, formal dining room,
Step inside and prepare to be impressed! This beautifully decorated home showcases just how beautiful, comfortable, and functional modern living can be. The inviting foyer opens to a spacious, light-filled great room that seamlessly blends the living, dining and kitchen areas perfectly for both everyday living and entertaining. At the heart of the home, the gourmet kitchen features a large center
Elegantly designed and highly sought after, this 2-bedroom ranch home--nestled within a desirable 55+ community--offers 2 full bathrooms and 1,747 square feet of effortless, single-level living. The well-conceived layout features inviting secondary bedrooms and a tranquil owner's suite, complete with a generous walk-in closet and a serene, retreat-like ambiance. The thoughtfully appointed gourmet
GREAT VALUE IN FLOWERS, Clayton! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family HOME with a Loft in Whitley Corner is move-in ready and offers an incredible opportunity to own in one of Clayton's most sought-after communities. Ideally located just minutes from restaurants, shopping, entertainment, medical services, and the new Publix right across the street. Step inside to an inviting
Welcome to 603 Gianna Drive, an elegant five-bedroom executive home situated in the prestigious Portofino community! Set on a generous 1.9 acre cul-de-sac lot, this home is a true retreat, surrounded by trees. Two of the five generous bedrooms are on the first floor, and this property provides versatile space to accommodate various lifestyle needs. The primary bedroom has a walk in closet, and
Large lot in Broadmoor West! Discover the perfect blend of space and comfort in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home, within the desirable Broadmoor West Subdivision. Freshly updated with newer interior paint and new carpet, this residence is move-in ready and features a gourmet kitchen with a large granite island, a versatile bonus room, and a convenient guest bedroom on the first floor.
Welcome to sought-after Riverwood Athletic Club living! This inviting home features attractive hardwood flooring throughout the main level and a beautifully appointed kitchen with granite countertops, tiled backsplash, and stainless steel appliances--perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the cozy family room, complete with a gas log fireplace, while a
Solar panels paid in full. Texas Pantry with main-floor laundry. Fenced backyard backing to tree preserve. HOA includes lawn care and Sports Club membership. Move-in ready. Built in 2020 by One27Homes, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Lions Gate delivers 1,633 square feet across two levels. The main level features hardwood and LVP flooring, an open kitchen with granite countertops and white
Step inside 431 San Periro Drive, where contemporary elegance meets comfort in Clayton, NC. This thoughtfully designed ranch home offers an inviting open floor plan, perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The heart of the home is the updated kitchen, featuring quartz counters, a center island, and stainless steel appliances, complemented by a spacious pantry that simplifies culinary
Ready Now! $1800 Townhome in Woodlands at Flowers Plantation. The popular DanRyan Litchfield model with 1600 sqft, 1 Car garage with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Stainless steel appliances, and washer&dryer included.
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
Open concept throughout the living room, dining room and kitchen. The kitchen is complete with stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, granite countertops and a pantry. This home features a spacious primary suite and secondary bedrooms that are not lacking in storage. We're within minutes from all shopping, entertainment and restaurants that Clayton & Wilson's Mills has to offer. Requirements
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 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
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
Embrace a refined lifestyle at The Averly At Flowers Apartments, where upscale living meets the tranquility of Clayton, NC. Our brand-new one, two, and three-bedroom apartments embody sophistication with stylish layouts, superior amenities, and exceptional service. Nestled in the charming Flowers Plantation neighborhood, our community offers convenient access to top-tier employers, educational
Come and experience Amelia Station, luxury apartments in Clayton NC, where you are free to be yourself. Our Clayton Apartments are less than 3 miles away from I-40 with easy access to Raleigh, NC, and our convenient location off of Amelia Church Road and NC Hwy 42 allows for direct access to the new state-of-the-art Johnston Medical Center-Clayton & Clayton Community Center.
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.
Welcome to Reserve at Glen Laurel Apartments, a brand-new luxury community in the emerging town of Clayton, NC. Reserve at Glen Laurel offers the best of southern living with just a short drive to Raleigh near I-40, I-95, and NC-70. We offer thoughtfully designed one and two-bedroom apartment homes. The spacious interiors contain modern finishes such as chef-inspired kitchens, stainless steel
Welcome to Pines at Glen Laurel Apartments, a luxury community in the emerging town of Clayton, NC. Pines at Glen Laurel offers the best of southern living with just a short drive to Raleigh near I-40, I-95, and NC-70. We offer thoughtfully designed one, two, and three-bedroom apartment homes. The spacious interiors contain modern finishes such as chef-inspired kitchens, stainless steel
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
190
Median Rent
$1,950
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,899
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,105
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.
