St. Lawrence River access fuels Clayton’s appeal and growth
Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands,” the town of Clayton draws residents and visitors alike for its unique location on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York. Comprising of a village of the same name and several islands, the coastal community prides itself on its natural beauty and recreational abundance; activities like boating and fishing help Clayton’s tourism economy thrive. “Clayton has gone through a revitalization over the last 15 years,” says local Realtor Noah Taylor of Keller Williams Northern New York. “The town has become the epicenter for St. Lawrence River and property values have shot up because it’s extremely sought after.” This vibrancy is fostered by a variety of events that draw in crowds and bring people together, Taylor adds. “There really is something for everyone, from children to age 99,” he says.
Waterfront homes dominate Clayton’s higher-end housing market
Clayton’s waterfront is highly sought-after for residences, with many of the town’s larger properties lining the shore. Still, the area’s more inland homes offer desirable space with sprawling acreage. Coastal cottages and contemporary riverfront retreats are most common, mixed with ranch-style homes and single-story builds. Homes in Clayton Village and along the shore start around $100,000, though properties in the town’s more rural areas can price below that. Larger homes typically price in the $300,000 range, and expansive waterfront homes can reach up to $1 million. Townhouse units with less space round out the housing inventory in Clayton.
Thousand Islands schools offer academics and activities
The Thousand Islands Central School District serves kids in Clayton and gets a B-minus overall grade from Niche. Students may begin their education at Guardino Elementary School, which receives a B-minus, before advancing to Thousand Islands Middle and Thousand Islands High School. Home of the Vikings, the high school offers a range of sports teams like soccer, swimming and basketball. Students can also participate in a wide variety of organizations and activities, including Ski Club, Marching Band, and National Honor Society.
Museums and marinas highlight Clayton’s waterfront legacy
History and recreation blend seamlessly in Clayton. Home to the Antique Boat Museum and Thousand Islands Museum, Clayton showcases its legacy as a waterfront destination and natural beauty. “Clayton has premier boating and fishing,” Taylor says, noting the abundance of marinas and fishing charters that dot the coast. Locals can watch boats float into the Clayton Harbor Municipal Marina at Frink Park. The boardwalk trail along the coast provides a pleasant view, especially for sunsets on St. Lawrence River. Grass Point State Park and Cedar Point State Park offer campgrounds, river access for boating and fishing, and swimming beaches. Cerow Recreation Park Arena features a pool and ice-skating rink for additional year-round fun.
Gift stores and casual restaurants line the town’s main street
Quaint eateries and welcoming storefronts cluster along Riverside Drive, framing the neat grid of residential roads that make up the rest of the town. Gift shops like The Mason Jar and Courage My Love sit adjacent to classic restaurants and ice cream shops. Spots like The Channelside and Shipwreck Eatery serve casual American menus alongside picturesque waterfront views. Clayton Shurfine Supermarket is a one-stop-shop for groceries and other necessities along State Route 12, and additional shopping is available in Watertown, about 22 miles away. Here, locals can access familiar brands at Salmon Run Mall and national big-box stores like Walmart.
Most residents drive, but Clayton’s village center is walkable
While Clayton’s central village is walkable, residents still rely on cars for regional travel. Route 12 runs through the area, connecting south to Watertown and northeast to Alexendria Bay. Interstate 81 is easily accessible nearby, providing a direct route to Syracuse and the Canadian border. For air travel, residents use Watertown International Airport for regional flights or Syracuse Hancock International Airport, about 80 miles south, for broader options.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
