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10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Clayton NC: Living in Clayton

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Mar 27, 2025 • 5 min read
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10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Clayton NC: Living in Clayton
Chapters
01
Clayton Real Estate Market: Affordability Meets Value
02
Prime Location: The Perfect Balance
03
Growing Job Market and Economic Opportunities
04
Top-Rated Education
05
Cost of Living Comparison
06
Lifestyle and Community
07
Weather and Climate
08
Practical Moving Guide
09
Resident Perspectives
10
Pros and Cons of Living in Clayton
11
Frequently Asked Questions
12
Moving to Clayton - The Bottom Line

Living in Clayton, NC: The Ultimate 2025 Relocation Guide


Are you considering a move to Clayton, North Carolina?

As the fastest-growing town in Johnston County, with a population now exceeding 30,000 residents, Clayton has become one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Raleigh metro area. With median home prices approximately 15-20% lower than neighboring Raleigh and an impressive 98% resident satisfaction rate according to recent community surveys, it's easy to see why.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about living in Clayton, from housing costs and neighborhoods to schools, jobs, and lifestyle amenities that make this community special.


Clayton Real Estate Market: Affordability Meets Value


Clayton's housing market continues to offer exceptional value compared to nearby Raleigh, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and families looking to upgrade.

"Clayton offers the perfect combination of affordability and appreciation potential in the Triangle area." - Jen Ruddy, Realtor at Raleigh Realty

Current Housing Statistics (2025)

  • Median Home Price: $375,000 (compared to Raleigh's $450,000)
  • Average Cost Per Square Foot: $165
  • Property Tax Rate: 0.68% (Johnston County)
  • Average Home Appreciation: 6.2% annually over the past three years
  • New Construction: Approximately 500 new homes built annually

Top Clayton Neighborhoods


Neighborhood Price Range Key Features School District
Riverwood $400,000-$550,000 Family-friendly, large lots, walking trails Riverwood Elementary/Middle
Flowers Plantation $275,000-$600,000+ Master-planned, pools, tennis, golf River Dell Elementary
Arbors at East Village $300,000-$425,000 Energy-efficient, modern designs Powhatan Elementary
Historic Downtown $350,000-$475,000 Character homes, walkable to shops Cooper Academy

Riverwood: Family-friendly subdivision with homes ranging from $400,000-$550,000, featuring larger lots, walking trails, and highly-rated schools.

Flowers Plantation: Clayton's largest planned community with diverse housing options from townhomes starting at $275,000 to luxury homes exceeding $600,000. Includes pools, tennis courts, and a golf course.

Arbors at East Village: Modern community with energy-efficient homes starting in the mid-$300s, featuring open floor plans and community amenities.

Historic Downtown Clayton: Character-filled homes from the early 1900s with walkability to restaurants and shops, typically ranging from $350,000-$475,000.

Prime Location: The Perfect Balance


Clayton's strategic location offers the ideal blend of small-town living with convenient access to urban amenities and employment centers.

Commute Times

Destination Drive Time Distance
Downtown Raleigh 25 minutes 18 miles
Research Triangle Park 35 minutes 30 miles
RDU Airport 40 minutes 32 miles
Durham 45 minutes 35 miles
Chapel Hill 55 minutes 48 miles

Major Transportation Access

Interstate 40: 15 minutes
Interstate 95: 15 minutes
Interstate 540: 20 minutes
US Highway 70: Direct access

Commuter Tip: For commuters, Clayton's connection to major highways makes daily travel efficient, while maintaining enough distance to preserve its charming small-town atmosphere. Most Clayton residents enjoy reverse commutes, avoiding the heaviest traffic flows.

Growing Job Market and Economic Opportunities


Clayton's economic landscape continues to expand, offering diverse employment opportunities both locally and within commuting distance.

Major Local Employers

Company Industry Employees Growth
Grifols Biotechnology 1,500+ Expanding
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals 1,200+ Hiring
Caterpillar Manufacturing 500+ Stable
Johnston Health Healthcare 400+ Growing

Broader Employment Access

Within a 35-minute drive, Clayton residents have access to Research Triangle Park, home to over 300 companies including:

  • Apple (new $1 billion campus with 3,000+ positions)
  • IBM
  • Cisco Systems
  • SAS Institute
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Biogen

Local Business Growth

Downtown Clayton has seen a 35% increase in new business openings since 2023, with particular growth in:

  • Professional services
  • Healthcare practices
  • Technology startups
  • Retail and hospitality

The town's economic development initiatives continue to attract businesses seeking lower operating costs with proximity to Raleigh's talent pool.

Top-Rated Education

Clayton's excellent schools make it a top choice for families with children, with options from pre-K through high school.

Public Schools

  • Riverwood Elementary School: Rated 8/10 by GreatSchools
  • Riverwood Middle School: Rated 7/10 by GreatSchools
  • Cleveland High School: Rated 8/10 by GreatSchools, with strong STEM and arts programs

Private and Charter Options

  • Johnston Charter Academy: Tuition-free public charter school with a rigorous curriculum
  • Southside Christian School: Faith-based private education with small class sizes
  • Cooper Academy: Project-based learning with technology integration

Higher Education Access

Clayton residents benefit from in-state tuition at North Carolina's prestigious universities:

  • North Carolina State University: 25 minutes
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: 50 minutes
  • Duke University: 45 minutes
  • Meredith College: 30 minutes
  • Wake Technical Community College: 20 minutes

Cost of Living Comparison

Clayton offers an affordable lifestyle compared to national averages and neighboring cities.

Cost Index (National Average = 100)

  • Overall Cost of Living: 92
  • Housing: 88
  • Groceries: 96
  • Healthcare: 94
  • Transportation: 95
  • Utilities: 98

A family earning $75,000 in Clayton would need approximately $92,000 to maintain the same lifestyle in Raleigh and $125,000 in Charlotte.

Lifestyle and Community


Clayton balances small-town charm with modern amenities and recreational opportunities.

Parks and Recreation

Outdoor Spaces

  • Clayton River Walk on the Neuse

    • 4-mile scenic greenway along the Neuse River
    • Connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
    • Perfect for walking, running, and cycling
  • East Clayton Community Park

    • Sports fields for soccer, baseball, and rugby
    • Walking trails through wooded areas
    • Modern playground equipment for all ages
  • Legend Park

    • Fenced dog park with separate areas for large/small dogs
    • Picnic shelters with grills
    • Open green spaces for family activities

Indoor Recreation

  • Clayton Community Center
    • Fitness equipment and classes
    • Basketball courts and indoor track
    • Regular community events and programs

Arts and Culture

  • The Clayton Center: Performing arts venue hosting concerts, plays, and events
  • Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation: Supporting local artists and musicians
  • Annual Clayton Sculpture Trail: Outdoor art installations throughout downtown
  • Harvest Festival: Clayton's signature fall event drawing 15,000+ visitors

Dining and Entertainment

Downtown Clayton has transformed into a vibrant district with:

  • 20+ locally-owned restaurants
  • Craft breweries including Deep River Brewing Company and Double Barley Brewing
  • Weekend farmers market featuring local produce and artisan goods
  • Evening concerts and outdoor movie nights during summer months

Weather and Climate

Clayton enjoys a moderate climate with four distinct seasons.

Seasonal Overview

  • Spring: Early arrival (mid-March) with average highs of 65-75°F
  • Summer: Hot and humid with average highs of 85-90°F
  • Fall: Extended pleasant season from September through November
  • Winter: Mild with average highs of 50-55°F and minimal snowfall (2" average annually)

The growing season extends from late March through early November, perfect for gardening enthusiasts.

Practical Moving Guide

Best Time to Move

  • Optimal Moving Months: April-May and September-October offer pleasant temperatures and avoid the summer humidity
  • School Timing: Johnston County schools typically start in late August

Essential Services Setup

  • Utilities: Town of Clayton (water/sewer), Duke Energy (electricity), Dominion Energy (natural gas)
  • Internet Providers: Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and CenturyLink
  • Waste Collection: Weekly town service included in property taxes

DMV and Registration

  • North Carolina Driver's License: Required within 60 days (Clayton DMV office on US-70)
  • Vehicle Registration: Required within 30 days of establishing residency
  • Property Tax Registration: Automatic with home purchase

Resident Perspectives

"We moved from Raleigh three years ago and got so much more house for our money. The schools are excellent, and we still get to enjoy Raleigh restaurants on weekends while living in a friendly community where we know our neighbors." - Sarah T., Riverwood resident

"As a remote worker, Clayton gives me the perfect balance. I have high-speed internet, coffee shops for a change of scenery, and easy access to RDU when I need to travel for business." - Marcus L., Downtown Clayton resident

"We relocated from Pennsylvania for my job at Novo Nordisk and were worried about finding a community. That concern disappeared within weeks—Clayton has the most welcoming people we've ever met." - Jennifer K., Flowers Plantation resident

Pros and Cons of Living in Clayton


âś… Pros

  • Housing Affordability
    More square footage and larger lots than Raleigh

  • Strong Community Feel
    Engaged residents and active neighborhood associations

  • Excellent Schools
    Above-average public education with multiple options

  • Strategic Location
    Small-town living with easy city access

  • Growing Job Market
    Both local opportunities and a reasonable commute to major employers

  • Outdoor Recreation
    Abundant green spaces and trail systems

  • Rising Property Values
    Consistent appreciation makes it a solid investment

⚠️ Cons

  • Summer Humidity
    July and August can be uncomfortably humid

  • Seasonal Allergies
    Spring pollen season is intense

  • Growing Pains
    Some infrastructure still catching up to population growth

  • Limited Public Transportation
    Car dependency for most residents

  • Fewer Shopping Options
    Major mall shopping requires driving to Raleigh

  • Construction Zones
    Ongoing development may affect some areas

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How do Clayton property taxes compare to Wake County?
A: Clayton property taxes (Johnston County) are approximately 15% lower than comparable properties in Wake County.

Q: Are there any age-restricted or 55+ communities in Clayton?
A: Yes, Flowers Plantation includes The Walk at Flowers Plantation, a 55+ active adult community with maintenance-free living and dedicated amenities.

Q: How is the healthcare system in Clayton?
A: Clayton is served by Johnston Health (part of UNC Health), with a modern medical facility in town and an entire hospital 15 minutes away in Smithfield. Major medical centers in Raleigh are within 30 minutes.

Q: What's the crime rate like in Clayton?
A: Clayton consistently ranks among the safest communities in North Carolina, with crime rates 40% below the national average and 25% below the state average.

Q: Is flooding a concern in Clayton?
A: While some areas near the Neuse River have designated flood zones, most residential developments in Clayton are built outside flood-prone areas. Always check FEMA flood maps when purchasing a property.

Moving to Clayton - The Bottom Line


Founded 1869 as a railroad town, Clayton has evolved into one of North Carolina's most desirable communities by blending historic charm with forward-thinking development. Its affordability, excellent schools, strategic location, and community spirit make it an ideal choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

The town's thoughtful growth management balances development with the preservation of Clayton's unique character, ensuring it remains a wonderful place to call home for years.

Ready to Make Clayton Your Home?

Our team has helped hundreds of families find their perfect Clayton property.

Call Us: (919) 249-8536
Contact Us
Search Clayton Homes for Sale: RaleighRealty.com/Clayton

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
Clayton Real Estate Market: Affordability Meets Value
02
Prime Location: The Perfect Balance
03
Growing Job Market and Economic Opportunities
04
Top-Rated Education
05
Cost of Living Comparison
06
Lifestyle and Community
07
Weather and Climate
08
Practical Moving Guide
09
Resident Perspectives
10
Pros and Cons of Living in Clayton
11
Frequently Asked Questions
12
Moving to Clayton - The Bottom Line

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