Why live in Clayton?A sense of community (concerts, events, and festivals) ~ parks, recreational facilities, golf courses, greenway and river walk ~ a thriving arts community ~ close proximity to RDU International Airport and the RTP ~ nightlife and entertainment options ~ unique local restaurants and retail shops ~ budget-friendly housing options ~ quality education options ~ state-of-the-art health care facilities ~ a local farmer's market ~ and so much more.
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Welcome to Clayton.
Located just outside of Raleigh, North Carolina and the Research Triangle Park (RTP), Clayton is the largest town in Johnston County with a population just below 30,000 (2019 U.S. Census estimate). According to North Carolina's Office of Budget and Management, Johnston County is currently projected to be the fastest-growing county in North Carolina over the next ten years. Below is a glimpse of the beauty and charm the Town of Clayton has to offer.
The Clayton Center / Town Hall
Clayton Community Center
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Horne Square / Sculpture Trail
Main Street, Downtown Clayton
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Neuse River in Clayton, NC
Historic Robertson Mule Co. Building
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Town of Clayton Water Tower
The Clayton Library
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A true gem in North Carolina.
Clayton is only about a 25-minute drive to the state capital in Raleigh and about a 35- or 40-minute drive to the RTP. Clayton is near Interstates 40 and 95 and U.S. 70 (U.S. 70 has been approved to become Interstate 42 by the end of 2022), and is a 35-40 minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). RDU services nine major airlines and flying to 50 nonstop destinations on 400+ daily flights. Affordable housing options, great schools, and diverse arts and recreation options make Clayton the perfect place to live if you are looking to work within one of Clayton's own expanding business sectors (manufacturing, bio-pharmaceutical, health care, etc.). And Clayton's proximity to major highways, particularly the future Southeast Extension of the Triangle Expressway (I-540), make Clayton a first-choice commute if you plan to work in the nearby RTP area, but desire smaller town living. Clayton's best asset, however, will never show up in the numbers. What makes Clayton a true gem is its small town heart and wonderful sense of community.
Resources for Clayton residents.
If you are or thinking about becoming a resident of Clayton, North Carolina, the following is a list of helpful resources. Click on the (+) next to each category to read more.
Click here to find all recent Clayton Town Council Meeting agendas and videos.
Click here to view all Johnston County Board of Commissioners past meeting minutes and upcoming meeting agendas.
Click here to find all recent Clayton Town Council Meeting agendas and videos.
Click here to view all Johnston County Board of Commissioners past meeting minutes and upcoming meeting agendas.
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arts / MUSIC
Clayton is a burgeoning artists’ community. The visual and performing arts continue to grow as citizens find more reasons to stay in town for entertainment. The Clayton Center The Clayton Center, which features a 600-seat auditorium, was renovated from the former Clayton school buildings into a state-of-the-art performance and conference center. The auditorium is home to a professional performance series that runs between October and May annually. The center has hosted performances by entertainers such as Kathy Mattea and Doc Watson. The conference center has quickly become a destination for both the businesses and civic communities around the region, playing host to a broad spectrum of events from weddings to expos to homeowner’s association meetings and religious services. The auditorium is also rented to local groups for pageants, concerts and presentations. The Conference Center is a destination for both the businesses and civic communities around the region. It’s also home to visual artist exhibitions throughout the year. For more information, visit www.theclaytoncenter.com. Clayton Visual Arts (CVA) Clayton Visual Arts is a private, nonprofit arts agency for Clayton. The council supports quality arts programs and projects throughout the county and within area schools, promotes and sponsors local arts events, and advocates the arts as a part of everyday life in Clayton. For more information, visit CVA's website at www.claytonvisualarts.org. Town Square Concert Series The Clayton Downtown Development Association sponsors the Town Square Concert Series the third Thursday of each month from May through September, featuring popular bands. Visit their website at www.downtownclayton.org. business sectors
There are 8 Clayton, NC Business Districts:
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Clayton Women in Networking Founded in April 2012, Clayton WIN was created to give the women members of the Clayton business community an outlet for ingenuity and philanthropy. As a Member you will participate in promoting business and economic development, increasing civic awareness and community involvement, and support Member businesses throughout Clayton and surrounding areas. Clayton Women in Networking (WIN) was formed for the purpose of encouraging, motivating and empowering women business owners in Clayton and surrounding communities. It is our desire to recruit additional women Chamber members through participation in WIN events and activities. Learn more HERE. Clayton Rotary Club Our Mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Rotary membership provides the opportunity to become connected to your community. To work with others in addressing community needs. To interact with other professionals in your community and establish contacts with an international network of professionals. To develop leadership skills. Learn more HERE. The Woman's Club of Clayton The Woman’s Club of Clayton (TWCC) was originally founded on October 18, 1918 and has been providing service to the Clayton community for more than 100 years. TWCC is a non-profit, 501(c)3 philanthropic organization and is a federated club of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs. TWCC is made up of women who share a common goal: to work together to improve our local community, socially, physically, culturally, and educationally. Please consider joining us and helping us serve those in need of assistance. Learn more HERE. EDUCATION
Public Education
Johnston County Schools is comprised of 46 schools that serve over 37,000 students from kindergarten through grade 12. The Clayton area includes: West Clayton Elementary, East Clayton Elementary, Cooper Academy, Powhatan Elementary, Riverwood Elementary and River Dell Elementary schools serving grades K-5; Clayton Middle School, Archer Lodge Middle School and Riverwood Middle School, serving grades 6-8; and Clayton High School, Corinth Holders High School and Cleveland High School, serving grades 9-12. All schools are accredited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. Higher Education
Clayton residents enjoy a wide range of higher educational choices. Closest to the area is the award-wining Johnston Community College in Smithfield, NC. Serving more than 13,000 students with an annual budget of $400 million, it awards associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas to students pursuing college transfer, occupational, technical, and continuing education opportunities. Clayton is also only a 30-60 minute drive to several private colleges such as Campbell University, Barton College, Shaw University, Meredith College, and North Carolina Wesleyan College, as well as internationally-recognized universities in the Research Triangle Park area such as Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University (NC State). FESTIVALS / HOLIDAY EVENTS / PARADES
Clayton Harvest Festival In October/November, the Clayton Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Clayton Harvest Festival featuring amusements, an antique car show, BBQ competition, arts & crafts and many food vendors. You can find information here. Clayton Fear Farm and Christmas Lights on the Neuse Boyette Farms offers visitors on the farm agri-tainment activities with the Clayton Fear Farm with day visits suitable for small children and the Christmas Lights on the Neuse offering hayrides among the lights down to the Neuse River. 4th of July Square to Square Celebration The Town of Clayton holds an annual 4th of July celebration. You can find information here. Christmas Village and Tree Lighting The Town of Clayton holds an annual Christmas Village and Tree Lighting. You can find information here. Christmas Parade The Clayton Rotary sponsors the Clayton Christmas Parade on the second Saturday of December. You can find more information here. GOVERNMENT / UTILITIES / PUBLIC WORKS / POLICE / FIRE
HEALTH CARE
Johnston Health Clayton Johnston Health Clayton, our full-service hospital serving Clayton and the fast-growing communities of northern and western Johnston County. With the opening of our three-story wing in January 2015, we are offering inpatient care for the sick and injured, and expanded services such as labor and delivery. Our new wing is designed for comfort. All 50 patient rooms are private and have flat screen TVs, large windows to the outdoors and en suite bathrooms designed with safety in mind. For the comfort, too, of overnight guests, the rooms also have either a pull-down bed or a futon. There’s room service, too. Patients can select and order their entrees from a menu. All of the meals are in keeping with diets prescribed by physicians. Visitors are welcome to dine in our café, which features a pizza oven, a fresh soup and salad bar, a grill and deli station. There’s also a pharmacy, a chapel for meditation and an outdoor garden for quiet reflection. Johnston Health Clayton opened in October 2009 with a 24/7 emergency department and outpatient services of the hospital’s core departments: lab, imaging and surgery. Our experienced and highly trained doctors and nurses will build upon the hospital’s established reputation for service and quality care. Learn more HERE. Visit the healthcare section of the CCOC Directory to view a full list of primary care and specialty doctors. HOUSING
For a full list of apartment complex's and realty resources, visit the CCOC directory and explore the Real Estate/moving/storage category. MOUNTAIN TO SEA TRAIL / Greenway / RIVERWALK
Mountains-To-Sea Trail The Mountains-To-Sea Trail is a statewide project that, when completed, will be a 1,000-mile trail from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smokey mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Sam’s Branch Greenway Sam’s Branch Greenway is a 1.5-mile paved trail accessible by a trailhead located on O’Neil Street. The Greenway Trail links Clayton to the Mountains-To-Sea Trail along the Neuse River. NIGHTLIFE
For more information, visit the Nightlife/Live Music/Karaoke category of the CCOC directory. PARKS / RECREATION / SPORTS
There’s something for everyone in Clayton. From the arts to the outdoors, the area offers activities for visitors and citizens of every age.
Clayton Parks and Recreation The Clayton Parks and Recreation Department offers year-round programs for all age groups. Youth and adult athletic leagues, special events (including the annual Fourth of July celebration) and a wide variety of self-improvement classes are offered. The Clayton Community Center The Clayton Community Center, located at 715 Amelia Church Road, is a new 32,000-square-foot facility that offers a full-size gymnasium with basketball and volleyball programs for all age groups. Above the gym floor is a cushioned track that is available for walking or jogging any time the facility is open. Also in the center are dedicated rooms for pottery, arts and a multi-purpose floor for exercise, dance and martial arts classes. A variety of classes and camps are held in the facility throughout the year. Registration for youth and adult athletic programs are also held at the center. Public Parks Parks and Recreation also maintains several public parks. Clayton Community Park on Amelia Church Road is a 42-acre park that has multiple recreation opportunities. Included are a field house, picnic area and playground, championship tennis courts, three softball and youth soccer fields and a paved trail for hiking, jogging and biking. Municipal Park on Stallings Street features a volleyball court and horseshoe pits, as well as a playground, a basketball court, a tennis court, a ball field and a picnic and shelter area. Legend Field, located on City Road, provides a baseball and softball field and a premier mountain bike trail that is popular with riders in Clayton and throughout the Triangle area. Front Street Park has a playground area and a basketball court. East Clayton Community Park is a 66-acre park on Glen Laurel Road. The park has regulation baseball and soccer fields along with a large multi-purpose field, one-mile walking trail, picnic shelter, and dog park. There will be a disc golf course and a universal playground on this site in the near future. East Clayton Community Park is also the new home of the Clayton Clovers Baseball Club, a collegiate summer league team featuring some of the nation's best collegiate baseball players. Clemmons Educational State Forest offers educational programs, nature trails, camping, hiking and picnic facilities. RESTAURANTS
The town boasts a wide variety of establishments from fine dining to catering companies to food trucks to fast food to ethnic cuisine; there is something for everyone. Check out the Restaurant category on the CCOC Directory page for more information. SHOPPING
Clayton offers shoppers a wide range of retail and service centers through-out town. Visit the Retail section of the CCOC Directory for more information. U.S. Business 70 Along U.S. Business 70, shopping options range from large discount retailers to small specialty, jewelry and clothing shops. Hair and nail salons, day spas and other professional services are readily available. Shoppers will find new and used furniture, women’s clothing, home interiors and more tucked in the shopping centers that line the major thoroughfare. Downtown Clayton also features a vibrant downtown shopping district. Along Main Street and the surrounding streets, shoppers can find gifts, an art gallery, art frame shop, new furniture, jewelry, printing services, garden and office supplies, cake decorating and party supplies, hair and nail supplies, restaurants and professional offices. Local Farmer's Market The Clayton Farm and Community Market opens seasonally April to October offering farm-fresh produce, flowers, arts & crafts, local honey and much more. The market is located on the Horne Square at the corner of Lombard and Main Street. Learn more at http://cfcmnc.org Riverwood Coming soon. Hwy 42/Flowers Plantation Coming soon. |
A brief history of Clayton.
The Town of Clayton had its beginnings in the early 1700s. Originally known as Stallings’ Station, a depot along the North Carolina Railroad, it mostly consisted of several small stores that served the rural area. The first post office, built in 1845, was located just southeast of its present site under the name of Gulley’s Store. It was officially renamed Clayton in 1856. The railroad was a critical resource during the Civil War. When Raleigh surrendered to Union General Tecumseh Sherman in 1865, the negotiation occurred on the railroad tracks in Clayton near the O’Neil Street crossing. Following the Civil War, Clayton saw a surge of activity. Agricultural production increased and new markets formed both locally and regionally. The Town of Clayton was incorporated in 1869 and has since become a dynamic, thriving community that has grown into the largest town in Johnston County.
