December 22, 2025
There’s no question that Raleigh, NC, is a great place to live. The North Carolina capital shows up on national lists of best cities in America. But if you’d like to explore life in a Raleigh suburb, New Home Inc. has 9 reasons to move to Clayton, NC.
Let’s first take a glimpse of Clayton. The population of nearly 33,000 represents 24% growth in just five years, making it one of the fastest growing towns in Johnston County. Clearly, the benefits of living in Clayton are no longer a secret.
The town sits 14 miles southeast of Raleigh, in neighboring Johnston County. You can get to Downtown Raleigh in 25 minutes and the Research Triangle Park in 35 minutes. Whether you’re commuting to and from work or just want to zip into the city when you feel like it, starting from home in Clayton is very convenient. And you can take major roadways to get there—I-40, I-540, I-95, and US-70. The recently completed 540 Loop circles around the perimeter of Raleigh, making it easier to get to your specific location in the city.
When you need to catch a flight or pick up a traveler, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 40-minute drive from Clayton.
In addition to proximity to Raleigh, Clayton is close to other popular suburbs, including Fuquay-Varina, Smithfield, Apex, Holly Springs, and Garner. Each of these cities and towns offers its own unique character.
Clayton is affordable. The cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. Housing, the biggest factor, is 29% lower, with median home prices at $371,000. And if you’re also looking at new homes for sale near Raleigh, NC, in Wake County—where Raleigh is located—take note that property tax is lower in Johnston County.
The population growth here has sparked new home construction. When you’re searching for new homes for sale in Clayton, NC, you’ll find some communities as well as custom homes. Cattail is a new development on Cattail Lake, with lakefront and lakeside homes, and very spacious yards. New homes are under construction here—just a short drive from Downtown Clayton—as well as a variety of homesites where you can build your new home.
From pre-k through college. Johnston County is known for placing a priority on education, and Clayton reflects that commitment. The graduation rate has risen by more than 13% over the past four years (to 93.4%), as the district has worked hard to keep up with the population growth. The faculty includes nearly 260 nationally board-certified teachers. Families appreciate the choice of 52 schools, which includes public, charter, and private.
Riverwood Elementary earned a perfect “10” from GreatSchools and provides a Gifted & Talented Program. Cleveland High School in Clayton has received the College Success Award from GreatSchools for preparing students to continue their education.
The Clayton area is also home to highly rated institutions of higher learning. Only 15 miles from Clayton, North Carolina State University at Raleigh is considered one of the best public universities in America.
Johnston Community College in nearby Smithfield has a strong curriculum in such key areas as healthcare, industrial technology, and business administration.
Just a bit farther, four-year universities include Duke University in Durham, North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Fayetteville State University. In-state tuition is also affordable for Clayton residents!
Are you looking to get away from urban life? Do you get frustrated searching for a parking space? And would you like to feel part of a community?
The small town vibe has grown in popularity—which could explain the similar rise in Clayton’s appeal. Here’s a town where you know your neighbors and business owners. Where you can walk into a coffee shop and the barista already knows your order. When you attend one of the town’s many events, you’ll be among people you know.
There’s a comfort to living in a small town like this—a sense of security that comes with familiarity within a close-knit community. When you need help, it’s close by, like finding a lost pet or borrowing something you need. You experience a slower pace to your life, with low crime rates, minimal traffic, and peaceful surroundings. And your kids grow up with lifelong friends.
Small towns are also likely to have their own hometown happenings. Clayton community events—including the popular Clayton Harvest Festival—bring people together throughout the year. Downtown Movie Night, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, and a full slate of winter holiday activities show off the town’s spirit of fun and togetherness.
One of the top 9 reasons to move to Clayton, NC, according to residents, is the very walkable downtown district. Here you’ll find block after block of one-of-a-kind places. Wander around and pop into the locally owned shops to see what’s new on the shelves. Treat yourself to coffee, ice cream, dessert, or a meal at one of the eateries or grab a pint at a craft brewery. Catch a movie, browse an art gallery, or take in a concert or live performance. It’s all available to you along Main Street.
When the sun goes down, the night life kicks in. Bars, pubs, and craft breweries provide the spirits. Then venture on to any one of the live music venues. Or, step out of the bar and walk around the Clayton Social District with your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail. Meet up with friends or just wander through the district’s shops.
Clayton is a small town in size but very large in the ways to enjoy the downtown district.
North Carolina’s temperate climate makes it enjoyable to get outside and indulge in your favorite recreational activities. Walking, hiking, biking, fishing, golf (including disc golf), tennis, pickleball, team sports, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding—they’re all available in Clayton.
The town maintains a network of parks with athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, and trails. The Clayton Community Center is a 32,000-square-foot facility equipped with a fitness center, indoor walking track, and gymnasium. Outside, take your pick of eight pickleball courts, four tennis courts, six bocce ball courts, and six shuffleboard courts. You might want to join up in one (or more) of the youth or adult athletic leagues, too.
When you feel like taking in a scenic view while getting your exercise, the Clayton River Walk on The Neuse is a place you’ll never get tired of. Walk, jog, or ride your bike on the four-mile paved trail. The natural surroundings give you the perfect backdrop for a picnic on the Neuse River. Want to keep going? The River Walk connects with Sam’s Branch Greenway.
Head out a few miles beyond Downtown Clayton to Cattail Lake, an 80-acre pristine lake. Walk or ride around the 2.5 miles of shoreline for one of the prettiest views in Clayton!
Whatever your appetite is craving, you can satisfy it in Clayton. From casual to fine dining, a quick snack to a five-course experience, pub fare to your favorite ethnic cuisine, it’s all on the menu in Clayton’s restaurants. In all, Clayton has nearly 120 restaurants.
Manning’s Restaurant is chef-owned by Carolina native Howard Manning, who brings his love of Southern cuisine to the popular eatery. Steak lovers love the Clayton Steakhouse, one of the many locally owned businesses in Downtown Clayton. For casual dining, locals are regulars at Sak’s Deli, Skylines Cafe & Bar, Jones Cafe, The Grocery Bag, Char-Grill, Tavern 42, and the Clayton Bakery & Cafe. You’ll find pizza places, international cuisine, coffee shops with expert baristas, ice cream parlors where they make their creamy creations right there, and bakeries that will always have the right sugar fix for you.
Dining out is never a problem for Clayton residents—unless they just can’t decide which place to choose!
When the lights go down (or even before then), Clayton’s nightlife kicks in. Although we’ve made this one #8 of the 9 reasons to move to Clayton, NC, it’s just as important as all the others, particularly to some residents.
Getting together with friends in a casual atmosphere is easy when you’re living in Clayton. Sit inside a pub or tavern or outside under the stars. Sip on ciders and craft brews, your favorite spirits, and wine. Take your pick of about 12 different places to grab a drink in Clayton.
Deep River Brewing Company is the hometown brewery, making it a popular favorite. First Street Tavern in Downtown Clayton feels like sitting in a friend’s backyard. There’s a full bar menu that includes food, all served by a friendly staff. The Cardinal Bar is “that place” where you gather with friends, shoot pool, dance, do karaoke, fill up on their signature hot dogs, and spend a memorable evening, indoors or out. Cleveland Draft House and Vinson’s Pub & Eateryadd more options for a mouthwatering meal to go with your brews.
Don’t confuse LaDiDa Wine Bar & Bottle Shop for a liquor store (although you can certainly purchase bottles there). It’s the place to go for date night or an evening with friends, where you can relax and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. LaDiDa often hosts events, like wine tastings, book club meetings, music bingo, and live entertainment.
If you love exploring distilled drinks, check out the library wall of more than 300 whiskies and spirits at Revival 1869. Pair your cocktail of choice with charcuterie made with locally sourced cured meats and artisan cheeses. Then, sit back and unwind with the smooth sounds of live jazz music. Church Street Spirits & Cocktails is another Clayton favorite for nightlife entertainment.
We’ve covered many of the things to do in Clayton. But we absolutely must include the cultural component as one of the 9 reasons to move to Clayton, NC. The Johnston County town welcomes art aficionados to take in the culture scene here.
The Clayton Center is at the heart of it all. Start with the 600-seat theater, where you can watch live performances of music, dance, and theater. This hub of local culture also features galleries, studios, and classrooms for art learning.
Public art is integral to Clayton’s cultural landscape. Follow the Clayton Sculpture Trail to view 13 outdoor art pieces installed at locations throughout the town. Every year, the juried exhibit features art from different artists, keeping the trail like a living work of art!
Clayton’s historic architecture alone is a reason to visit. Walk through the streets of Downtown Clayton and look up to see exceptional building designs, along with plaques that identify the heritage of the buildings and the activities that took place here.
In addition to these places, you can take in live music at the local pubs, learn new arts and crafts at local studios, and study the style of music or dance that you want. Clayton will certainly fulfill your artful nature.
If these 9 reasons to move to Clayton, NC, have convinced you, how about looking at where your new home will be in the town?
Perhaps Cattail is the right fit as your new community. This new development is underway on the shores of Cattail Lake, encompassing 575 wooded acres that have been in one family for generations.
The legacy of the land at Cattail has inspired the developers to create a community unlike any other in the region. Here are some of the features that distinguish Cattail from other neighborhoods:
Living in Clayton at Cattail Lake will provide you with all the advantages of Clayton as your hometown, plus the lakeside lifestyle that only Cattail residents can experience.
Plan a trip to discover the appeal of Clayton for yourself, and be sure to include Cattail on your itinerary. A few homes are currently under construction. Choosing one of the quick move-in homes at The Preserve and The Peninsula will make you one of the founding members of the Cattail community. Contact the new home specialists of Cattail to get more information about the newest of the new homes for sale in Clayton, NC.