May 16, 2025
One of the greatest advantages of choosing the Raleigh, NC, area to live is the vast choice of cities and towns. You can choose urban living, Southern style, or something more suburban or rural. And all of it is within easy reach of Raleigh. One more opportunity has arrived. Now, you can explore living in Clayton, NC, at Cattail Lake.
Sitting on the 80-acre lake is the new premier community of Cattail. Construction has begun on the first new homes on Cattail Lake. Gradually, as Cattail grows, the neighborhood will have nearly 300 homes, with 50 of them positioned on the lake or with views of this natural serenity.
The developers of Cattail built on their idea of The Cattail Lifestyle. They chose to give residents spacious living, both in the size of the homesites and the homes themselves. The lots range from half an acre to more than 3 acres. The homes, which will be built by only the 4 builders selected, offer single-level and multi-story styles, from 1,871 to 4,700 square feet, or larger if you prefer. With the many custom options among the builders, you create the home of your dreams in a community unlike any other in the region.
Although smaller than many master-planned communities, Cattail reflects the ambience of this lifestyle choice. A town within a town, a community by every definition of the word. As Cattail grows, residents move in and are welcomed by the others who have been here since the very beginning. It’s all new. They shape the atmosphere here from the foundation set by the developers
The history of the land inspired this desire to develop a close community. Many years ago, a young boy came to the lake with his grandfather, whose family had owned these acres for generations. The little boy, now grown, has fond memories of the two of them fishing in Cattail Lake. He wants this property to create a place for others to build memories, like fishing in the lake or friendships that grow among neighbors. As the children who move into Cattail grow up, they will share those memories with others, and the Cattail legacy will continue.
Cattail will be a friendly place for people who share a love of nature, of living near a lake where they can enjoy anything from fishing and paddling to taking in the view at sunset from their private dock.
The clubhouse design reflects both the area’s rustic atmosphere and the community’s resort feel. This spacious center features a variety of rooms to give residents a place for any type of gathering. Use the clubhouse for casual get-togethers, club meetings, parties, or even a quiet place to read, work, or relax.
Cool off in the resort-style community pool—complete with a bath house and cabanas—and take in the view of Cattail Lake just beyond. Or revel in the scenery from the shade of one of the pergolas. Unpack a picnic on one of the private patios. The patios’ fireplaces let you warm up a bit from the slight Carolina chill or add s’mores to your picnic menu. Cattail’s fire pits present an inviting place to gather with friends and family, or sit quietly to reflect on the serene surroundings of the lifestyle you’ve chosen.
The paved paths winding through Cattail make it easy to walk or ride your golf cart. The great outdoors are part of Cattail, wherever you go. Maybe you’ll want to follow a path to the multi-use field outside the clubhouse. The outdoor venue is ideal for parties, concerts, events, lawn games, and picnics. Start up a flag football game on the field, gather with friends for outdoor tai chi or yoga. Bring your dogs so they can make friends, too. This feature is another reminder that a community gathers together.
There’s plenty to do right at home for anyone living at Cattail. But just minutes from the entry, you can explore the town centers and commercial districts at two popular master-planned communities in Clayton, NC—Flowers Plantation and Wendell Falls. There’s always an ample supply of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The close proximity is a welcome convenience to venture out and about in the area. Then again, leaving the bustle behind is the pleasure of living in Clayton, NC at Cattail.
Cattail comprises 2 enclaves, The Peninsula at Cattail and The Preserve at Cattail.
Some of the new homes on Cattail Lake are located in The Peninsula at Cattail. This area of the neighborhood is being developed by the 4 builders who were selected exclusively for their expertise and understanding of the goals:
The Peninsula at Cattail is limited to 26 homes. Nine of these custom homes in Clayton, NC, sit on the lake, and another 9 have lakeside views. The remainder are being built on 2 cul-de-sacs within walking distance of the shore.
Some of the builders have new homes currently under construction within The Peninsula at Cattail. You could soon become one of the very first residents! The quick move-in homes have been designed with the attention to detail that distinguishes the craftsmanship of the builders. Prices start in the mid-$700,000s.
Deeper into the community, The Preserve at Cattail offers 25 homes in the first phase. The enclave is designed as a cul-de-sac, enhancing privacy. The lot sizes are as varied as in The Peninsula at Cattail, so you can choose the homesite that is the perfect frame for your new home.
New Home Inc. is building all of the homes in this phase of The Preserve at Cattail. They’re currently building a model home at the entry. When completed, the showcase home will serve as a sales center for New Home Inc.’s properties throughout Cattail.
Home prices at The Preserve at Cattail start in the mid-$500,000s.
Living in Clayton, NC, at Cattail Lake presents all the advantages we’ve already shared here. But why should you even choose this area?
Start with the great location. Clayton is just 14 miles southeast of Raleigh, making it an easy drive to the city. And it’s the fastest growing town in Johnston County, having grown nearly 22% in just 5 years to a current population of 32,564—twice the number of people who were living there in 2000. It’s no surprise then that Johnston County is the fastest growing one in the entire state. Clayton was recently listed as one of North Carolina’s top 5 booming housing markets.
While the growth is exciting, even more impressive is the way the townspeople have welcomed the expansion and the influx of newcomers, while managing to keep the small town feel.
Walk through Clayton’s historic downtown district and discover the beauty of the architecture that has been preserved. Informative plaques let you take a self-guided tour to appreciate Clayton’s past while experiencing the present. Browse the locally owned shops and dine at the various eateries—from cafes and bistros to gourmet cuisine—and finish with your favorite beverage at one of the bars or tempting dessert from a Clayton bakery.
All year long, Downtown Clayton hosts community events, often in the Town Square, that bring people together. Outdoor movie night, concerts, holiday celebrations, and the ever-popular Clayton Harvest Festival turn the cozy downtown into a lively hub of music, food, and fun.
Another reason to head downtown is the freshness you can find at the Clayton Farm & Community Market. Held outdoors every Saturday on East Main Street, this popular community event brings together local farmers, bakers, and artisans with shoppers from throughout the region. The Clayton Farm & Community Market is the place to find fresh foods and flowers, and one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items.
Clayton is the perfect hometown for people who love to get outside, for exercise, recreation, or just to enjoy the temperate climate.
Follow Clayton River Walk on the Neuse—all or just some of the 4-mile stretch—on foot or bike. The trail winds along with the Neuse River, adding a scenic view to your trip. The Clayton River Walk is part of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, which currently stretches 675 miles but will ultimately cover 1,400 miles.
Another Clayton recreational gem is the Clayton Community Center, a popular place for Clayton’s residents. The 32,000-square-foot center has a massive fitness center and gymnasium where people also get their workouts playing pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. Outside the Clayton Community Center, take your pick of courts at the Clayton Community Park: 8 pickleball courts, 6 bocce ball courts, 6 shuffleboard courts, and 4 tennis courts.
The new East Clayton Community Park is a welcome addition to Clayton’s Parks and Recreation facilities. The Harmony Playground here is designed for kids of all ages, which includes adults and people with disabilities! The disc golf course, multi-use fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, running track, and dog park complete the 66-acre park.
Just up the road from the East Clayton Community Park is the Neuse Country Club, which features a meticulously maintained, 18-hole golf course. The course has been ranked one of the top 5 in North Carolina, a state known for exceptional golf facilities.
At the Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton, you can expand your love of the outdoors with some fascinating insights into the natural habitat and everything living there. Don’t tell the kids it’s educational. They’ll have fun on the guided tours and with hands-on activities while secretly gaining knowledge that will stay with them for years to come.
Culture is an inherent feature throughout Clayton. The Clayton Center is at the heart of it all, providing the town with a theatre, classroom building, and conference center that’s available for public and private events. The Clayton Center hosts dance, theater, and musical performances across many genres in its historical building in Downtown Clayton. The Student Stage Series welcomes young performers and encourages them to experience the excitement of performing arts from a young age.
Another distinctive Clayton cultural feature are the public art spaces. The Clayton Sculpture Trail displays the works of North Carolina artists in locations throughout the town. The exhibits change annually, giving more artists the chance to be represented and more aficionados the opportunity to enjoy the versatility.
Sam’s Branch Greenway carries on the commitment to artistry in Clayton. Murals span most of the 1.25-mile paved, pedestrian and biking trail. The trail now connects to the Clayton River Walk along the Neuse River, so you can keep going at the end of Sam’s Branch Greenway, if you have the energy. The pairing of art appreciation and outdoor recreation is a clear indication of what living in Clayton, NC, is all about!
Clayton’s growth isn’t just the result of people flocking here for the quality of life. The town’s economic development team has actively worked to bring new businesses. The Clayton, NC, job market grows year over year. Most recently, global corporations have established operations here—Caterpillar, Bayer, Novo Nordisk, and Grifols to name a few—adding more jobs.
Choose living in Clayton, NC, and you benefit from the convenient location, diverse amenities, friendly atmosphere, vibrant job market, and good schools. Better yet, you can live here affordably. The cost of living in Clayton, NC, is 12% lower than the national average.
If you’ve been searching for master planned communities near Raleigh, Cattail is within your sphere. The new homes on Cattail Lake, close to Flowers Plantation and Wendell Falls, will feature custom homes in Clayton NC, one of the fastest growing towns in North Carolina. Contact Cattail’s exclusive builders to learn more about the quick move-in and custom homes coming to this desirable Raleigh suburb.