January 22, 2026
Small towns have always appealed to a certain group of people. In recent years, that number is growing steadily…and rapidly. As homebuyers migrate away from cities, small town living in Clayton, NC, is thriving near Raleigh.
Situated in Johnston County, Clayton is just 14 miles southeast of Raleigh, an easy drive along major roadways. And when you reach Raleigh, follow the new I-540 Loop that runs around the perimeter of the city and offers plenty of exits to reach the part of Raleigh you want. So, whether you’re commuting from Clayton to Raleigh or just heading to the city for urban action, you can get there in about 25 minutes.
Clayton is also close to other Johnston County suburbs worth visiting. Fuquay-Varina and Smithfield, for example, have downtown districts with a variety of things to do. Neighboring Wake County, where Raleigh is located, includes some large Raleigh suburbs, most notably, Apex and Cary.
But, let’s go back to Clayton. Since 2020, the population has risen nearly 28%, from 29,000 to 37,000 residents. In 2010, Clayton was home to 16,307 people, meaning the town has more than doubled in size in just 15 years. These numbers have moved Clayton to top of the list of fastest growing towns in Johnston County. In comparison to Raleigh suburbs with upwards of 60,000 people, Clayton is still considered a small town. And it’s not the population, but the quality of life found here.
Homebuyers are trending toward moving to small towns, for many reasons.
Since the pandemic, people have been looking for more space, which isn’t available or affordable in cities, including large suburbs. After experiencing the claustrophobic effects of sheltering in place, people emerged from their homes with a new view and a new objective: more space. This freedom could require a larger home, a larger yard, or both. Whatever the goal, fulfilling that dream is an expensive undertaking in cities. Imagine trying to find a home with an acre or more in downtown Raleigh. And what do you think it would cost if you could even find that treasure? Figure at least a million dollars.
Which leads us to the next reason people choose small town life.
Put simply, you can afford to live larger in a small town than in a city or big suburb. Taxes are often lower, because there’s less infrastructure to support. And housing prices are certainly lower than in the urban and large suburban areas.
Clayton is the perfect example. The cost of living in Clayton is 8% lower than the national average. That covers everything, from the cost of groceries and utilities to homes. Clayton is in Johnston County, right next to Wake County, which is home to Raleigh, Apex, and Cary. Median property tax in Johnston County is currently $1,128, compared to $1,793 in Wake County—nearly 60% difference!
Small towns have earned the reputation for being close knit. Residents get to know each other when the town is less crowded. And the stronger community connections extend to the people who own the businesses in town, the teachers and staff at the schools, and the town employees. You run into each other when you stop by your favorite cafe, attend a town event, pop into the library, or just run errands around your hometown.
Families are more likely to become friends with their neighbors within the safe feel of a small town. Children grow up together, attending the same schools, playing on teams, and participating in activities that lead to lifelong friendships.
Residents look out for one another, too. In a small town, you shouldn’t be surprised to have people help their elderly neighbors, pitch in for food drives, and show up when extra hands are needed. It’s this sense of community that attracts people who prefer not to be isolated within the large population of strangers in a big city.
Small towns with a growing population attract entrepreneurs. It’s more affordable to open a new business or add an extra location, and there’s less competition than in a city. As a result, you’ll see more locally owned businesses coming to town, and with them comes more unique offerings. While suburbs are hot beds for big box stores and nationally franchised chains, you won’t find the same old thing in a small town.
Imagine walking through the downtown district of your hometown and finding tempting menus for everything from fine dining to homemade ice cream and cupcakes. Think about the boutiques, salons, galleries, shops, pubs, clubs, and entertainment venues that are owned and run by people right in your town. You’re not a customer, but a welcomed guest, because these entrepreneurial spirits treat you that way.
Downtown Clayton is the quintessential small town commercial district. Walk along the streets and side streets that span for blocks. Pop in and say, “Hi” and you’ll get a warm welcome in return. Your barista remembers your order, the ice cream parlor staff knows your family, and the shop owners steer you to the exact items that match your taste. All of this is a big reason why small town living in Clayton, NC, is thriving near Raleigh. It just feels like home.
If you’ve ever sat in line at a traffic light, watching it go from red to green and back again while you inch forward, you know the frustration of getting around a city. Then, there’s the added frustration of finding a parking space—and paying for the privilege.
Small towns don’t have anything close to a traffic jam. You might end up sitting behind one or two vehicles. And parking is often readily available. You won’t have to circle the block over and over or sit with your turn signal blinking away as you wait for a space to open up.
Parking in Downtown Clayton isn’t just available, but it’s also free in the many lots there.
Clayton’s town leadership is also committed to providing safety for pedestrians. You and your family won’t be dodging anxious drivers!
Work-from-home (WFH) has given workers the freedom to live where they want, without demanding close proximity to a physical office. Choosing where you want to live instead of where you need to live allows people to look at places that better fit their lifestyle. You experience a better quality of life, with more ability to do what you want during non-work hours.
You can choose to surround yourself with more natural scenery and comforting views. Take a break from work and step into a large backyard or take a bike ride or walk along nearby nature trails. Grab lunch at your favorite eatery without standing in line or hearing the noise of the city.
And while high-speed internet used to be a concern for home office workers, communities have invested in upgrades. Clayton already offers fiber internet service to residents. And with the Comprehensive Growth Plan in place, residents will see even more improvements to an already modern infrastructure.
There’s nothing like a small town celebration. The activities are designed to be fun for all ages, parking is readily available (and you don’t have to walk a mile), and the prices are so reasonable! Plus, the vendors are usually local, so you’re supporting their business and the economy.
In Clayton, you’ll have your pick of community events. Some of the popular annual events include the Harvest Festival, Easter Egg Hunt, and month-long Christmas In Clayton activities. Every Saturday, the Clayton Farm & Community Market brings local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and crafts to East Main Street. Not only can you meet the local growers and artisans, but you’ll catch up with friends and neighbors who also appreciate this one-of-a-kind local event.
What do you want to have in your hometown? If it’s proximity to everything from quality education and healthcare to a wide range of entertainment and recreation options, Clayton fits. Do you need a modern infrastructure with progressive plans for the future? That’s Clayton, too.
For first-time homebuyers to growing families to empty-nesters, small town living in Clayton, NC, is thriving near Raleigh.
Downtown Clayton is a walkable area with an inviting variety of things to do. Shop, dine, drink, and play. Take in a performance at The Clayton Center, a historic building that serves as the cultural hub of the town, which includes classes, exhibits, and a 600-seat auditorium.
Clayton’s social district covers a wide area of downtown. Sip your favorite adult beverage as you walk from place to place. Perfect for date night! From one block to the next, you’ll discover hometown offerings that are unique to Clayton. Local flavor found in Downtown Clayton comes in the form of food, brews, desserts, home decor, produce, beverages, clothing, gifts, and so much more.
The 14 schools in the Clayton School District provide a well-rounded education at every grade level. The town’s commitment to delivering a quality educational experience is demonstrated in the 93.4% graduation rate, an increase of more than 13% over the past four years. Your children also benefit from a low student: teacher ratio and 260 nationally board-certified teachers.
Living in Clayton, NC, also gives your college-bound students a variety of strong choices close to home. Johnston Community College is 15 miles from Clayton, and North Carolina State University is only 18 miles away. Nationally ranked Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are less than an hour from your hometown of Clayton.
Clayton Parks & Recreation Department maintains a diverse network of parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and greenways, with each one offering its own special recreational choices. And it’s all free! Here are some of the ways you and your family can get out and have fun in Clayton:
In addition to Parks & Rec offerings, Clayton residents can take advantage of the East Triangle YMCA’s many programs and facilities, including an outdoor pool.
The Town of Clayton is managing its impressive growth with a Comprehensive Growth Plan that projects the detailed objectives all the way to 2045. The visionary leadership is one of the main reasons that small town living in Clayton, NC, is thriving near Raleigh. The plan, drafted in 2021, addresses all the elements that command attention and planning for a community to grow in a manageable, forward-thinking manner:
The Comprehensive Growth Plan was developed from feedback gathered through surveys, interviews, and town meetings. The result is a detailed plan to preserve the town’s character while creating a pathway for growth that supports the way people want their hometown to be.
Does living in Clayton, NC, sound like something you want to explore? The growth has sparked residential development, so you can find both resale and new homes for sale in Clayton, NC.
If you’re looking for an even more unique lifestyle, consider the lakeside community of Cattail in Clayton, a few miles from downtown. This new community has begun construction on the shores of the 80-acre Cattail Lake, which had been owned by a family for generations. The decision to sell the land required a commitment to maintain the pristine nature of the 575 acres. A total of 296 homes will eventually be built here. The homesites are designed to offer privacy and spaciousness, not cramming homes onto tiny lots. And a large portion of the land will be preserved as greenways and wooded areas.
The Cattail lifestyle is designed for luxury living in a scenic area, close to the popular downtown district of Clayton, but so quiet that you’ll enjoy serenity.
The first phase of lakefront homes for sale near Raleigh is growing in two distinct enclaves. When completed, 51 homes will sit here, with lots as large as three acres!
The first homes at The Peninsula at Cattail sit on the shore or so close as to afford a view of the crystal lake. These homes are being built exclusively by the four builders selected by the developer: Crosswind Custom Homes, Homes By Dickerson, New Home Inc., and Royalty Homes. Choose the lot and then work with the builder for your custom homes, which are expected to start at $750,000.
Currently, Homes By Dickerson and New Home Inc. are building homes in The Peninsula at Cattail. These new construction homes are for sale right now. If you act soon, you still have time to personalize certain details, as well as becoming one of the founding families of Cattail!
A short walk from the shore, The Preserve at Cattail, New Home Inc. is the exclusive builder of luxury homes in the cul-de-sac enclave. The local builder has developed a portfolio of Cattail home designs with extensive versatility for personalizing to your needs and wishes. Homes in The Preserve at Cattail are priced from approximately $475,000 to $750,000, with square footage from 1,871 to nearly 3,500. Like The Peninsula at Cattail, you can browse the current selection of quick move-in homes now underway at The Preserve at Cattail.
Nowhere else in Clayton can you experience the lakefront resort lifestyle of Cattail. Your neighborhood is thoughtfully planned to preserve the natural serenity and close knit community. In addition, the amenities have been designed with the same care, to deliver a staycation lifestyle and the opportunity to come together with your neighbors. Meet at the pool overlooking Cattail Lake or gather ‘round the firepit to share stories with s’mores.
The modern rustic clubhouse provides a welcome place to get together—for game night, club meetings, classes, and just visiting. And if you feel like getting out of the house, head to the clubhouse and sit by the fireplace.
Cattail’s amenities also include private docks, a fishing area, and boat launches. There are paved trails for biking, walking, or driving your golf cart throughout the neighborhood.
Cattail’s community lawn outside the clubhouse has so many uses! Plan a party here, enjoy a concert, let the kids play while you visit with friends, play lawn games, and do yoga or tai chi. Think of the lawn as your commons!
Cattail is far more than a place to live. It’s a complete lifestyle experience. Contact one of the new home specialists to explore the opportunities to move into Cattail. These new homes for sale near Raleigh, NC, could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for!