About Clayton NC
Explore the Town of Clayton NC
Approximately 17 miles southeast of Raleigh is the up and coming town of Clayton NC. Clayton isn’t just charming—it’s also in a great location, with easy commutes or just to have some fun in the city. If you’re looking for reasonably priced home, this Triangle suburb could be the place for you, with families being able to purchase houses with several bedrooms close to parks and schools. Additionally one-bedroom condos and two-bedroom houses are available for people who are interested in smaller living. And if you’re wanting to stretch out Clayton also has properties on more than four acres of land so you’ll have plenty of space outdoors. View property for sale in Clayton, NC or Learn More.
Parks and Recreation
People who enjoy the outdoors can find, Municipal Park which features a brand-new playground, splash pad, two new basketball courts (one of which doubles as a futsal court), and three new picnic shelters. The centerpiece of the park is its huge open greenspace, making this park the perfect spot for family reunions, and birthday parties! Find out hours and other resources at townofclaytonnc.org/Municipal-Park
Bicyclists can do some scenic riding along the trail at Legend Park or the Sam’s Branch Greenway. These greenways provide a safe way for families to experience Clayton. Clayton has gone the extra mile to ensure that safety. The Police Department does regular patrols on a four-wheeled ATV along the trail routes. Learn more about Claytons Greenways & Trails at townofclaytonnc.org/Greenways-Trails.
Or if you want to check out one of the fastest growing sports check out the East Clayton Disc Golf Course, featuring 18 baskets in the eastern corner of East Clayton Community Park off of Glenn Laurel Road. Disc golf is often referred to as frisbee golf, and is a flying disc game that requires precision and accuracy, in which individual players throw a flying disc at a target… Learn more about the disc golf course and how to play
Our Favorite Local Attractions
Mannings on Main Street
Unassuming on the outside, Mannings is a culinary HAVEN nestled right in the heart of Downtown Clayton NC. This is a Family-Owned restaurant that we LOVE, serving a variety of cuisines, from Southern comfort food to interesting takes on American favorites. Grab a cocktail inside or even on their rooftop bar overlooking to town!
Clayton Community Garden
The produce grown here supports local food shelters, in addition they also host summer camps to teach children about gardening. This is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown, and if you are interested in finding a place to volunteer and make a difference there is no better spot than Clayton Community Garden.
The Clayton Center
The Clayton Center is one of JoCo’s top venue spots, and there’s always something exciting going on! If you’re looking to enjoy a local play, laugh at a comedy tour, or simply jam out to some amazing musicians, this performing arts and conference center should be your go to auditorium. The center is also available to rent out their facilities for weddings, conferences, or other event.
Other Attractions and Activities to look for…
If you’re someone who enjoys playing a round of Golf, you may then want to check out: The Neuse Golf Club, which offers a 18-hole course OR The Riverwood Golf Club which has a 27-hole course, and a Free golf clinic for its members. Additional information about Clayton’s golf clubs is available at… johnstoncountync.org/golf.
Looking for Museums to check out near Raleigh? Located less than 20 miles from Clayton sits the North Carolina Museum of History and the Marble Kids Museum which are both great options for a day of education and fun for the entire family. For a full list of museums in Raleigh is available at… visitraleigh.com/things-to-do/museums.
History
Clayton’s earliest settlers moved to the area in the late 18th century. The community was named Stallings’ Station when the railroad was built through the area in the 1850s. The community’s name was changed to Clayton several years later, and it was incorporated in 1869. The town’s population decreased after the Civil War. It increased after the railroad was extended through the area. Businesses established in the town at that time included cotton mills and tobacco warehouses. Clayton was a primary market for tobacco and cotton at the beginning of the 20th century. The town’s population grew slowly between 1930 and 1970. Large companies moved to the area during the 1970s, and Clayton’s population grew rapidly.