About Clayton

Although most of the town of Clayton is situated in Johnston County, some of it extends into Wake County. The town has a population of about 14,000 residents, which has grown greatly due to the Research Triangle area that is located nearby. Clayton is located in central North Carolina. Clayton started as a roadside settlement, but when the railroad came through the area during the mid 1800’s, the community grew and became known as Stallings’ Station since the depot for the North Carolina Railroad was in the home of Sarah Stallings. However, the name was changed to Clayton only three years later, and in 1869, Clayton was officially incorporated. Clayton suffered economically during the Civil War, but business began to thrive again when the railroad was extended. Then, the community suffered again during the Great Depression, and in the 1970’s, the community adapted to a service / trade based economy. Today, major companies in Clayton include Caterpillar and bio-pharmaceutical companies such as Talecris and Novo Nordisk.

Much of the activity in Clayton takes place in the town’s historic downtown district, which is home to thriving retail and service businesses. The district is also home to unique specialty shops, coffee shops, a financial services sector, furniture stores, fine restaurants, jewelry stores, and over a dozen personal care businesses. Some of the town’s oldest businesses including Beddingfield’s Drugs, Jone’s Luch, and TR Lee Gas & Oil, help preserve Clayton’s downtown district’s historic charm and economic success. Some of the popular attractions in Clayton include the Ava Gardner Museum, Clayton Community Center, North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of History, and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Clayton, North Carolina home seekers can use National Relocation to locate Clayton houses, homes, condos, and Clayton apartments for rent. Whether you are looking for Clayton real estate, rentals or Clayton Foreclosures, our services can help. Feel free to use our Clayton neighborhood information and Clayton schools pages to research Clayton.