Clayton vs. elsewhere (Raleigh, Cary, Cleveland: zoned, rent , work)

[lovetotri]

Are there any Clayton folks out there that once moved into Clayton and settled, got use to the town etc.., wished that you lived in a different town? Eg. found out that one of the other towns were more interesting etc. ? I'm just curious. I'd hate to buy a house and then figure out that I like some other town.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by lovetotri

Are there any Clayton folks out there that once moved into Clayton and settled, got use to the town etc.., wished that you lived in a different town? Eg. found out that one of the other towns were more interesting etc. ? I'm just curious. I'd hate to buy a house and then figure out that I like some other town.

Most people I know who live in Clayton are happy with their decision. That being said, a lot depends on your personal reasons for choosing to live there in the first place. I think no matter where you choose to live in the Triangle area I would rent for 6 months to a year first just to make sure it is a good fit and lives up to your expectations. If you really want to live in Clayton but have a little doubt about the decision, renting will give you some peace of mind by allowing you to easily move should you find it isn't what you wanted after all. I would rent for a year no matter where in the Triangle you initially pick IMO. Sure, if it doesn't work out it kind of stinks to have to move twice, but I think the alternative, being stuck in an area you don't enjoy or trying to sell a 1 year old house while competing with new construction up the street is an even less desirable option.

There are a few Claytonites on this forum who I am sure will give you some helpful first hand info about this.


Good luck wherever you go!

[TuborgP]

Originally Posted by North_Raleigh_Guy

Most people I know who live in Clayton are happy with their decision. That being said, a lot depends on your personal reasons for choosing to live there in the first place. I think no matter where you choose to live in the Triangle area I would rent for 6 months to a year first just to make sure it is a good fit and lives up to your expectations. If you really want to live in Clayton but have a little doubt about the decision, renting will give you some peace of mind by allowing you to easily move should you find it isn't what you wanted after all. I would rent for a year no matter where in the Triangle you initially pick IMO. Sure, if it doesn't work out it kind of stinks to have to move twice, but I think the alternative, being stuck in an area you don't enjoy or trying to sell a 1 year old house while competing with new construction up the street is an even less desirable option.

There are a few Claytonites on this forum who I am sure will give you some helpful first hand info about this.


Good luck wherever you go!

We moved down to Clayton in December and love it. We are in the Cleveland area with great access to 42. We can go where we want and get there in short order. Shop in Cary? You got it. Wanna go downtown? You got it. Wanna shop on Glenwood Ave? You got it. You can get to shopping and cultural events when you want. Want peace and quiet and a more country setting you live there. You can't go driving to a peaceful home to sleep in unless you live in it or are going to rent a night there. You can drive to the desired short term activity. Hope this makes sense.

[North_Raleigh_Artist]

Well, I moved to Clayton in 1999, after many years in Raleigh. Needed a change, y'know? I got the idea that small town living would be OK, and besides, most of my family has moved from various locations to Clayton, so it seemed good to join 'em.

Small town life WAS kind of nice, and Clayton had not grown into the traffic congested/rampant development/garbage strewn impending disaster it has in the years since.

Nevertheless, I've enjoyed aspects of life there, but, as I've said elsewhere, unless going to church and shopping at Walmart, and dining out at the same handful of establishments is your cup of tea, the place can grow a bit... ummm.... dull.

More and more, my wife (who, incidentally, I met in Clayton, though she's from elsewhere) and I were having to drive to Raleigh or Cary for an interesting diversity of things to do, bookstores to browse, films to see, arts, culture, and so on. But then, we are in our mid-fifties and don't "do" the children thing. I gave up church (in Clayton) when the one I attended started promoting right-wing doctrines during the last election. We're a bit liberal in our outlook, and the "George Bush Country" life just wasn't cutting it.

We really just wanted to be among our own kind, and though there are a some definitely very hip folks living in Clayton, there are many more up in the big city. So there it is... we're in Raleigh now, and happier 'n' pigs in... well... we're very pleased.

Originally Posted by lovetotri

Are there any Clayton folks out there that once moved into Clayton and settled, got use to the town etc.., wished that you lived in a different town? Eg. found out that one of the other towns were more interesting etc. ? I'm just curious. I'd hate to buy a house and then figure out that I like some other town.

[ferrickhead28]

Moved from Raleigh to Clayton, absolutely love it.
Great place to raise a family!

[NC from MA]

What are the things about Clayton that make you think that is the town for you???

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by NC from MA

What are the things about Clayton that make you think that is the town for you???

Definately a cheaper way of living. I compared houses in Raleigh (where I was living at the time), the cost of gas/food, taxes, etc and found I could get bigger & better in Clayton for almost half the price. To me, it was a no-brainer. Plus, I rented in Clayton for about six months (like NRG suggested) and found that the people were sooooooooo nice. The schools were better (IMHO) and the location was awesome (hour & a half to the beach!).

The only thing I dont like about Clayton is that there is no bookstore. Have to drive to Raleigh to hit up Barnes & Noble but only because I'm too lazy to order online.

[playnice]

Originally Posted by ferrickhead28

Have to drive to Raleigh to hit up Barnes & Noble but only because I'm too lazy to order online.

The price of gas soon may solve that laziness problem for ya!

Clayton does have some class in the Clayton Center: The Clayton Center NC Performing Arts Auditorium and Conference Center, Clayton North Carolina (broken link)

Other than it and a decent selection of non-chain restaurants, every other thing you need is a short drive to somebody else's town.

[1966]

I agree with ferrick its a great town to raise a family and do have few new restaurants that opened recently. with time maybe will even have a book store. Clayton lets not forget has traditional school and ranked right up there with wake county. I don't know if thats a need for you but thats what made decide to choose clayton the security that my children weren't going to be bussed across town. I chose a good town with good people and good schools for my children. hope that helps lovetotri.

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by 1966

I agree with ferrick its a great town to raise a family and do have few new restaurants that opened recently. with time maybe will even have a book store. Clayton lets not forget has traditional school and ranked right up there with wake county. I don't know if thats a need for you but thats what made decide to choose clayton the security that my children weren't going to be bussed across town. I chose a good town with good people and good schools for my children. hope that helps lovetotri.

I agree!
That was another reason why we moved from Raleigh. We live about 3 minutes away from the elementary school my daughter attended for two years. They were going to rezone the neighborhood so the kids in elementary school would be attending another school that was about 15 minutes away.

The high school & middle school kids (even though the middle school/high school was less than five minutes away) would be shipped off to the area near downtown Raleigh (from North Raleigh at that!)

Since Johnston county has excellent schools and has not been rezoned, it was a no brainer for us to move.

I'm so glad we did!