Best Neighborhoods in Clayton NC: A Detailed Overview

Portofino $500K – $1.5M

Portofino is a gated, equestrian community in Clayton NC. The community sits adjacent to the Neuse River and has an incredible suite of amenities, including the on site Portofino Equestrian Center and Piazza at Portofino event venue. The community has 7 miles of nature trails, a fishing pond, and two swimming pools. Residents get reduce horse boarding rates at the equestrian center. Find homes for sale in Portofino.

• Housing Types: Single family estates
• House Sizes: Typically range from 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from ½ to 1+ acres.
• Amenities: Large, wooded lots, clubhouse, pool 
• HOA Fees: $125/month
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2008 through 2023.
• Walkability: 7 miles of walking trails, as well as close access to the Neuse River Greenway.

Flowers Plantation $200K – $1.5M

Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Clayton NC, Flowers is a massive 3000 acre master planned community. Some sections of Flowers are gated. This beautifully planned collection of neighborhoods includes a variety of housing types, from entry level townhomes to beautiful architecturally designed custom homes. One of my favorite sections of Flowers is designed to have a low country Charleston feel and it’s just beautiful. Although the whole community is beautifully designed and well manicured. Flowers has 20 miles of paved walking trails within the community, a commercial district with shopping, dining and retail, a YMCA right in the neighborhood with tons of classes for adults and children. Flowers currently has a waterfront district under construction that is set to open in 2025. Find homes for sale in Flowers Plantation.

• Housing Types: Single family homes, townhouses 
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,100 to 4,900 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: up to 1.2 acres.
• Amenities: Walking trails, onsite shopping and dining
• HOA Fees: $100/month & $250/annually
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2004 through 2023.
• Walkability: walking trails, sidewalks

The Falls at Norwood Upper $800s – $1.4M

The Falls at Norwood is an exclusive neighborhood of only 24 estate style homes on beautiful, large lots. Many homes have circular driveways. There are no amenities in this community, however, lots are plenty large to accommodate in ground pools. Find homes for sale in The Falls at Norwood.

• Housing Types: Single family estates
• House Sizes: Typically range from 4,000 to 6,000 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from 1 to 2.3 acres.
• Amenities: Large, private, wooded lots
• HOA Fees: $355/annually
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2007 through 2012.
• Walkability: Not walkable

Academy Pointe $300s

Academy Pointe combines small-town charm with modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for families, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking affordability without sacrificing lifestyle. With easy access to downtown Clayton’s festivals, dining, and greenways, living here means you’ll never run out of things to do—or reasons to love where you live. Find homes for sale in Academy Pointe.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,100 to 1,500 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: About 1/10 of an acre
• Amenities: HOA fee includes Bronze membership at Fred Smith Athletic Clubs. Golf, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness classes, on site nursery.
• HOA Fees: $124/month
• Age of Homes: 2020-2021
• Walkability: Walkable to downtown Clayton, giving access to shops, restaurants and cafes.

Riverwood Golf Club $300s – Upper $800s

The Riverwood Golf Club is the name of both the neighborhood and the club. The neighborhood is designed so that almost every home has a golf view. There is a wide range of housing options, from small and affordable to estates. All homes sit on very roomy lots around an acre. Find homes in Riverwood Golf Club.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,800 to 4,100 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from .7 to 1+ acres.
• Amenities: Clubhouse, pool, some houses back up to Riverwood Golf Club
• HOA Fees: $75/month
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 1995 through 2022.
• Walkability: Not walkable

Riverwood Athletic Club $230s – Upper $500s

Riverwood Athletic Club is the name of the club and the neighborhood. Community dues include membership to the athletic club. Amenities include:  clubhouse; gym with high-quality fitness equipment; fitness classes; child care; 3 outdoor swimming pools; 67-foot waterslide; 1 indoor swimming pool (6 lane, 25-yard competition-sized pool); spraygrounds, playgrounds; and walking trails.

Riverwood Athletic Club offers a wide range of housing, from entry level townhomes to large single family homes on large lots, occasionally as large as half an acre. Find homes in Riverwood Athletic Club. For price and amenities it is one of the best neighborhoods in Clayton, NC.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,200 to 3,600 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from .2 to .5 acres.
• Amenities: Clubhouse, pool,  Riverwood Athletic Club
• HOA Fees: $75/mo – $130/mo (higher includes exterior home maintenance)
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2002 through 2019.
• Walkability: Lots of walking trails in the neighborhood and it  connects to the Neuse River Greenway. Shops inside the neighborhood in the commercial district.

Wellesley Upper $300s – $800s

Wellesley is a beautiful community of custom homes with abundant front porches. There are two different sections. One with smaller lots, but the majority of homes sit on large, spacious lots. There are walking trails and sidewalks, including a large pond with a paved trail around it. Some homes have a pond view. The amenities are beautiful and include 4 tennis courts, a basketball court and a community pool. Find homes for sale in Wellesley.

• Housing Types: Single family homes 
• House Sizes: Typically range from 2,200 to 4,400 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from .1 to ½ acres.
• Amenities: Pool, tennis, basketball, many homes back up to 2 ponds
• HOA Fees: $125/month
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2018 through 2021.
• Walkability: Sidewalks

Austin Pond and Bluffs at Austin Pond $350K – $650K 

Both communities are situated around the pond, with the Bluffs section sitting on larger lots, mostly over an acre. Austin Pond has a very natural feel, with lots of trees and privacy between homes. Some homes have pond access with private docks. Pond is large enough for kayaking, fishing or just sitting by a firepit and enjoying. Find homes for sale in Austin Pond and Bluffs at Austin Pond.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from ½ to ¾ acres The Bluffs, 1+ acres
• Amenities: Clubhouse, lap pool 
• HOA Fees: None
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 1995 through 2003.
• Walkability: Not walkable

Tuscany $300K – $750K 

Tuscany is a community tucked right next to Portofino equestrian community. There are two sections in Tuscany; one with larger lots. Many of these homes have in ground pools. And a section of more affordable homes with smaller lot sizes. Tuscany has a community pool, playground, clubhouse and sidewalks throughout the neighborhoods. Find homes for sale in Tuscany.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,700 to 3,600 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from .2 to ¾ acres.
• Amenities: Lap pool, kiddie pool, clubhouse, playground
• HOA Fees: $60/month
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2010 through 2023.
• Walkability: Sidewalks

Glen Laurel $370K – $830

Truly one of the best neighborhoods in Clayton NC! Lovely established golf community on the Neuse River and the Neuse Country Club. Some lots have river access and some have golf views! This neighborhood is a hidden gem with incredibly affordable waterfront homes, that don’t feel “affordable” at all!

Find homes for sale in Glen Laurel.

• Housing Types: Single Family homes 
• House Sizes: Typically range from 2,000 to 6,000 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from ¼  to ½ acres.
• Amenities: None
• HOA Fees: $175/annually 
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2004 through 2018.
• Walkability: Sidewalks 

Knolls at the Neuse $350K – Upper $500s

Fantastic neighborhood right on the Neuse River! Easy access to Neuse River Greenway. And the Neuse River Racquet Club is right at the entrance to the neighborhood. The Racquet club has tennis with on-site tennis pros, a pool, a fitness center and an event venue.

 Find homes for sale in Knolls at the Neuse.

• Housing Types: Single family homes 
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,800 to 4,400 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: Ranging from ¼ to 1 acre.
• Amenities: Pool 
• HOA Fees: $140/annually
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2007 through 2021.
• Walkability: Walking trails down to the Neuse River, near Neuse River Racquet Club

San Marino $300s – $500s

Super convenient community right next to Flowers Plantation and Portofino, and super close to 42 for easy access to everything! San Marino has a community pool and clubhouse, with sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.

Find homes for sale in San Marino.

• Housing Types: Single family homes
• House Sizes: Typically range from 1,800 to 3,000 sq ft.
• Lot Sizes: about ¼ acre.
• Amenities: Pool, clubhouse
• HOA Fees: $60/month
• Age of Homes: Mostly built from 2021 through 2022.
• Walkability: Sidewalks