Living in Riverwood Community, Clayton NC

History Lesson for Clayton NC near Riverwood Subdivision

The community which has grown into the Town of Clayton was built on a road cut blazed by Governor Tryon’s troops around 1770 as they marched North from New Bern to Hillsborough against the Regulators. Nearly 100 years later the railroad came through and the community had it’s first name—Stallings’ Station, since the depot for the North Carolina Railroad was in the home of Mrs. Sarah Stallings. The name lasted only three years, however, before officially becoming Clayton. Incorporation followed in 1869.

The new town was far from prosperous, however the Civil War made a depressed local economy even worse. Many prominent citizens moved away during that period.

But, following the war, the railroad was extended and businesses began to pop up. Ashley Horne developed a successful farming and merchandising business to become one of the most successful merchants and manufacturers in all of North Carolina. Horne’s success inspired two other men, McCullers and Barbour, to open businesses that also did well, beginning an era of growth that lasted well into the next century. Some of Among the businesses that flourished during that time were lumber plants, a brick kiln, a cotton gin, a gristmill, a sawmill, tobacco warehouses, cotton mills and a turpentine distillery.

By the early 1900’s, the town had become a major market for cotton, watermelons and tobacco. In 1907, the Raleigh Evening Times of nearby Raleigh wrote that there was “more money per capita in Clayton than any city its size in the world”

Unfortunately, the town lost its financial eminence in the 1930’s with the onset of the Great Depression, and its population grew slowly for the next forty years. The three local cotton mills continued to be a major source of jobs during that time, with 1,000 employees, but the local economy was modest and cotton was soon on its way out. By the early 1960’s the mills were gone and cotton was no longer a player in the local economy. But, Tobacco was in, and the population shot up for awhile before settling back down as farming became less and less profitable.

The state began to change during the 1970s. An industrial base began taking shape and residential growth was increasing in the Raleigh area nearby. Clayton’s workforce adapted, shifting to a more service/trades-oriented economy and the town began to grow once again. By 1980, the population had grown increased to 4,091, to 4,756 by 1990 and, then jumped to 6,973 in the year 2000 census. Today, manufacturers like Caterpillar and bio-pharmaceutical companies like Talecris and Novo Nordisk are big local employers.

Commercial development along US 70 through town has changed the face of Clayton in recent years with thriving retail and service sectors.. However, downtown Clayton still boasts quaint specialty and coffee shops, a thriving financial services area, furniture stores, restaurants, jewelry stores, and more than a dozen personal care businesses. Some of Clayton’s oldest businesses, Beddingfield’s Drugs (1919, Jone’s Lunch (1958) and TR Lee Gas & Oil (1958) still operate downtown today. In recent years, a strong effort to protect and preserve the traditional downtown has helped the area maintain its economic vigor and historic charm.

Riverwood Subdivision offers top education for area students

Education is always top of mind for parents when buying a house.  Clayton NC Realtors and the Riverwood Developers understood this when designing Riverwood Subdivision in Clayton NC.

Parents will enjoy the convenience of having a neighborhood elementary and middle school within walking distance.  Saving gas dollars and knowing your children are receiving a top education makes living in Riverwood an easy choice.

Johnston County School System is a top public school system in the state of North Carolina.  All schools are accredited by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

Academically and intellectually talented elementary students will enjoy a center focused on enhancing their learning. There is even a Middle College High School which allows students to earn their diplomas without the extra-curricular options at a traditional high school, so they may advance into higher educational opportunities at a faster pace. The schools serving Riverwood are Riverwood Elementary, Riverwood Middle School and Clayton High School.

Johnston Community College, located about 10 miles east of Clayton in Smithfield, is part of the North Carolina Community College system. JCC has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 and offers students a wide variety of programs. The college also houses the Small Business Center for Johnston County.

Libraries

The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Church Street in Clayton. The library is owned and operated by the Town of Clayton and has an excellent collection of books, magazines, and news. Because of its affiliation with the Johnston County Library System and the North Carolina inter-Library Loan Program for films and books, any printed material can be obtained.

The Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is open Mon. - Tues, Wed. & Fri. 10 - 5:30 p.m.; Thurs. 1 -8 p.m.; and Sat. 9 - 12 noon. For more information, call 919-553-5542.

The Johnston County Public Library is located at 305 East Market Street in Smithfield and is open Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 9 - 9 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 9 - 5:30 p.m.; and Sat. 9 - 5 p.m. A book- mobile travels throughout the county each week. For more information, call 919-934-8416.

Riverwood Amenities Makes this a Great Subdivision in Clayton NC

Are you tired of a big city, the smog, the lifestyle?  Consider moving to a small town where time almost stands still and you'll get to know your neighbor by their first name.  There are many advantages to small town living!

Small communities are like traveling back in time to an era where life was less complicated, less stressed, where everyone knew their neighbor, and children could enjoy a game of ball at the park or walk to school without fear for their safety.  It's a lifestyle you can have in Riverwood.

Riverwood Offers a Terrific Golf Experience!

Residents who love to golf will love the championship golf courses available to them just by living in Riverwood.  One of the championship courses is located in Riverwood, while the other is in the Hedingham neighborhood in Raleigh.  The Riverwood course consists of 27 holes and the dues are covered by the low monthly homeowner dues.  There are no additional green fees, so residents can enjoy as much golf as they want without worrying about the cost.

The Riverwood Golf Course, with its 7,300 yards of bent grass and Bermuda fairways, also has member leagues and hosts championship tournaments.  Residents can take advantage of the clinics and lessons and even shop within the neighborhood for any golf amenity needed.

Riverwood Athletic Club helps you stay fit.

Riverwood features a 30,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment.  As part of the monthly homeowners dues, residents have access to free weights, strength machines, treadmills, stair climbers, elliptical machines, and exercise bikes.  Check out the monthly schedule for exercise classes including aerobics and Zumba.

One of the biggest features to the Athletic Club is the indoor and outdoor pools.  No matter if you are looking for competitive swimming or just doing laps, there is something for you.  Parents don't have to worry about childcare when exercising because the club offers a nursery.  Warm sunny days will find many residents in the outdoor pool while cool days sends residents indoors.  Swim year-round at Riverwood.

Members also have access to sports leagues, school gyms, playing fields and wellness programs.

Community Based Day Care Facility
For families that have daycare concerns, there is a community based daycare facility in Riverwood to make dropping off and picking up children at a secure location a great convenience to parents.

Shopping and Recreation at Riverwood

The Village Shops in Riverwood feature businesses such as Bark Avenue Dog Grooming, Daydream Tanning, Studio 24 Hair Salon, Premier Athletics (competitive cheerleading), Kindermusik, Riverwood Music Academy, Pucky's Restaurant, Legends Autographs, and more.

Riverwood Clayton NC Homes for Sale

See all homes for sale in Riverwood Subdivision Clayton NC

Riverwood is 4th Best Selling Subdivision in Johnston County

In 2011 HomeTowne Realty created a list of the top selling new construction subdivisions.

Riverwood made the list at number 4.  That's because Riverwood is custom-made for families and people looking for a dynamic community and a one-stop, easily-accessible town center.  Riverwood is one of the largest planned communities in Johnston County.

Clayton NC has become a very popular relocation spot for its affordable housing market with a variety of quality home choices.  The Riverwood Community offers top-quality amenities that would cost a great deal more in Cary and Raleigh.  The trade off is the distance from Raleigh, RDU Airport, and Research Triangle Park (RTP).

Riverwood is located with easy access to the Hwy 64 Bypass which provides access to major routes into Raleigh, Research Triangle Park and RDU Airport.

Variety of Homes in Riverwood

A variety of houses are available for sale in a relatively wide price range.  Building your own personalized home is also an option in this still growing community.  Moving to Riverwood opens up new opportunities in a friendly and dynamic environment.  Having everything you need within easy reach can greatly help you make the most of your free time.
See all the homes for sale in Riverwood Subdivision Clayton NC