2023 Best Places to Live in Johnston County

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  145 reviews

Current Resident: One of the appealing aspects of Clayton is its friendly community. The town prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and tight-knit neighborhoods. Residents often engage in community events and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Clayton offers various recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The town features several parks and green spaces where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. The Clayton Community Center provides facilities for sports, fitness classes, and community gatherings. Another advantage of living in Clayton is its proximity to the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This location allows residents to access the employment, educational, and entertainment opportunities available in the larger cities while still enjoying the quieter pace of life in Clayton.... Read 145 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Population 25,486

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: A small town feel to this place, and such a great place to raise a family. I have grown up here for most of my life. I am 18 years old, nearly 19, and have been here since I was 3 years old. I have never moved from this house in the same neighborhood. There are friendly neighbors, one small grocery store, a dollar general, post office, a park, and even churches. Yes, it may be small, but it is great for making friends as well as having two gas stations. It is your choice where you go, but it is great for a late night after work and returning home in a safe place if needing to fill up for the next day. It is never too noisy, and if one needs help, asking a neighbor or a friend down the road is always an option. There is an elementary school as well as an inspection station for your car, that way you don't have to travel very far to get one!... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 2,269

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  24 reviews

Current Resident: Benson is a calm town for the most part. New things have been recently done to make the city better. There are also a lot of community and business-sponsored activities you can participate in, especially for kids.... Read 24 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 3,871

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Population 4,757

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  21 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Four Oaks! The schools are great and everyone is really friendly! There are parks for children to play at and there is a walking trail.... Read 21 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 2,191

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.87 out of 5  47 reviews

Nearby Resident: Love the Escape room they have there, Ready Set Escape, located in Smithfield (not in the town of, but nearby) The Ava Gardner Museum is nice, and they have some great local spaces, like Sami's Pizza. The Outlet shopping is ok, but the town needs a Home Depot to compete with Lowes They're supposed to be growing with more houses and such soon, so hopefully! But definitely love that Escape room... Read 47 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 11,168

• Town in North Carolina

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 2,506

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.3 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: There are often a lot of great community activities to engage in. I also like the small-town feel of Selma, everyone knows everyone. I think it's great that so many people are kind and open here.... Read 10 reviews

• grade C

• grade B minus

• Population 6,317

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  54 reviews

Niche User: My family and I have lived in this neighborhood for almost three years now, and I have yet to hear of any crime being committed in the area. I have seen the ambulance once and that was due to someones own health issues. Although I have not seen the cops in the neighborhood for criminal reasons, I am aware that there are two police officers who live right down the street. Them being here does provide a sense of comfort even if the most crime we've had is someones' mail box being backed into.... Read 54 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 29,466

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.27 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: I enjoy living the southern country lifestyle, where neighbors are a few hundred feet away, not on your front doorstep. I have 3 dogs so being able to open the door and let them run free is awesome along with the privacy. Raleigh, the capital city is just twenty minutes away if I am looking to have some fun. The beach and the mountains are within two hours so vacations are simple and rather close. I totally enjoy living here and the North Carolina weather is great. I would recommend to anyone that likes a typically relaxed lifestyle, but enjoys endless opportunities.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 27,397

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: Just moved and are renting in Flowers plantation! Love the area and the shops! So close to Raleigh and other surrounding areas.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 37,040

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.38 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: There's no crime in my neighborhood; it's a rural, back country kinda place. Woods surround us and the street is a quick walk up the road. There's virtually no crime. You don't see the police much but the area is a few minutes from town so they're quick to respond.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 3,049

• Town in North Carolina

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 7,688

• Town in North Carolina

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 5,897

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  14 reviews

Current Resident: I would like to see more localized events,such as bazaars. Where different arts and cultural backgrounds can show off their skills talents and products. I would also like to see more transportation for events such as these.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 19,305

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: This Clayton/Smithfield area is growing for the better and I can't wait to see where it ends up in the next few years.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 7,820

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Niche User: There are barely any crime activity around here... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 7,663

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3 out of 5  4 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,796

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  9 reviews

Niche User: Never any problems with crime that I hear of... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 6,727

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Niche User: I would continue to live in this area. I am out in the country and it is peaceful. I am surrounded by family which makes live a whole lot better. I am not far from place to shop, eat or even go to school. I hope to one day have a family and raise them here like I was.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 11,100

• Suburb of Raleigh, NC

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Niche User: Great area with great people. Typical southern town where everyone knows everyone!... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 17,930

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: The cutest little small town with all of the small town vibes. The whole town is centered around the high school and the highlight of the week is the Friday night lights. It is filled with great people!... Read 9 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 1,472

• Town in North Carolina

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: The crime is low especially in the area that I am in.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 12,247

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: Since, I've moved in with my fiance and his sister and our roommate I haven't heard any crime around the neighborhood. But the other night my fiance and I we went to go eat at McDonald's in Newton Grove we watched police officer buy some ice cram and gave it to a few kids that were outside wanting ice cream but their parents couldn't afford it.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 3,619

• Town in North Carolina

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: I love living in the country, its quite.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 4,748