Homes in Clayton, CA
Clayton delivers small-town charm at the base of Mount Diablo with trailheads, top schools, and a walkable Main Street packed with local restaurants.
Why Clayton?
Mount Diablo Trailhead Access
Clayton residents can reach Mount Diablo State Park and Lime Ridge Open Space trailheads in minutes, offering 200+ miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The proximity to one of California's most iconic peaks means residents can start their day with a sunrise hike or end it with a sunset summit view, all without leaving their hometown.
Authentic Small-Town Community
City events like the Art & Wine Festival, Concerts in The Grove, and Clayton Oktoberfest bring the entire community together on Main Street. Local schools, independent restaurants, and neighborhood gatherings foster strong connections where residents know their neighbors and local business owners by name.
Top-Rated Schools
Mt. Diablo Elementary and Diablo View Middle School are well-regarded schools within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, while Clayton Valley Charter High School offers strong academic programs and serves many local families. The schools benefit from active parent involvement and community support, creating an excellent educational environment.
Interactive Map
Neighborhoods in Clayton
Discover the unique character and charm of Clayton's diverse neighborhoods.
Downtown Clayton & Main Street
Historic storefronts, festivals, and the Clayton Club Saloon anchor this compact core.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Art & Wine Festival, Concerts in The Grove, and Oktoberfest fill Main Street.
Locals gather at Skipolini's, Moresi's Chophouse, and Ed's Mudville Grill.
Clayton Road bike lanes and the Contra Costa Canal Trail connect to Concord BART.
Oakhurst Country Club
Golf-course community wrapped around the Oakhurst Country Club fairways.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
18-hole championship course, tennis complex, fitness center, and resort pool.
Grand foyers, vaulted ceilings, and view decks facing Mount Diablo.
Private patrols and HOA-maintained landscaping keep streets pristine.
Dana Hills
Tree-lined streets of single-story ranches near Clayton Community Park.
Learn More
Neighborhood Characteristics
For current pricing and availability, please contact us for personalized market information.
What Makes This Neighborhood Special
Mature oaks, creeks, and cul-de-sacs feel tucked away despite central location.
Students attend Mt. Diablo Elementary and Diablo View Middle within minutes.
Clayton Community Park offers baseball diamonds, play spaces, and the off-leash dog park.
Showing 3 of 6 neighborhoods
Schools in Clayton
Quality education is a cornerstone of Clayton's appeal to families.
| School Name | Level | School Rating | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Diablo Elementary School | Elementary | ViewView Rating | |
| Diablo View Middle School | Middle | ViewView Rating |
Note: Verify current ratings and boundaries with official district resources. School assignments may change based on enrollment and boundary adjustments.
Major Employment Hubs & Local Employers
Clayton offers excellent access to major Bay Area job centers and is home to several major employers.
Major Employment Hubs Near Clayton
Walnut Creek Downtown & Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Regional healthcare, retail, and professional services 20 minutes west via Ygnacio Valley Road.
Oakland Downtown / Lake Merritt Business District - Government agencies, Kaiser Center, and fintech towers reachable via Concord BART in about 50 minutes.
San Francisco Financial District & Embarcadero - Finance, legal, and tech headquarters about 70 minutes away on BART with guaranteed seats from Concord.
Top Employers in Clayton
Clayton Valley Charter High School
Popular charter high school employing educators, administrators, and support staff serving east Contra Costa County families with strong academic programs.
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Operates Mt. Diablo Elementary, Diablo View Middle School, and provides district-wide support services employing teachers, staff, and administrators throughout the region.
Oakhurst Country Club
18-hole championship golf course and country club employing hospitality staff, golf professionals, event coordinators, and maintenance personnel year-round for members and events.
Commute Times
Clayton offers excellent connectivity to major job centers, airports, and regional destinations.
Commute to Major Job Centers
Airports
Regional Hotspots
Lifestyle & Amenities
Discover what makes Clayton a special place to live.
Daily life in Clayton balances small-town charm with outdoor adventure. Residents start mornings with coffee at Cup O' Jo before heading to Mount Diablo trailheads or commuting to Walnut Creek via Ygnacio Valley Road. Evenings bring neighbors together on Main Street for pizza at Skipolini's or live music at the Clayton Club, creating a genuine community atmosphere.
Family life centers around walkable neighborhoods, excellent schools, and community parks. Parents appreciate the ability to bike with kids to Mt. Diablo Elementary, walk to baseball practices at Clayton Community Park, and attend youth theater at Endeavor Hall. The small-town setting means families know their neighbors and local business owners by name.
Outdoor culture defines Clayton's identity, with Mount Diablo State Park and Lime Ridge Open Space serving as extended backyards. Trailheads sit minutes from most homes, so sunrise hikes, weekend mountain bike rides, and evening walks happen without a long drive. When temperatures climb, residents seek shade in Mitchell Canyon or enjoy cooler evenings on back decks.
Showing 3 of 7 highlights
Weather & Climate
Quick-hit visuals that show how Clayton feels throughout the year.
Temperature Story
Quick look at the seasonal swing in Clayton
Winter Comfort Band
38–45°F
Typical overnight lows from December through February.
Summer Warmth Band
85–95°F
Afternoon highs during peak summer months.
Climate Type
Inland Mediterranean
Overall pattern
Days of Sunshine
260+ days
Bright days/year
Annual Rainfall
18-22 inches
Nov–Mar showers
Mount Diablo foothill elevation creates slightly cooler evenings than Concord or Walnut Creek, while...
Hot, dry summers with occasional heat waves; mild winters with periodic rainstorms.
Residents plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings during summer.
Parks & Recreation in Clayton
Clayton maintains over 8 parks and recreational facilities, from neighborhood parks to large regional parks.
Mount Diablo State Park
State Park
Iconic 3,849-foot peak with 200+ miles of trails, summit views, and ranger-led programs.
Clayton Community Park
Community Park
Central park with baseball diamonds, playground, off-leash dog area, and picnic facilities.
Lime Ridge Open Space
Open Space
1,200-acre preserve with multi-use trails connecting to Mount Diablo and offering panoramic valley views.
Showing 3 of 8 parks
Natural Hazards & Fault Lines
Important information about seismic activity, flood zones, and fire hazards in Clayton.
Major Fault Lines Near Clayton
Greenville Fault
Runs approximately 5 miles east of Clayton through the Mount Diablo foothills
Type: Right-lateral strike-slip
Concord Fault
Located roughly 8 miles west, extending through Concord and Walnut Creek
Type: Strike-slip
Calaveras Fault
Approximately 15 miles southeast, part of the larger San Andreas system
Type: Strike-slip
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
High in foothill and hillside areas; moderate in valley neighborhoods. Mount Diablo State Park and open space create wildland-urban interface conditions.
CalFire Classification
Seismic Hazard Zones
Liquefaction Zones
Low to moderate risk in valley areas near creeks; minimal risk in foothill and hillside locations.
Landslide Zones
Moderate to high susceptibility on steep Mount Diablo slopes, especially in areas with seasonal water flow.
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Status
Portions of Clayton fall within the Greenville Fault Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, requiring geological reports for new construction.
FEMA Flood Zones
Zone Type
Zone X (minimal flood risk) in most areas; Zone AE along seasonal creeks and drainage channels.
Flood Risk Notes
Flash flooding possible in canyons during heavy winter storms; city maintains drainage infrastructure.
Additional Notes
Clayton participates in regional wildfire prevention programs and requires defensible space clearance. PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs may occur during Red Flag warnings. Seismic retrofitting recommended for older homes built before 1980.
What Locals Say
Hear from residents about living in Clayton.
"We bike to Concerts in The Grove, let the kids play in the grass, and still see the stars at night."
— Dana Hills Resident
"Clayton feels like a mountain town but it's 15 minutes to Walnut Creek - it's the best of both worlds."
— Oakhurst Homeowner
Showing 2 of 5 quotes
Local Favorites
Discover recommended restaurants and dining spots in Clayton.
Skipolini's Pizza
Original Skipolini's location with legendary Monster pie and patio dining.
Moresi's Chophouse
Warm bistro serving steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails on Main Street.
Ed's Mudville Grill
Casual burgers, wings, and big screens for local games.
Showing 3 of 10 restaurants
What Makes Clayton Special
Discover unique features, historical facts, and notable highlights of Clayton.
Mount Diablo State Park
Iconic 3,849-foot peak with 200+ miles of trails, summit views spanning 200 miles on clear days, and ranger-led astronomy nights.
Clayton Historical Museum
Pocket museum chronicling the town's mining and ranching roots with artifacts from Clayton's 19th-century origins.
Concerts in The Grove
Free summer concert series at The Grove park drawing the whole town for live music and community gatherings.
Clayton Oktoberfest
Two-day festival with beer tents, music, carnival rides, and local vendors transforming Main Street each fall.
Oakhurst Country Club
18-hole championship golf course with tennis complex, fitness center, and resort-style amenities for members.
Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center
Primary Mount Diablo access point with interpretive exhibits, trail maps, and ranger programs for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Clayton Art & Wine Festival
Annual Main Street celebration featuring local artists, wineries, live entertainment, and family activities.
Lime Ridge Open Space
1,200-acre preserve connecting to Mount Diablo with multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Showing 3 of 8 points
Showing 4 of 8 points
Insider Tips
What to know and what to be aware of when considering Clayton.
What to Know
Wildfire Preparedness
Foothill neighborhoods maintain defensible space and participate in annual evacuation drills.
Limited Nightlife
Evenings wind down early—expect cozy taverns rather than late-night clubs.
Showing 2 of 4 tips
What to Avoid
Ignoring Club Dues
Oakhurst homes include country club and HOA dues—budget before you buy.
Underestimating Commutes
Driving across Ygnacio Valley during rush hour can add 15 minutes each way.
Showing 2 of 4 tips
Homes for Sale in Clayton
Active listings coming soon. Contact us for current availability.
Coming Soon
We're working on bringing you real-time listings for Clayton. In the meantime, contact us to get personalized information about available homes in this area.
Nearby Cities
Explore other areas we serve in the Contra Costa County region.
Questions About Clayton
Common questions about living and buying in Clayton.
Showing 6 of 24 FAQs
Didn’t find what you were looking for in this city?
Have questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, or listings in this area? We’re happy to help.
Ready to tour homes in Clayton?
Let Marina's local expertise guide you through finding the perfect home in Clayton. With 16+ years of experience in the Contra Costa County area, she knows every neighborhood and market trend.