The City of Clayton is nestled in the foothills of Mount Diablo in the east San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded in 1857 during the great California gold rush, and its pioneers were vital to the establishment of California's hard-rock mining industry.
Clayton is a little less than 3
The City of Clayton is nestled in the foothills of Mount Diablo in the east San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded in 1857 during the great California gold rush, and its pioneers were vital to the establishment of California's hard-rock mining industry.
Clayton is a little less than 3.8 square miles in area and is home to 10,800 residents. Although it is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, don't call this place Frisco! After all, it is just about as different from the City by the Bay as dogs are different from cats. Yes, Clayton residents are far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, and choose to live here for the quiet serenity provided by the towering Mount Diablo to the south and the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park to the north.
When planning a move to Clayton, you should be aware of the fluctuations in the housing market depending on the season. During the summer, many students from the nearby colleges and universities, such as UC Berkeley and Diablo Valley College, flock to areas such as Clayton. It's best to begin your apartment search well before the summer, to avoid the student rush.
What to Expect
So now that you know when to plan your move, the next thing is to be aware of the available types of places to live in Clayton. If living on a ranch is not your thing (although there are plenty in Clayton if it is your thing!), you will be looking at rooms in single family homes, condos, one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments. Rents will of course vary between these choices, but they will be considerably less than rents for city apartments. That's why you are choosing to live in serene Clayton and not in the noisy city!
Do Your Research
When looking into rentals, do your research before you call the manager for a tour. Make sure the rental provides for your basic necessities, such as minimum number of bedrooms, laundry facilities, paid utilities, parking and other items. Look at the neighborhood to see if there are nearby grocery stores, schools, pharmacies and other businesses that may be important to you. Also, if you don't drive a car, check if public transportation is readily available, or if there's a place to keep your horse!
Take a Tour
Once you've narrowed down the options, arrange tours of the apartments with the manager. Take a look at whatever is available in your price range, you may be surprised to find differences in the configurations of the apartments even though they offer the same number of bedrooms. Also keep in mind the location of the unit within the apartment building. Maybe you want a ground floor unit so you can speed out the door every day, or maybe you prefer an east facing unit to wake up with the sun. Bring a list of questions to ask the manager so you don't forget anything.
Signing the Contract
Once you have found THE ONE, you are ready to sign the contract! You will be required to pay the first month's rent, a security deposit, and possibly a separate cleaning or pet deposit if you own a pet. You may need to fill out an application, which will ask for your sources of income, to prove you can afford the monthly rent, and personal references. Be sure to find out what method of payment is accepted by the manager and be prepared to pay the entire amount due at signing. When inventory is low and competition high, you might be placed on a waiting list. You should continue looking at other apartments for rent while you are on a waiting list, but be sure to check in with the manager in a few days to determine your status.
Clayton is a relatively small city, with one major road running through the center, Clayton Road. Housing can be found in almost all areas of the city, other than the areas preserved for open space.
City Center: City Center is truly in the center of Clayton, between Clayton Road and Center Street to the north and south, and Marsh Creek Road and Oak Street to the east and west. Historic downtown Clayton is home to its oldest continuously operated business, The Clayton Club Saloon, as well as Endeavor Hall, where the former Methodist Church was located in the 1860s. This is also where the annual Art and Wine festival takes place, for all you wine lovers and artists! To the east is The Grove, a public park that has play structures for the kids and hosts outdoor concerts during the spring and summer.
Pine Hollow: This neighborhood is mostly made up of ranch-style single family homes built in the 1960s and 1970s. Just to the west of downtown, it is convenient to many restaurants off of Clayton Road such as Skipolini's pizza, as well as to Mt. Diablo Elementary School.
Coyote Circle/Keller Ridge: This neighborhood to the north of downtown is slightly more upscale, with newer and larger homes. It is also farther away from the city center, and more secluded. Perfect if you want a place to hide out from the world!
Clayton is serviced by the County Connection bus line, which connects it to neighboring cities such as Concord and Walnut Creek. It takes you to the nearest BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stop, from which you can go all over the Bay Area. Have a pint at the Clayton Club Saloon, or a juicy steak at Moresi's Chophouse. Enjoy 18-hole golf at the beautiful Oakhurst Country Club, or ride a horse on the Black Diamond trail. If rocking out is more your style, take in a concert at the Concord Pavillion, just a six minute drive north on Kirker Pass Road. Clayton has much to offer once you have made it your home.
