The Wilders township is a 15 minute drive to downtown Clayton, NC.
Coming home to Johnston County
While it was once called Wilders, this township around Archer Lodge is now just known as a part of Johnston County that includes sections of Wendell and Clayton. It has traces of the old Johnston County, the one with worn-down country homes on multiple acres, and the new one of brand-new cookie-cutter suburban streetscapes, commercial developments anchored by Publix and Harris Teeter. “You get a little more for your home out in Johnston County, which is a big draw for families,” says Michele Brownlee, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage who has lived in the area for 21 years. “Wake County is running out of room, so people are moving to Johnston.” Some residents work nearby at biotechnology companies like Novo Nordisk and Grifols Therapeutics. Residents and businesses see the advantages of being in Johnston County, says Brownlee.
Wilders township has a small town country charm, but is close to the big city.
New developments along Highway 42
Brand-new suburban developments have been popping up in Wilders over the past few years. Single-story Craftsman and traditional homes of brick and stone sit next to each other on paved streets ending in cul-de-sacs. Neighbors in developments hugging North Carolina Highway 42 can walk to nearby grocery stores and restaurants. Brand-new townhouses are available for purchase, and older structures like ranch-styles houses from the late 1990s tend to have roughly 1 acre of land. Homes cost between $290,000 and $875,000, and the average home value is about $415,000. “You hear so much about the unaffordability of the housing market, and I couldn’t agree more, I totally understand that,” says Julie Toy, a life-long North Carolina resident and realtor with Coldwell Banker Advantage. “But you can travel a short distance from a major hub like Raleigh and get out to a slightly more rural area, and the housing prices are a lot more accessible.”
Corinth Holders High School is a public school in Wendell, NC.
The Marching Pirates of Corinth Holders High
Part of Johnston County Public Schools, there are three elementary schools that serve the neighborhood: Corinth Holders Elementary, scoring a B-minus; River Dell Elementary, scoring a B, or the new Thanksgiving Elementary, which opened in fall of 2021. Archer Lodge Middle and Corinth Holders High both score a B. In 2024, the high school’s marching band performed at London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival.
Clayton, NC and the the Wilders township are considered bedroom communities to Raleigh.
Access to Route 70 and Raleigh
Wilders hugs the border of Wake County. “You have two major interstates going through in Interstates 95 and 40,” Brownlee says. Commuters can take U.S. Route 70 to Interstate 40 to Raleigh, about 30 minutes away. Durham is about 50 miles away, a drive of about an hour, and Research Triangle Park is a 45-minute drive. The closest hospital to Wilders is UNC Johnston Health Clayton, about 10 miles west of the library.
Don Beto's Tacos & Tequila Authentic Mexican Restaurant is located in the Flowers Crossroads.
Cravings in Clayton
Publix anchors a commercial plaza on Highway 42 with tenants like Great Clips and the UPS Store. Vinegar-based pulled pork, an Eastern North Carolina tradition, is available at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. Across the street are retailers like Harris Teeter and Petco, an ice cream parlor, a pizza place and Don Beto’s Tacos y Tequila, a go-to for nachos and margaritas. About 7 miles west is downtown Clayton, where people order juicy ribeye steak at Clayton Steakhouse and sip sparkling wine on the outdoor patio at Mannings Restaurant. “They do a lot of fun stuff,” Toy says of downtown. “On Friday evenings, it’s the place to go. People walk up and down the streets.”
East Clayton Community Park has an 18 hole frisbee golf course.
East Clayton Community Park
At East Clayton Community Park, people of all abilities can play on the new inclusive Harmony Playground. There’s space for baseball and soccer games; families can hold picnics or play disc golf. The East Triangle YMCA features an outdoor pool, strength and cardio equipment, reoccurring activities like family bingo and seasonal events like paper snowflake workshops. Members of The Neuse Pool also enjoy outdoor swimming with shaded sitting areas. Portofino Equestrian Center has a training area and boarding stable where horses can socialize and roam.
There are many produce farms in the Wilders township.
The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival
Every year, all of Johnston County comes together for the Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival, a one-day event with entertainment, inflatables, about 130 vendors and country ham biscuits from the Kiwanis Club of Smithfield. During the months of June, July and August, Wendell Blueberry Farm opens so people can pick their own locally grown fruit.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacqueline Newhouse,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Archer Lodge Park
Wendell Town Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
East Clayton Dog Park
East Clayton Community Park
Neuse River Greenway Trail
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Wilsons Mills Community Park
Transit
Airport
Raleigh-Durham International
47 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wilders
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wilders, Archer Lodge sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Wilders, Archer Lodge over the last 12 months is $438,179, consistent with the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Don't miss out on the rare opportunity to own a completely renovated turn-key spacious home, in a highly sought after Clayton community! So much has been done for you including a cook's kitchen featuring custom cabinets, new stainless steel appliances and high grade quartz countertops, new flooring throughout, newly painted throughout, new fixtures and three updated bathrooms! Home warranty
Master on the main in Flowers Plantation!!! Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a calm and comfortable space to call your own. With a first-floor primary suite, a flexible bonus room, and upgrades throughout, every detail feels thoughtfully considered. The kitchen features quartz countertops and opens to a cozy living area with built-ins surrounding a gas
Fantastic opportunity in Flowers Plantation! This custom 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers incredible value, charm, sophistication, and style. The open floor plan is ideal for relaxation and entertaining. The main floor boasts a sought-after master bedroom for convenience and privacy. Recent updates include new laminate wood flooring and fresh paint throughout, seamlessly blending contemporary
HAPPY AND BRIGHT 4 BDR/2.5 BA with 2357sf & Open Floorplan! Located in Flowers Plantation next to Publix & Harris Teeter Shopping Centers, this delightful, light filled home features a fabulous floorplan with Owner's Retreat on main floor! Special attractions include Designer Kitchen with Island, soft grey cabinetry, gorgeous backsplash & gas stove; Kitchen is open to large Dining Area & spacious
Meticulously Maintained Ranch in Clayton! This beautifully kept 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch style home offers comfort, efficiency, and has thoughtful upgrades throughout. Open floor plan with spacious areas for living, dining, and just relaxing. Step outside to a screened porch with a lovely view, a perfect place to start or end your day, made even better with a retractable awning that extends an
Beautiful 4 bedroom single family house in desirable Flower Plantation neighborhood. Fenced back yard. Granite countertop, backsplash, SS appliances, recess can light, and kitchen Island. Fireplace. Master with tub, standing shower and walk in closet. Close to hwy, shopping and dining.
Available May 1st 2025. Viewings available, message or call and leave a voicemail to arrange a viewing. Beautiful end-unit townhouse with open concept downstairs living and large windows. Finishes include granite counters, blinds, all stainless-steel kitchen appliances. Upstairs laundry provided next to master bedroom upstairs and storage space, plenty of closet space with 2 linen
Application fees: 50/-per individual. Requires preferably min credit of 650+ with no issues noted in the background checks; no smoking; preferably no pets;minimum 12 month rent term, quick move in preferred. Requires one month security deposit and monthly rent paid at beginning of month. Call Srini @(904)351-8467 for questions. Relatively new Town home in Clayton close to Elementary school and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacqueline Newhouse,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
28,635
Median Age
40
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,980
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$107,262
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
39.2%
Advanced Degrees
7.1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.7%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
4''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
