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 Clayton County is marked by its variety of people, places, events and activities. A drive down a country road offers a look at family farms, country club communities, single and duplex family homes, manufactured homes and apartments. For some residents, Clayton County is a refuge from their jobs in downtown Atlanta. For others, it is the land of opportunity for their local business or employment. For everyone, Clayton County is a relaxed and informal setting, with a signature of Southern charm hard to duplicate.
Located almost at the geographic center of Atlanta's Metro South counties, Clayton's population, size and income demographics have made the Interstate 75 corridor at exits 75 and 76 an address than spells success. An explosion of retail, hospitality and service development has seen business boom in an area perfectly situated between the commercial and residential centers in Clayton County and Henry County.
Industrial prospects, with needs ranging from a 5,000 square foot office to a 400,000 square foot distribution facility, continue to seek locations in Clayton, which serves as one of Atlanta's central transportation hubs. In addition to being served by rail, several major roadways are routed through the county, including Interstates 75, 85, 285 and 675; State Routes 54, 85, and 138; and Federal Highways 19 and 41.
Ease of transportation is only one of the advantages that attract new business to the county. A skilled and available workforce, a pro-business government, low taxes, competitive lease rates, and assistance for business also contribute to the county's dynamic business climate. Both property and occupational taxes remain among the lowest in the metro area, with some areas qualifying for Georgia's highest level of tax incentives under the Jobs Tax Credit program. Clayton County businesses can also take advantage of Atlanta's only Foreign Trade Zone, located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which allows companies to import goods for use in the manufacturing process without formal customs entry, payment of duties or excise taxes.
Clayton County's diverse population is another valuable resource. In recent years, the county has become a crossroads for many cultures, bringing over 40 different languages to the county. Cultural awareness is the theme of an annual festival, the Southern Crescent Celebration, held at Clayton College and State University.
The great outdoors plays a big role in the leisure time of Clayton Countians. Although less than 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Clayton County provides many wooded parks, lakes and recreational facilities. Among the 51 county parks is the 130-acre wildlife sanctuary, Reynolds Nature Preserve, and the Newman Wetlands Center, an environmental park. Fishing and boating activities are available to the residents of the lakeside communities of Lake Spivey and Lake Jodeco, and to the public at Lakes Shamrock and Blalock. Golfing opportunities abound at several public courses, and in nearby Henry County, Eagle's Landing Country Club hosts the annual Chick-fil-A Charity Championship, Georgia's only LPGA tournament.
Many cultural events are held throughout the county. Arts Clayton, Inc. hosts the annual Beaux Arts Barbecue festival plus many dance, music and visual arts performances. The Clayton County Schools Performing Arts Center, a technologically advanced facility seating 1,800, hosts professional, community and student productions in music, dance and drama.
The internationally renowned Spivey Hall is located on the campus of Clayton College and State University (CCSU). This 400-seat recital hall, known for its perfect acoustics and exceptional programming, attracts some of the world's finest performers. Spivey Hall hosts a year-round schedule of classical, world and jazz instrumental and vocal performances, and is regarded as the best music performance facility in the Southeast.
CCSU itself contributes in many ways to the quality of life in Clayton County through its diverse efforts in education and community service. There are over 40 majors offered at the four-year public institution, including the new Bachelor of Applied Science degree. CCSU also operates the second largest continuing education program in Georgia, serving more than 65,000 people each year. An extensive list of business support services includes a Mobile Learning Lab which features 12 computer-based education stations.
Several National and State Schools of Excellence are among the 45 public schools serving more than 40,000 students in the Clayton County public school system. Excelling in academic, athletic, artistic and vocational areas, both Clayton County students and faculty have been recognized with local, regional and national awards. The newest schools in the system are state-of-the-art facilities using advanced classroom technologies. Bilingual services are offered throughout the school system.
Clayton County is fortunate to have the very highest quality medical care available to all residents and visitors. Clayton County is served by several medical systems, including Southern Regional Medical Center, a leader in health care and in the community. In addition to technologically advanced emergency services, special services at Southern Regional include the Ambulatory Surgery Center for outpatient surgery and a pain management center. Clayton County is also well served by the Georgia Baptist Health Care System, which operates two medical centers, a family practice center and an urgent care unit in the community. Scottish Rite Children's Hospital has established a pediatric medical center, specifically designed to offer specialized health care for children. A wide variety of specialty clinics, treatment centers, private physicians and physician groups provide Clayton County residents with excellent health and emergency care.
Clayton County's diversity produces a dynamic business environment and a culturally-varied lifestyle. With excellent health care and educational services, a wide range of recreational and cultural amenities, and quality housing at affordable prices, Clayton County is a prime target for newcomers.
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