Located just eight miles west of downtown St. Louis, Clayton serves as the county seat of St. Louis County and stands as the region's second-largest business district, with major corporations like Centene Corporation calling it home. The compact 2.5-square-mile city combines sophisticated living with convenient access to employment, dining, and cultural attractions. Residents enjoy the nationally recognized St. Louis Art Fair, which transforms downtown Clayton each September into an outdoor gallery featuring more than 130 artists, live music, and local cuisine.

Rental options in Clayton showcase an impressive mix of pre-war architecture and contemporary developments. The housing landscape includes boutique apartment communities with fewer than 50 units, elegant townhomes, and single-family residences. Neighborhoods like DeMun offer walkable streets lined with limestone apartment buildings and charming commercial areas, while Claverach Park provides a more secluded setting with curvilinear streets and pocket parks. Downtown Clayton features a variety of apartment options with modern amenities.

Transportation options make Clayton exceptionally accessible. The city is served by two MetroLink light rail stations (Clayton and Forsyth) connecting to downtown St. Louis and Lambert International Airport, while multiple bus routes operate from the Clayton Transit Center. Major employers in the area include Washington University, Commerce Bank, and numerous law firms. Outdoor spaces abound, with Shaw Park's 30 acres offering tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a seasonal ice rink, while Oak Knoll Park provides walking paths and gardens nestled among century-old trees.