Cary is North Carolina's seventh-largest municipality and the Triangle's third-largest, now home to 186,358 residents.
You're about 12 minutes from both Research Triangle Park and RDU Airport — a big reason SAS, Apple, and Epic Games operate here.
Wake County Public Schools serve Cary with high graduation rates, strong test scores, and standout AP results.
More than 30 parks, trails, and green spaces plus the Fenton open-air district give Cary its safe, outdoor, family-first feel.
Luxury runs from golf communities like MacGregor Downs to downtown townhomes at Park Station — with a low cost of living index.
186,358
Residents call Cary home
12 min
To Research Triangle Park and RDU Airport (no traffic)
30+
Parks, trails, and green spaces
Caryis arguably one of the most popular towns in the Triangle, packed with numerous luxury communities, fantastic shopping and amazing restaurants. Cary has been one of the major flagship towns responsible for enhancing the national popularity of The Raleigh-Durham area as one of the best places to live. As the seventh-largest municipality in North Carolina, as well as the third-largest municipality in The Triangle, Cary has a population of almost 180,000 residents. From 2006-2007 Cary was listed as the 5th fastest growing municipality in the US by the US Census Bureau and its population increased 43.1% by 2010. The town of Cary is about 12 minutes (with no traffic) from Research Triangle Park and Raleigh-Durham International Airport, respectively. Cary is about two and a half hours to Charlotte if you want to catch an NBA (Charlotte Hornets) or NFL (Carolina Panthers) game. Cary is three hours from the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and two and a half hours from several of North Carolina’s beautiful beaches. Unofficially, the C.A.R.Y. is “Containment Area of Relocated Yankees.”
Suburban serenity, real economic energy, and a quality of life that keeps proving itself — that's Cary.
Cary, located in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, stands out as a prime destination for those seeking a blend of suburban serenity and economic vibrancy. Well-known for its robust job market, top-tier educational institutions, affordability, and a plethora of recreational options, Cary has continually demonstrated its ability to offer a stellar quality of life. Here's a detailed guide for anyone considering Cary as their new home base, with the local context buyers need before choosing a neighborhood.
What to Know Before Moving to Cary
Cary's Location and Accessibility
Cary is located in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, with easy access to both Raleigh and Charlotte. This prime location provides options for job opportunities, shopping, education, and entertainment. Many choose Cary for its location and access.
RTP drives the tech job growth here — IBM, SAS, Google, Cisco, and Apple all operate in the area.
Cary's Economy and Job Market
Cary has a robust job market, especially in tech with major companies like IBM, SAS, Google, Cisco, and Apple in the area due to top research universities and the Research Triangle Park (RTP). The RTP drives job growth in technology. Other industries like healthcare, finance, hospitality, and government also provide employment. Initiatives like Cary’s Passage Home Job Training assist residents in gaining industry certifications and job placements, ensuring paths to economic security.
Housing and Cost of Living
Cary's luxury neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles - from golf communities like MacGregor Downs to downtown luxury townhomes like Park Station. Cary provides suburban comfort or downtown living. With a low cost of living index, it's enticing for homebuyers and renters.
Education in Cary
Leveraging the Wake County Public School system, Cary has high graduation rates, test scores and AP results. Educators have strong partnerships and credentials, enhancing academics. Cary also offers higher education and specialized training partnerships with local colleges/universities.
Transportation
Cary has a comprehensive bus system, bike sharing, rental services, and carpool system. Named best city transportation nationally in 2015, it's known for being bike-friendly.
Recreation and Quality of Life
With over 30 parks, trails, and green space, Cary caters to outdoor lifestyles. New downtown developments highlight arts, shopping, dining, and entertainment like the Fenton open-air mall. Recognized for safety and low crime, Cary offers an inclusive, community atmosphere for families.
Business Climate and Development
Cary provides a skilled workforce, real estate options, and competitive operational costs. Recent Epic Games headquarters reinforces economic potential. Location enables major corporations to establish operations.
Companies like MetLife, IBM and SAS are establishing research and development centers in the area to take advantage of the area’s top research universities.
In addition to these reasons, Cary is also a good place to live because it has lots of green space and is close to both beaches and mountains.
Ongoing Innovation and Planning
Ambitious plans, like a new sports/eSports complex, demonstrate Cary's efforts to innovate attractions as a nationally recognized, desirable community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cary
What are the top employment sectors in Cary, North Carolina?
Cary's job market is robust, with some of the top employment sectors being technology, healthcare, education, and finance. The proximity to Research Triangle Park (RTP) means residents have access to opportunities with major tech companies like Google, SAS, IBM, Cisco, and a new Apple campus. Additionally, Cary is home to a variety of businesses, ranging from startups to international corporations.
How does the cost of living in Cary compare to other cities in North Carolina?
Cary offers a relatively reasonable cost of living, especially when compared to larger cities nationwide. While housing prices can be higher than in some other parts of North Carolina due to the town's popularity, Cary's overall cost of living remains competitive, considering the quality of life, amenities, and employment opportunities available. Residents also benefit from North Carolina's lower tax rates and moderate utility, transportation, and healthcare costs.
What are the schooling options available in Cary?
Cary is part of the Wake County Public School System, which is highly regarded and offers a variety of educational paths for students, including traditional, magnet, and charter schools. There are also several private schools in the area. For higher education, Cary is close to esteemed institutions like Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.
Are there any cultural attractions or activities in Cary?
Yes, Cary is culturally vibrant, with many attractions such as the Cary Arts Center, the Page-Walker Arts and History Center, and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year. The town also organizes community events like the Cary Diwali Celebration and the Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, reflecting the town's rich cultural diversity and community spirit.
What are the transportation options in Cary?
Cary provides a range of transportation options for its residents. The town has a well-planned road system and is accessible via major highways. Public transportation is available through GoCary, which offers fixed-route bus services, door-to-door paratransit services, and a regional connection to GoTriangle, linking residents to the wider Triangle area. Cary is also known for being bike-friendly and pedestrian-friendly, with numerous greenways and bike lanes. Additionally, the town benefits from the Amtrak train station providing passenger rail connections.
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