Living in Cary, NC
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living and Quality of Life Details

• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking about moving to Cary, North Carolina? Incorporated in 1871, the town is a well-established and flourishing suburb of Raleigh. A plethora of parks and greenways, easy commutes, and excellent schools are only some of the reasons residents love living in Cary.

There is a range of housing options, from estate-like single-family homes to downtown apartments near West Chatham Street. Ample tree cover and well-maintained sidewalks make for excellent jogging and dog walking, with neighbors who greet one another and attend local festivals en masse. If you’re considering a move, understanding what everyday life in Cary looks like is a great place to start.

Why You’ll Love Living in Cary

This western Raleigh town is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the nation. Cary’s strong job market, high quality of life, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to Research Triangle Park make it a pleasant place to live year-round.

The town isn’t known for its nightlife, though that’s only a short drive away in Raleigh, but instead is a haven for neighborly and wholesome locals. Many residents walk or make a short drive to local boutiques and grocery marts before enjoying the ample Cary greenspace.

Cary residents appreciate nearby cultural amenities, including the largest Hindu temple in the region, Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina, and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, home of the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest series.

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Cary is technically in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties. The town is directly west of Raleigh, only about 20 minutes from downtown, and adjacent to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. It takes around 30 minutes to drive to the neighboring towns of Chapel Hill and Durham.

Locals have a two-hour drive east to the coast and a three-hour drive west to the Appalachian Mountains.

Cary experiences four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and short, cool winters. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s, while winter highs average in the low 50s, with rare overnight freezing temperatures.

Spring and fall are pleasant with mild temperatures, blooming gardens or colorful foliage, and comfortable conditions for hiking, festivals and al fresco dining. Summer brings higher humidity and frequent afternoon rain showers that keep everything green. The best times for warm-weather activities are typically from early May to mid-June and from mid-August through early October.

The town is only 15 minutes from Research Triangle Park, which is the largest research park in America and home to hundreds of innovative companies. Cary is also home to SAS Institute Inc., one of the largest privately held software companies in the world, which employs over 5,000 Cary locals.

The town is a base for several other global companies, including Epic Games and American Airlines. Cary has a low unemployment rate, reflecting the variety of job opportunities and its proximity to Raleigh employment.

Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), one of the larger public school districts in the country. The town has over a dozen elementary schools, around eight middle schools, and about six high schools.

These include some of the top public schools in the nation, with Green Level High School and Green Hope High School considered among the best in the state. Cary is less than 15 minutes from one of the best universities in the world, North Carolina State University.

Each Cary neighborhood has a slightly different appeal and housing situation, ranging from single-family homes to apartment-style living.

• North Cary: Prestigious communities like Preston give residents access to luxury homes and amenities, including the Prestonwood Country Club.
• East Cary: Established single-family homes and landscapes define East Cary with neighborhoods like Walnut Hills.
• South Cary: These neighborhood homes, including the peaceful Park Village and the master-planned Lochmere, sit on larger-than-average lots and offer quick access to local shopping.
• West Cary: Neighborhoods like Amberly and Highcroft appeal to prospective buyers seeking newer homes, single-family and townhomes, and resort-style amenities.

Cary residents benefit from a number of primary physicians, outpatient care, advanced pediatric care, and specialty services across a range of providers, including Duke Health, WakeMed, and UNC Health.

The Cary Hospital maintains over 200 licensed acute-care beds, a 24/7 emergency department, a level-three trauma center, and many other specialty services. Raleigh hospitals and providers are a short drive away, offering access to more specialists.

Locals exercise at one of the many city sports venues, ranging from the Cary Action Sports skatepark to the Cary Tennis Park clubhouse with its 32 championship courts. The outdoors is a significant part of life in Cary, and residents especially adore the trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.

Cary hosts a variety of annual events, including the Diwali Celebration at Downtown Cary Park and Harvest Fest at Good Hope Farm. Residents also have plenty of places to shop, from the Park West Village, which also includes a playground and community gathering space, to the Crossroads Plaza in East Cary.

Cary maintains over 100 miles of greenway and over 30 parks, including the most popular green space, Downtown Cary Park. The 7-acre downtown park is well-designed, with plenty of green space for locals to play and relax. Downtown Cary Park also features playgrounds, public art, an event venue, a bark bar and a dog park.

The longest greenway is White Oak Creek Greenway, which starts in Bond Park, a 310-acre green haven in the geographic center of Cary, and runs for over 7 miles, connecting with Black Creek Greenway and leading locals to Raleigh and William Umstead State Park.

Cary’s dining scene is a mix of acclaimed restaurants and small “locals-only” spots, creating a food culture that feels community-focused.

Himalayan Nepali Cuisine is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Cary, known for its unbeatable chicken korma. Crosstown Pub & Grill is a long-standing local dive with an excellent happy hour and fish and chips. Coffee spots dot the town, and standout Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery is the place for baked goods like almond croissants.

More than 100 miles of greenways, expansive parks and destinations like Downtown Cary Park combine with annual festivals, locally owned restaurants, and easy shopping to make Cary a highly livable town.

The town’s established neighborhoods create a community that’s welcoming and full of opportunity. The well-rated schools, local businesses, and year-round recreation all contribute to a lifestyle that emphasizes connection and quality of life.

Cary is a distinct community and an integral part of the greater Triangle region, giving residents a strong sense of identity while offering quick access to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.