11 Best Neighborhoods in Cary, NC [2026 Guide]

Best Places to Live in Cary 

What are the best neighborhoods in Cary, NC? Here are 11 great places to live in Cary! 

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Cary has earned its reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. With over 192,000 residents, Cary is an excellent place to live for families and is considered one of the best places to call home in North Carolina. 

The Triangle area comprises Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, and Cary is the third-largest municipality in the Triangle, right behind Raleigh and Durham. With local universities including NC State University, UNC, and Duke University, the Triangle area is known for its incredible education and commitment to excellence.

So what is it about Cary, North Carolina, that has so many people moving to Cary? Aside from the long list of accolades and awards Cary has won over the last few years, the people, the affordability of homes, the nice weather, and the friendly communities make the city great.

As one of the safest cities in America, Cary has a property crime rate of just one in 79 and a violent crime rate of one in 938. Best known for its high quality of life and commitment to education, Cary offers an enviable lifestyle. 

If you're looking for the best neighborhoods in Cary, NC, you should contact us and let us know exactly what you're looking for in a neighborhood. The more information you give us, the more we can personalize the right Cary neighborhoods to your lifestyle.

There are so many different types of homes, neighborhoods, and price ranges in Cary, and once we know what your priorities are, it will be easier for us to help you find a great home.

One of the first questions you'll need to ask yourself is if you'd prefer to buy a new construction home in Cary or in a mature neighborhood, likely with larger lots and more trees.

The town's master-planned communities offer resort-style amenities, while downtown Cary provides a charming village atmosphere with local shops, restaurants, breweries, and cultural venues. Whether you are a young professional, growing family, or retiree, Cary's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone.

Let's explore 11 of Cary's finest neighborhoods, each offering its own unique character and advantages.

1. Amberly 

Amberly stands as one of Cary's largest and most successful master-planned communities, spanning over 1,100 acres with approximately 5,000 homesites. First planned in 1995, this visionary neighborhood was designed as a true mixed-use community where residents could live, work, shop, and play without leaving their neighborhood.

As one of the best neighborhoods in Cary, homes in Amberly range from townhomes in the Village Square to custom estates in The Peninsula, with prices typically from the mid-$400s to over $1 million. The neighborhood includes an active adult section at Carolina Preserve, making it truly multi-generational.

Location is one of the best advantages of living in Amberly. Amberly sits just 1.5 miles from Research Triangle Park, 12 minutes from RDU Airport via NC-540, and within 20-30 minutes of Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. Families benefit from access to top-rated schools including Mills Park Elementary and Panther Creek High School.

Local Favorites: 

Enjoy fresh food, excellent service, and a wide selection of craft beers at Amberly Local. 

Mirchi's Indian Kitchen and Bar is a fantastic spot to get authentic Indian food for lunch and dinner. 

DICED Salads, Wraps, and Bowls is a locally-owned restaurant specializing in healthy food, highlighting fresh ingredients. 

2. Carpenter Village 

If you are looking for a great place to call home in Cary, consider moving to the neighborhood of Carpenter Village. Named after William Carpenter, the area's first settler in 1865, Carpenter Village preserves its historic roots while offering modern amenities.

This smaller community of approximately 16 acres features distinctly Southern-style architecture with generous front porches and copper roofs. Featuring a walkable design and diverse housing options, the homes in Carpenter Village have a median list price of $527,600. 

The location at Carpenter-Upchurch Road and Morrisville-Carpenter Road, just east of Highway 55, provides easy access to shopping at Parkside Town Commons, multiple grocery stores including Whole Foods and Harris Teeter, and numerous dining options. 

Local Favorites: 

Specializing in gourmet burgers and American favorites, check out Tribeca Tavern. 

Dampf Good BBQ offers delicious barbecue and homemade southern sides. 

Enjoy the outdoors at Carpenter Park. 

3. Cary Park 

The Cary Park neighborhood is one of the top communities in Cary, NC, and is known for being very safe. Located in West Cary, the neighborhoods defining feature is its stunning 28-acre lake encircled by two miles of paved trails, creating an idyllic setting for morning walks, evening jogs, or leisurely bike rides.

Cary Park comprises single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, providing options for various lifestyle preferences and budgets. The neighborhood's connection to the extensive Cary Greenway system makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The homes for sale in Cary Park range from the mid $400s to nearly $1 million. Families benefit from highly-rated Wake County schools and the neighborhood's reputation as one of Cary's safest communities.

Less than a mile away, Cary Park Town Center offers convenient shopping with a grocery store, CVS pharmacy, medical providers, restaurants, and a Dunkin' Donuts. The neighborhood's location in rapidly growing West Cary provides easy access to major highways while maintaining a peaceful, suburban atmosphere. 

Local Favorites: 

Marla Dorrel Park is an excellent spot for the family for its picnic areas and playground. 

Fred G. Bond Metro Park is a beautiful lakeside park with playgrounds, walking trails, athletic fields, and events year-round. 

Jack Smith Park is a must-visit in Cary, featuring a splash pad, dog park, and playground. 

4. Lochmere 

One of the best communities in Cary is, without a doubt, Lochmere. Built in the mid-1980s through 1990s, Lochmere has earned its status as a premier Cary neighborhood through decades of proven desirability. 

Lochmere consists of two dozen subdivisions with gently curving roads, numerous cul-de-sacs, and abundant mature trees that create a park-like atmosphere. The community's extensive trail system includes a 1.1-mile paved path around Lake Lochmere, perfect for residents who enjoy walkability and connecting with nature.

Real estate in Lochmere range from townhomes starting in the high $200s to lakefront properties exceeding $1 million. The neighborhood's East Cary location provides convenient access to I-440 and US-1, with Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, and WakeMed Cary Hospital all nearby.

The semi-private Lochmere Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course that's open to members and the public. Additional community amenities include two pool locations (one with a diving board and water slide), tennis and pickleball courts, volleyball courts, six playgrounds, and a clubhouse hosting yoga classes and social events.

Local Favorites: 

Lochmere Golf Club is an excellent 18-hole course to play a round of golf. 

Visit Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve for its three-mile trail system and scenic overlooks. 

Swagger Boutique is the perfect shop for clothing, accessories, and gifts. 

5. MacGregor Downs 

MacGregor Downs is another great neighborhood in Cary for many of the same reasons as Lochmere. The community has magnificent homes, a great golf course, and terrific local amenities that make it desirable among Cary's best subdivisions. 

Built around the MacGregor Downs Country Club, this approximately 400-acre community features 400 residences set among mature landscaping, tree-lined streets, and the scenic Lake MacGregor.

Homes in MacGregor Downs range from approximately $600,000 to $5.3 million, reflecting the community's luxury status. The architecture leans toward timeless styles with brick exteriors, spacious layouts, and homes set back for maximum privacy.

Located just off Highway 64 in the heart of Cary, residents enjoy secluded elegance while remaining close to shopping, dining, and top-rated Wake County schools.

Local Favorites: 

MacGregor Downs Country Club offers a neighborhood pool, golf course, tennis courts, and great food. 

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen offers a seasonal menu and delicious farm-to-table Southern cuisine. 

Dine at MacGregor Draft House for American fare and cold beer. 

6. Preston 

Preston stands as one of Cary's flagship communities, known for stunning homes, golf course views, and resort-style amenities. Surrounding the prestigious Prestonwood Country Club, this sprawling 1,950-acre neighborhood includes 1,625 homes across multiple subdivisions including Preston Village, Preston Pines, Preston Grande, and Preston Forest.

The neighborhood of Preston is owned by SAS when the company bought the development in 1991 and helped develop it into what it is today. The Preston Development group works on several other Triangle/Wake County projects, including Chatham Park.

Preston offers remarkable housing, from townhomes starting around $300,000 to custom estate homes exceeding $3 million, with the average home value around $1 million. The neighborhood features neocolonial and neo-eclectic architectural styles from the 1990s, with wide yards, winding streets, and mature landscaping.

Local Favorites: 

Become a member at O2 Fitness to crush your fitness goals. 

Hickory Tavern offers a large selection of bar food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. 

7. Regency 

Regency is a beautiful development in Cary and among the best neighborhoods. Centered around Koka Booth Amphitheatre, this sought-after neighborhood features homes near Symphony Lake and connects to the Swift Creek Greenway. 

Housing in Regency varies widely, from the low $400s to over $2 million, making it one of Cary's more exclusive neighborhoods. The location on Regency Parkway provides easy access to US Route 1/US 64 and nearby shopping, dining, and services.

Residents enjoy both the cultural amenities of the amphitheater and the natural beauty of the lake setting, creating a truly unique living environment that balances suburban comfort with access to arts and entertainment.

Local Favorites: 

Koka Booth Amphitheatre features musical performances, movie screenings, and events. 

Visit Cilantro Indian Cuisine for traditional Indian cuisine in a casual setting. 

Order authentic Mediterranean dishes at Sasool Mediterranean Cafe. 

8. Wellsley 

Wellsley is a well-established community in the heart of Cary that offers charming, affordable luxury. The neighborhood features spacious, beautifully-maintained homes with sprawling trees and large lot sizes. 

Most homes in Wellsley range from 2,000 to 3,300 square feet, with prices typically in the $700,000-$800,000 range. Community amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, approximately two miles of sidewalks and walking paths, and a community clubhouse.

Local Favorites: 

Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant is the place for traditional Irish fare and good times. 

Johnny's Pizza is known for its pizza and pasta. 

Tazza Kitchen Stone Creek Village offers indoor and outdoor dining. 

9. Highcroft 

Highcroft exemplifies family-friendly living in West Cary. Built in the early 2000s, this neighborhood was designed with families in mind, featuring Highcroft Drive Elementary School right within the community.

The homes for sale in Highcroft were built by multiple custom builders and typically range from the upper $400s, with sizes typically between 2,500 and 5,100 square feet. Community amenities include a neighborhood pool, though the elementary school itself becomes the gathering place where neighbors connect. 

Highcroft's location in West Cary offers convenient access to Beaver Creek Crossing for shopping and dining, including multiple grocery stores and restaurants. The neighborhood is well-positioned near major routes including Morrisville Parkway and provides easy access to RTP and RDU Airport.

Local Favorites: 

Sophie's Grill and Bar offers excellent service and authentic Eastern European cuisine. 

Order tasty Chinese food from Fang's Kitchen. 

So Hot is a must-visit hot pot perfect for large parties. 

10. Copperleaf 

Copperleaf is on the list of best neighborhoods in Cary, and for good reason. Copperleaf is a mature neighborhood distinguished by notably larger lot sizes which are rare in newer Cary devlopments. 

This neighborhood is equal parts quiet, cozy, and family-friendly. Homes in Copperleaf showcase beautiful details in classic styles and range from $675,000 to over $1.5 million, with many properties exceeding $1 million.

Local Favorites: 

Play basketball, baseball, and soccer at Thomas Brooks Park. 

Walk or bike along the Copperleaf Greenway. 

11. The Pines at Wake Crossing 

The Pines at Wake Crossing represents some of the finest new construction available in Cary, developed by renowned builder Toll Brothers. This newer community offers executive-style homes with all the modern amenities today's buyers expect, making it an excellent choice for those seeking new construction without the wait.

Homes in The Pines at Wake Crossing typically range from 3,000 to 3,700 square feet and feature contemporary designs, high-end finishes, open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with granite or quartz countertops, spacious master suites, and smart home technology. Homes prices range from the mid $400s to upwards of $1 million. 

The location is particularly convenient for families, as the community is part of a highly-rated school district serving White Oak Elementary School, Mills Park Middle School, and Panther Creek High School.

Local Favorites: 

Abbey Road Tavern and Grill offers delicious pub grub and live music. 

La Farm Bakery is the place to visit for delicious baked goods and a full cafe menu. 

Bring the kids to North Cary Park for its playground, climbing wall, athletic fields, and picnic tables. 

Methodology 

To determine the best neighborhoods in Cary, NC, factors such as homes for sale, nearby schools, safety rating, and local amenities were considered. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Town of Cary, the Raleigh News and Observer, and NeighborhoodScout.  

FAQs 

Why is Cary, NC, so popular? 

Cary is one of the best places to live in North Carolina and is sought-after by many families and young professionals for its convenient location, strong job market, excellent education, high safety rating, desirable amenities, and family-friendly way of life. 

What is the richest neighborhood in Cary, NC? 

Due to its location in the heart of the Triangle and high quality of life, Cary is known to be an affluent place to live home to many neighborhoods with a high price tag. MacGregor Downs, Preston, Renaissance at Regency are among the most expensive neighborhoods that feature large homes and upscale amenities. 

What is the median houshold income in Cary, NC? 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Cary, NC, is $129,399 which is considered high since it exceeds the state and national averages. 

The Best Neighborhoods in Cary, NC - Final Thoughts 

Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, the neighborhoods in Cary offer proxmity to major tech companies, easy commutes, high-paying job markets, and innovative communtiy culture. 

Raleigh Realty is here to help you navigate Cary's neighborhoods and find your ideal home. Whether you are relocating from across the country or moving from a neighboring town, we are ready to introduce you to the best that Cary has to offer.

If you are moving to Cary and are in search of your dream home, we are here to help. Contact us today to start your home search.