10 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Cary, NC [2026 Guide]

Living in Cary

Are you moving to Cary, NC? Here are ten great reasons why people love living in Cary! 

Cary is a great city for anyone looking to live in a top-rated town with excellent schools, weather, and amenities. It's no wonder everyone is moving to Cary, NC. 

Cary, North Carolina, consistently ranks among the best places to live in America, and for good reason. Located just 12 miles from downtown Raleigh, this thriving town of approximately 191,000 residents offers an exceptional quality of life that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Every individual has unique preferences and needs when finding the perfect living place. Contact us today so we can learn more about your specific situation and provide personalized assistance tailored just for you. Reach out now to get started on finding your ideal home at 919-249-8536!

Let's explore ten essential things you need to know about moving to Cary. From education and employment to exceptional housing and recreation, it is no wonder that Cary is ranked as one of the best places to raise a family. 

Here are ten reasons why you will love living in Cary

1. A Diverse and Welcoming Community 

The community of people living in Cary, NC, is part of what makes the area unique. The city of Cary has tripled in size in the last 25 years, creating a highly diversified community that people love to call home. 

The median age of 39.9 years reflects a balanced population with strong representation across all age groups, creating an environment where young families, working professionals, and retirees can all find their place.

Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts various events, including outdoor concerts, fun family movies, the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival, and the popular North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. These events attract over 330,000 visitors annually to the amphitheater, showcasing Cary's thriving arts and culture scene.

The Town of Cary website is excellent for learning more about the community and its values. There are even multiple beautiful wedding venues where many couples decide to have their ceremony and reception. 

2. Top-Tier Education in Cary, NC 

Education is the foundation of a family community as strong as Cary's. The schools are some of the best in the nation, and they are an excellent reason to make a move. The town is served by Wake County Public Schools, which ranks 60th out of 242 school districts in North Carolina with a 4-star rating.

Several schools in Cary rank among the best in the entire state. Green Level, Green Hope, and Panther Creek High School are some of the top schools in the area, and many home shoppers will search specifically within these school districts. There are also several private schools in the area, like Cary Academy and Chesterbrook Academy, to name a few.

Education is a priority for everyone in the Triangle area, with some of the world's outstanding universities nearby, including Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. This highly educated community creates an environment that values learning and academic achievement.

3. Exceptional Safety and Low Crime Rates 

Cary, North Carolina, is constantly ranked as one of the safest places to live. Part of what makes Cary so safe is directly correlated with the area's beautiful real estate, great jobs, schools, and weather. 

Crime stays low when people can live a comfortable lifestyle with great educational systems and opportunities. One of the priorities when moving to a new location is always safety, and Cary, NC, is about as safe as possible. With a crime rate of 13.65 per 1,000 residents, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cary is very low. 

Here are Cary's annual crime rates: 

Here are your chances of becoming a victim of crime in Cary vs. the rest of North Carolina: 

 *Data Sourced from NeighborhoodScout. 

The Cary Police Department maintains an active presence throughout the community, working proactively to prevent crime through neighborhood watch programs, community engagement initiatives, and rapid response protocols. The department's commitment to excellence, grounded in loyalty, teamwork, and service, ensures that public safety remains a top priority.

4. Thriving Job Market in the Cary Area 

Cary's location in the heart of the Research Triangle provides residents with access to one of the nation's most dynamic job markets. The Research Triangle Park (RTP), just minutes away, is the largest research park in the United States, housing over 300 companies and representing more than $6 billion in research annually.

The Triangle region ranks as the second-fastest growing tech hub in the U.S., with over 4,000 tech companies employing more than 60,000 people. The unemployment rate in Cary is just 3.2%, well below both the state and national averages.

The area's three tier-1 research universities create a continuous pipeline of skilled talent. NC State alone hosts the nation's tenth-largest school of engineering, providing employers with highly qualified candidates across STEM fields.

For professionals in technology, life sciences, healthcare, finance, education, or professional services, Cary offers abundant career opportunities. The strong job market also means that dual-income families will find tons of opportunities for both partners to advance their careers.

5. Perfect for Raising a Family 

Cary has earned its reputation as one of the best towns in North Carolina for raising families, and the reasons are compelling. Beyond the excellent schools and low crime rates already discussed, the town offers an abundance of family-friendly amenities and activities.

The town maintains over 10,000 acres of parkland with 15 designated recreational areas, providing safe spaces for children to play and families to gather. The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Fred G. Bond Metro Park offer playgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails, and educational programs that engage children with nature and outdoor recreation.

Family-friendly dining options are everywhere, and the Downtown Cary Park serves as a gathering place for community events, farmers markets, and festivals. The area's many libraries, including the impressive contemporary Cary Regional Library, provide quiet spaces for study, storytelling hours, and family programming.

If you're raising a family in the Cary, NC, area, you'll want to know the best neighborhoods. Apex, Cary's neighbor, is another excellent place to raise a family. Both cities have great school systems and affordable homes and are constantly ranked as the country's top 10 places to live.

6. Ideal Climate and Location 

The climate is important when choosing a place to live. Northerners tend to move to North Carolina to escape the grueling winters, and Southerners enjoy the change in seasons. Here in the Triangle, the warmer weather stays longer, and winters are generally mild.

Summers are warm and suitable for swimming, hiking, and outdoor sports, while winters are generally mild with occasional snow that rarely disrupts daily life significantly. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures perfect for enjoying Cary's extensive greenway system and outdoor events

If it snows in Cary, there's a good chance it will be gone within a day, as it doesn't typically stay cold enough for snow to stick around for too long. The good news for skiiers and snowboarders is that the mountains are close. Take a trip to the North Carolina mountains. 

When it comes to location, Cary offers suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. Major interstates including I-40 and proximity to I-95 facilitate easy road travel. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) sits just 20 minutes away. 

7. Housing Market and Affordability in Cary, NC 

Cary's housing market reflects its desirability, with home values that have grown substantially over recent years. While housing prices in Cary are higher than the North Carolina state median of $367,600, they reflect the premium quality of life, excellent schools, and economic opportunities that Cary offers.

Real estate in Cary, NC, is the most desirable in the Triangle area, largely thanks to the convenience of traveling, the great schools, and the area amenities. Many people who are moving to the Raleigh, NC, area live in Cary. Some of our favorite neighborhoods in Cary are the Preston, MacGregor, and Regency neighborhoods.

Many people moving to Cary also wonder what the cost of living is. It's less than the national average in many categories, making Cary a great value relative to the average income. The median houshold income is $129,399. 

*Data sourced from Payscale. 

8. Golf and Country Clubs in Cary, NC 

For golf enthusiasts and country club lovers, Cary offers exceptional golf course options. The town is home to several prestigious private clubs and semi-private facilities that cater to players of all skill levels.

Additionally, Pinehurst, NC, is only an hour-long drive away (where the U.S. Open is held). Some of the golf course communities in the Cary area include MacGregor Downs Country Club, Prestonwood Country Club, and Lochmere Golf Club. 

Beyond golf, Cary residents enjoy access to numerous public and private tennis facilities, swimming pools, fitness centers, and recreational sports leagues. The town's commitment to active living is evident in its extensive recreational infrastructure, which supports everything from youth sports to adult recreation programs.

9. Downtown Cary's Cultural Attractions 

Downtown Cary has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from a quiet street with limited activity into a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub. This revival represents one of the most exciting developments for current and prospective residents.

The downtown area now features numerous restaurants, breweries, boutique shops, and entertainment venues that have transformed the once-sleepy district into a destination. The Mayton Inn and Cary Arts Center are located here. 

10. Strong Infrastructure and Future Growth 

Cary's commitment to infrastructure investment ensures that quality of life will continue to improve as the community grows. The town demonstrates forward-thinking planning that balances development with livability.

Recent and ongoing infrastrucutre improvements include transportation projects, greenway expansion, and sustainable initiatives. The town's planning ensures that growth is managed thoughtfully, with adequate schools, roads, parks, and services keeping pace with population increases.

Living in Cary, NC

Life in Cary lives up to the town's accolades and national rankings. The large town is one of the best places to live in the country. Bond Brothers Beer Company is ranked the #1 Brewery in the Triangle, and the best restaurants in Cary are some of the best in North Carolina. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere, running clubs, and food trucks, it is a hot spot for locals to frequent any evening.

Breakfast lovers would enjoy La Farm Bakery since it is notorious for craft coffee beverages and a variety of bread, while Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen is the place to go for traditional Southern cooking. Whether you're looking for conventional shrimp and grits, pulled pork, or extensive salad and sandwich options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Cary Crossroads Plaza is your one-stop shopping center for all of your needs. Target, Harris Teeter, Old Navy, and Dick's Sporting Goods are just a few stores in the plaza. There's a lot to love about living in North Carolina, and Cary is one of the many reasons.

When Cary isn't winning awards, you can be sure the neighbors are, Apex was recently ranked as the #1 best place to live in the country by Money Magazine. Holly Springs is another area to check out as it continues building neighborhoods, schools, and amenities. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from the Town of Cary, the U.S. Census Bureau, NeighborhoodScout, Payscale, and local cary businesses. 

FAQs

Is Cary, NC, good for retirees?

Cary is considered a great place to retire since it features a mild climate, low crime rate, golf courses, beautiful real estate, retirement communities, and plenty of parks and recreational facitlites. 

Who is the largest employer in Cary, NC? 

Ranked among the top places to work or start a business, the biggest employer in Cary, NC, is SAS Institute Inc., which is the largest privately held software company in the world. 

Is Cary a walkable city? 

Downtown Cary is considered moderatley walkable since it is anchored by Downtown Cary Park and features a pedestrian friendly enviornment with many local shops, restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues. 

Final Thoughts on Moving to Cary, NC

There is a reason why the homes for sale in Cary go for more on average than in any other city in the Triangle. The town successfully balances small-town charm with big-city amenities, offering residents the best of both worlds.

As you consider your move to Cary, think about what matters most to your family. If you value education, safety, career opportunities, outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities, Cary checks all the boxes.

The town's track record of excellence, combined with forward-thinking planning and community investment, suggests that choosing Cary means choosing a bright future. At Raleigh Realty, we're here to help you navigate the Cary housing market and find the perfect home for your family.

When you're ready to talk to a Realtor, please get in touch with us. We are here to help and answer any questions. Our deep knowledge of the area's neighborhoods, schools, and lifestyle options ensures you'll make an informed decision about where to plant your roots in this exceptional North Carolina community.