Cary, NC, known as "A Great Place to Live," is a thriving community with a rich history and a high quality of life. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Cary is approximately 12 miles west of Raleigh and 20 miles east of Chapel Hill. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and strong sense of community.
Cary's climate features mild winters and hot, humid summers, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Bond Park and the expansive Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for family picnics. The nearby Jordan Lake provides additional outdoor adventures, including boating and fishing.
The cultural scene in Cary is vibrant, with attractions like the Cary Arts Center, the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival and the Diwali Festival, celebrating the community's artistic and cultural achievements.
Education is a priority in Cary, with the Wake County Public School System providing education to its students. The city is also home to campuses of higher education institutions such as Wake Technical Community College and nearby North Carolina State University. This focus on education makes Cary an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the WakeMed Cary Hospital, also supports a strong job market and ensures residents have access to top-notch medical care.
Living in Cary combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and proximity to major highways, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, living in Cary offers a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Cary is a mid-sized city with a population of 173,346 inhabitants. In Cary, there are 3,068 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (66% White). Given that fact, Cary could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Cary your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 23 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Cary, North Carolina could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Cary and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, employment, housing and other important metrics.
With a livability score of 90/100, Cary is ranked #71 in the United States and #1 in North Carolina. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Cary could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Cary also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Cary has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A), crime (A+), education (A-) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that does not have great scores in Cary. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (D).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Cary, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Cary undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: The Umstead Spa, Fred G. Bond Metro Park, and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Cary gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 71 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Cary, the unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Cary has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Cary. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Cary are affordable. Median real estate prices in Cary come in at $663,632, which is 129.3% higher than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cary, the home price to income ratio is 4.1, which is 0% lower than the North Carolina average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Cary | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.0% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.8% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.3% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.5% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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