Welcome to Cary, North Carolina

Cary is one of the most desirable towns in the Southeast, known for its exceptional quality of life, beautiful neighborhoods and top tier schools. Located between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, Cary offers a polished suburban atmosphere with extensive parks, modern amenities and a strong community identity. Consistently ranked among the safest and best places to live in the United States, Cary attracts families, professionals, retirees and relocating buyers seeking comfort, convenience and long term value.

What to Love

Cary combines suburban serenity with well planned development, lush landscaping and an emphasis on recreation and wellness. Residents enjoy a refined environment filled with green spaces, family friendly amenities and easy access to the greater Triangle region.

People love Cary for:

• Beautiful master planned communities like Preston, Lochmere and Amberly

• Extensive greenway systems that weave through neighborhoods

• Excellent dining, boutique shopping and entertainment in Downtown Cary and Park West Village

• Access to top tier schools and nationally recognised safety ratings

• Proximity to RTP, RDU Airport and major highways like I 40 and US 1

• Clean, scenic streetscapes with abundant parks, lakes and outdoor activities

• A strong sense of community supported by town events, festivals and recreation centers

Local Lifestyle in Cary

Daily life in Cary is relaxed, active and family centered. Residents enjoy a suburban pace supported by exceptional amenities and thoughtful urban design. Mornings might start with a walk around Lake Pine, coffee in Downtown Cary or a bike ride along one of the town’s many trails. Weekends often revolve around youth sports, farmers markets, local concerts or outings to Cary’s vibrant restaurant scene.

The community places a high value on wellness, education and outdoor living. Neighborhoods are friendly, well maintained and connected through greenways, creating a lifestyle that feels balanced and welcoming for people of all ages.

Suburban Family Living

While Cary attracts professionals and retirees as well, the dominant lifestyle here is suburban family living. The town is designed with families in mind, offering excellent schools, numerous parks, safe streets and robust community engagement.

Characteristics of this lifestyle include:

• Family friendly subdivisions with sidewalks and landscaped common areas

• Community pools, tennis courts, playgrounds and sports facilities

• Easy access to Cary’s top rated public schools

• Neighborhood gatherings, swim teams and seasonal events

• Convenient shopping centers and local plazas throughout town

Whether in established areas like Lochmere or newer communities like Amberly and West Cary, families find Cary to be both supportive and enriching.

Things to Do in Cary

Cary offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, arts lovers, families and foodies alike.

Local highlights include:

• Fred G. Bond Metro Park – 300+ acres with trails, a lake, a boathouse and open fields

• Downtown Cary Park – a major new destination with performance spaces, gardens and community activities

• Koka Booth Amphitheatre – concerts, festivals and movie nights under the pines

• Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve – rare ecosystems, boardwalk trails and scenic overlooks

• WakeMed Soccer Park – home to North Carolina FC and professional soccer events

• Cary Arts Center – classes, performances and exhibitions

• Prestonwood Golf Courses – premier private golfing in the region

Dining and entertainment hubs like Park West Village and Fenton offer upscale restaurants, shops and vibrant nightlife.

Schools in Cary

Cary is served primarily by the Wake County Public School System, one of the most respected districts in North Carolina. Many families relocate to Cary specifically for its strong school options.

Educational advantages include:

• Consistent top rated elementary, middle and high schools

• Magnet, gifted and STEM specialty programs

• Numerous private and charter school alternatives

• Short commute times thanks to Cary’s central Triangle location

• Reliable public transit through GoCary and GoTriangle

• Bike friendly routes connecting neighborhoods to campuses

Cary’s academic reputation and community involvement support lasting educational success.

History & Culture

Cary began as a small railroad town in the mid 1800s, later evolving into a model of intentional suburban planning. Its rapid growth began in the late 20th century with the expansion of Research Triangle Park, transforming Cary into a thriving and highly educated community.

Cultural elements found here include:

• Celebrated arts institutions like the Cary Arts Center and the Page-Walker Arts & History Center

• Seasonal festivals such as Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival and Diwali at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

• Charming historic districts around Academy Street and Downtown Cary

• A diverse population enriched by global influences from RTP professionals

Cary blends historic roots with a modern, multicultural identity.

Homes in Cary

Cary’s housing market offers a range of upscale options, reflecting the town’s strong emphasis on quality and design.

Common home styles include:

• Luxury estates in Preston, MacGregor Downs and Birklands

• Craftsman and modern builds in West Cary communities

• Traditional two story homes in Lochmere and Cary Park

• Townhomes and condos near Downtown Cary and Fenton

• New construction developments offering energy efficient features and amenities

Many neighborhoods are master planned, featuring clubhouses, pools, walking trails and lake access.

Housing Market Trends

Cary remains one of the most competitive and stable real estate markets in North Carolina.

Current trends include:

• High demand from professionals and relocating families

• Limited inventory, especially in central and West Cary neighborhoods

• Continued price appreciation due to strong schools and employment proximity

• Significant interest in new construction along the western corridors

• Strong rental demand from RTP employees and university affiliates

Cary’s steady growth and exceptional livability make it a top choice for long term investment.

Popular Neighborhoods in Cary

Cary features a mix of established and newer neighborhoods, each offering unique amenities.

Favored communities include:

• Preston – country club living, golf course views and luxury homes

• Lochmere – lakes, tennis, trails and established charm

• Amberly – West Cary master planned community with modern amenities

• MacGregor Downs – golf course estates and timeless architecture

• Cary Park – walkable trails, a large lake and family friendly atmosphere

• Carpenter Village – neo traditional design with parks and shops

Each neighborhood provides its own blend of convenience, character and community.

Buying or Selling in Cary

Cary’s strong demand and limited inventory make both buying and selling competitive. Buyers should be prepared for quick moving listings, especially in established or school driven neighborhoods. Sellers benefit from a deep pool of qualified buyers and strong pricing potential, particularly when homes offer upgrades, curb appeal or access to top amenities.

Working with a Cary real estate expert ensures you understand market timing, pricing and neighborhood dynamics for the best possible outcome.