Moving to Cary, North Carolina: What You Need to Know

If you’re researching the best places to live in the Raleigh-Durham area, chances are you’ve come across Cary, North Carolina—and for good reason. Whether you’re a relocating family, a young professional, or a retiree looking for comfort and convenience, Cary has something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll dive into why Cary is consistently ranked among the most desirable places to live in the Triangle, exploring everything from job opportunities and schools to neighborhoods, entertainment, and the all-important pros and cons.

Why Are So Many People Moving to Cary?

Cary is the third-largest city in the Triangle after Raleigh and Durham, with a population now hovering around 180,000. It’s best known for its:

  • Excellent public and private schools

  • Proximity to RTP, RDU, and major cities

  • Family-friendly neighborhoods

  • Incredible parks and greenways

  • Low crime rates and overall safety

  • Diverse, welcoming population

  • Endless things to do

Let’s break down the highlights.

Central Location & Commute Times

One of Cary’s biggest advantages is its central location. It’s perfectly situated in the Triangle, making it easy to reach:

  • Downtown Raleigh: ~18 minutes

  • Durham: ~22 minutes

  • RDU Airport: ~10-15 minutes

  • RTP: ~14 minutes

  • NC Beaches: ~2.5 hours

  • Blue Ridge Mountains: ~3.5 hours

And with the upcoming completion of Interstate 540, West Cary will be even more accessible.

Job Opportunities in Cary

Cary has emerged as a tech hub, home to companies like:

  • SAS Institute (largest private software company in the U.S.)

  • Google, Apple, Meta, and IBM

This “Mini Silicon Valley” atmosphere has led Glassdoor to rank Cary as one of the best places to find a job in the U.S.

Education: Top-Notch Schools

One of the biggest reasons families are drawn to Cary, NC is the exceptional quality of education. Whether you’re considering public schools, private institutions, or alternative learning options, Cary offers a wide variety of high-performing schools to suit every family’s needs.

Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System, the largest school district in North Carolina and one of the most respected in the Southeast. Schools in Cary consistently receive high marks from Niche.com, particularly in academics, college prep, and teacher quality.

Highlights:

  • Academic Rating: A-

  • College Prep: A

  • Sports & Activities: A

  • Teachers: A

  • Diversity: A

  • Overall Grade: A

Popular public schools in and around Cary include:

Families often move into specific neighborhoods to be within the assigned school zones for these top-tier schools.

Pro tip: Always double-check school assignments through the WCPSS website or contact a local real estate agent, as zoning can change from year to year.

Neighborhoods in Cary

Cary is divided into distinct areas, each with its own personality:

South Cary

  • Mostly established homes from the ’70s to ’90s

  • Great shopping (Waverly Place, Crossroads Plaza)

  • Home to Cocoa Booth Amphitheater

West Cary

Central Cary / Downtown

Notable Neighborhoods

  • Amberly (mega-neighborhood with 5,000 homes)

  • Preston (luxury living, golf course, top-ranked)

  • McGregor Downs, Lochmere, Destin, Carpenter Village

Housing Market Snapshot

  • Single-Family Home Median Price: ~$725,000

  • Townhome Median Price: ~$565,000

  • 58% of listings are single-family homes; 41% townhomes

  • Only ~21% of homes are new construction

 

New construction is limited, which is driving home values up—great for sellers, tougher for first-time buyers.

Things To Do in Cary

Fenton

A destination for shopping, dining, and fun. Ice skating in winter, luxury shops like Lululemon and William Sonoma.

Cary Park & Downtown

A revitalized 7-acre space for community events, music, and gathering.

Cocoa Booth Amphitheater

Host of concerts, Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival, and Chinese Lantern Festival.

Cary Arts Center

431-seat theater, plus arts programs and summer camps.

Phillips Farm

Seasonal events, an amusement park, and family-friendly experiences.

WakeMed Soccer Park

Home to NC Courage and NCFC soccer teams, plus NCAA and ACC tournaments.

Shopping & Dining

  • Fenton – High-end retail and trendy eateries

  • Waverly Place – Outdoor shopping, Whole Foods, Shake Shack

  • Crossroads Plaza – Big-box stores and local gems

  • Herons at The Umstead – 5-star dining

  • LaFarm Bakery, Lucky 32, Fortnight Brewery, and more

Parks, Greenways & Nature

Pros & Cons of Living in Cary

Pros

  • Central location

  • Great schools

  • Safety & low crime

  • Diversity

  • Well-planned growth and traffic

  • Excellent food and shopping

  • Outdoor lifestyle

Cons

  • Higher housing costs vs. nearby cities

  • Limited new construction

  • Can feel crowded compared to rural areas

  • Certain areas (like Crossroads Plaza) experience congestion

How NC Triangle Connection Can Help You Make the Move to Cary

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At NC Triangle Connection, we specialize in helping individuals, families, and professionals relocate smoothly and confidently to Cary and the surrounding Triangle area.

Whether you’re coming for a new job in RTP, looking for a better school district, or just craving a high quality of life, we’re here to connect you with everything you need to settle in comfortably.

 

Here’s how we can help:

 

Fully Furnished Short-to-Mid-Term Rentals
Perfect for those who need temporary housing while house hunting, remodeling, or relocating. All of our homes are fully furnished and include utilities, WiFi, and flexible lease terms—so you can focus on your move, not logistics.

 

Local Area Expertise
We’ve done the homework for you. From the best neighborhoods and schools to where to eat, shop, and play—we’ll help you feel like a local from day one.

 

Support for Families, Professionals & More
We work with traveling professionals, remote workers, families navigating insurance claims, construction crews, and more. We understand unique housing needs and tailor options to match.

 

Personalized Relocation Guidance
We’re not just a housing company—we’re your Triangle connection. We can connect you with vetted real estate agents, moving services, school resources, and everything else you need to get settled with confidence.

 

Ready to Make Cary Your New Home?

Let us take the stress out of your move. Explore our properties and get in touch today at NCTriangleConnection.com or send us a message—we’d love to help you get started!

📨 Contact Us:
📍 Serving Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Apex, and Wake Forest
💻 www.NCTriangleConnection.com
📞 Personalized help, fast response, local expertise