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:
Green Hope High School – Known for academics, AP programs, and athletics
Panther Creek High School – Strong STEM programs and high graduation rates
Davis Drive Middle School – Frequently ranked among the top middle schools in the region
Mills Park Elementary and Middle Schools – High parent satisfaction and student performance
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
Mix of new builds and resales
Convenient to Durham, Jordan Lake, and American Tobacco Trail
Restaurants: Hot Pot, Indian Bistro, Smithfield’s BBQ
Central Cary / Downtown
Quaint small-town feel with modern amenities
Includes Cary Park, Cary Arts Center, and Cary Theater
Restaurants: Big Mike’s BBQ, Bond Brothers, LaFarm Bakery
Notable Neighborhoods
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
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Dozens of public parks and trails
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Outdoor lifestyle options abound
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
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