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Cary, North Carolina

Cary, North Carolina: Buying

About Cary

Cary, N.C. is a suburb of Raleigh, sitting 10 miles west of the capital. The city has tripled in size in the last 25 years, attracting people from all over the nation – and world – due to its close proximity to Research Triangle Park, major universities and top-ranked public schools. Cary was ranked the fifth best place to live in America by Money Magazine in 2018 – and it’s consistently recognized as one of the safest cities in the nation. 


Cary began as a small settlement and farming community called Bradford’s Ordinary. The North Carolina Railroad put the settlement along a major transportation route. In 1854, Francis Page purchased 300 acres of land along the northernmost track and built a mill, post office, school and hotel – and named the area after prohibitionist Samuel Cary. The town was incorporated as a dry community in 1871. When the Chatham Railroad was established, the area began to expand quickly. Today, the town has a population of approximately 160,000 with a 2.5% growth rate. 

Apex gets its name from its location along the Chatham Railroad – the town sits at the highest point along a 30-mile section. In the 1800s, steam engines stopped at the Apex station to replenish their water supply. The town was incorporated in 1873 but remained a small trading and shipping town until the 1960s. After Research Triangle Park was established in 1959, the Triangle area of North Carolina experienced a wave of growth – including Apex. By 1990, Apex had a population of 5,000. Today, the town boasts a population of 45,000+ with a 4.57% growth rate. While its growth steadily continues at a 4.57% rate, town planners are working to ensure that Apex retains its small-town feel.

Cary, North Carolina: Text

Apex Demographics

Cary

Median Age

The median age in Cary is 39.2

Cary

Median Household Income

The median household income is $97,755, with 3.32% growth

Cary

Median Property Value

The median property value is $323,000, with 4.26% growth

Cary, North Carolina: List
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Cary, North Carolina: Image

Local Attractions

Favorite Local Restaurants

Cary is home to several family-owned restaurants and boasts an array of international cuisine, including Sassool, Totopos Street Food and Tequila, Sushi Thai and Bosphorus Restaurant. Local favorites also include Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, La Farm Bakery, Ruth’s Chris and Big Dom’s Bagel Shop.

Popular Local Parks and Trails

With playgrounds, sports fields, skate parks and more, Cary boasts numerous parks that offer something for the whole family – including Fred G. Bond Metro Park, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Marla Dorrel Park.


Cary is also designated a National Walk-Friendly Community by Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) based on its efforts to expand opportunities for walking and improve pedestrian safety. It features several trails and greenways, including Bond Park Lake Trail, White Oak Creek Greenway Trail, Swift Creek Loop Trail, Beech Tree Cove Trail and Higgins Greenway Trail.

Museums & Art Galleries

Cary offers convenient access to several museums and galleries in the state capital (link to this section on Raleigh page). It’s also home to Cary Arts Center, Cary Heritage Museum in the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Cary Gallery of Artists and Cary Pottery.

Major Employers in Area 

Cary offers employment in various industries, with opportunities at MetLife, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, John Deere and Caterpillar. It’s also home to SAS Institute, a company that consistently makes Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. 


Cary is also in close proximity to Research Triangle Park, one of the nation’s most prominent high-tech research centers that is home to more than 200 high-profile companies, including IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, Credit Suisse, Cisco and Fidelity Investments.

Annual Community Events 

Cary hosts several annual events that attract Triangle residents, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest, Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival and Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. It also hosts various cultural and holiday events, such as its Diwali Celebration and Heart for the Holidays. The annual SAS Championship and Triangle Oktoberfest are held in Cary as well.

Cary, North Carolina: List

Our Favorite Spots in Cary

Here are a few of our top picks for places to visit in Cary.

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Cary, North Carolina: To Buy
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