Things to Know Before Moving to Cary

7 Things to Know Before Moving to Cary, NC

If you’re thinking about making a move to North Carolina, Cary is probably already on your radar. Located between Raleigh and Durham in the heart of the Research Triangle, Cary has seen consistent growth over the last two decades. It’s safe, well-planned, and offers the kind of lifestyle many of us are after: family-friendly, clean, and filled with opportunity.

We’ve helped hundreds of single people and families move in and around Cary, so we know firsthand what makes it special and what you need to know before you commit. This guide walks you through the key things to consider before moving to Cary NC.

1. Cary's Location and Accessibility

If you’re unfamiliar with Cary’s geography, one of the first things you’ll notice is how well-placed it is. Cary location is just perfect.

Where Is Cary, NC Located?

Cary is located in central North Carolina, right in the middle of the renowned Triangle region — flanked by Raleigh to the east and Durham to the northwest. Going from Cary NC to Raleigh NC takes about a 20-minute and just a short trip to Chapel Hill, too. This positioning makes it ideal for those who want suburban peace without sacrificing access to city life.

Easy Access to Major Highways and Airports

Getting around from Cary is easy. Major highways like I-40, US-1, and NC-540 run nearby. For longer trips, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is less than 15 minutes away.

Ideal for commuters and remote workers

For those commuting into RTP (Research Triangle Park), Cary is one of the most convenient places to live. Even if you’re working remotely, Cary offers a solid infrastructure, from fiber-optic internet availability to co-working spaces.

2. Real Estate and Housing Market

From pricing and style to neighborhood feel, Cary offers a lot, but the market can move fast, so a little research goes a long way.

• Housing Options in Cary: Cary offers a wide variety of housing styles to match different preferences and budgets. You’ll find everything from established neighborhoods with mature trees and character to newer developments with modern layouts and amenities. There are single-family homes with spacious yards, low-maintenance townhomes, and upscale apartments near the town center.
• Cost of Living and Housing Prices: Compared to nearby Raleigh or Chapel Hill, Cary’s real estate prices can be slightly higher. The quality of life, schools, and safety elevate the value. As of this year, median home prices hover around the mid-to-high $500,000s.
• Best Cary NC Neighborhoods for Families and Professionals: If you’re relocating with a family, neighborhoods like Amberly, Lochmere, and Preston often come up in conversation. For younger professionals, areas like Downtown Cary and Weston provide a mix of lifestyle amenities and proximity to job hubs.

3. Top-Rated Schools and Education

Families moving to Cary often have one big priority at the top of their list: schools. Cary’s reputation for high-performing public schools and access to excellent private education is well-earned.

One of the biggest draws to Cary is its strong public school system. Cary is part of the Wake County Public School System — one of the top-rated in the state. Schools like Green Hope High, Panther Creek High, and Davis Drive Elementary consistently receive high marks for academic performance and parent satisfaction

If you’re considering alternatives to public school, Cary has a number of reputable private and charter schools. Cary Academy, The Montessori School of Raleigh (which serves Cary), and Triangle Math and Science Academy are among the popular choices.

Access to Higher Education

Cary is also located near some of the most respected universities in the country, so kids don’t have to move far from college. NC State University is just down the road in Raleigh, while Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill are about 30–40 minutes away.

4. Lifestyle and Community

Crabtree Valley is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, providing residents and visitors with numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The Crabtree Creek Greenway, which runs through the area, offers scenic walking and biking trails along the creek, making it an excellent place for outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, or bird watching.

In addition, the William B. Umstead State Park, located just a short distance away from Crabtree Valley, is another popular spot for nature lovers. The park offers a variety of trails, picnic areas, and lakes, perfect for hiking, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. With these outdoor recreational options, Crabtree Valley offers a healthy balance between suburban tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Excellent Schools and Community Amenities

What’s it like to actually live in Cary day-to-day? The lifestyle here is relaxed yet active.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Cary prides itself on being a safe, family-centered town. With more than 30 parks, dozens of recreational programs, and a variety of community events throughout the year, it’s easy to feel like you belong here.
• Diversity and Welcoming Culture: Over the years, Cary has become increasingly diverse — both culturally and professionally. Residents come from all over the country and the world, bringing different languages, traditions, and foods to the area.
• Pet-Friendly and Outdoor Living: If you’re moving with a pet, rest easy: Cary is a very pet-friendly town. You will find many dedicated dog parks. Many local restaurants even have pet-friendly patios.

5. Things to Do in and Around Cary

Whether you’re into food, festivals, music, or nature, Cary’s got something for you.

Dining, Breweries, and Local Cuisine

Cary’s food scene may surprise newcomers. There’s a mix of Southern staples, international cuisines, and farm-to-table experiences. Local gems like Herons, La Farm Bakery, and Scratch Kitchen draw in food lovers, while the craft brewery scene (Bond Brothers and Fortnight Brewing) keeps things fresh.

Arts, Entertainment, and Events

For those who enjoy the arts, Cary delivers. The Cary Arts Center hosts regular performances, classes, and exhibitions. You’ll also find outdoor concerts at the Koka Booth Amphitheater, film screenings, and a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year.

6. Employment and Economy

If you’re moving for work — or looking for your next career opportunity — you’ll be glad to know Cary has a strong job market.

Job seekers will find that Cary is close to many major employers. It’s home to SAS Institute, one of the largest privately held software companies in the world. Nearby RTP hosts companies like IBM, Cisco, and GlaxoSmithKline. Cary itself is also home to financial services companies like MetLife and a growing tech startup scene.

Cary’s job market is healthy and steadily growing. Technology, healthcare, education, and finance are the dominant industries. The area is also known for its low unemployment rates.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, Cary supports local entrepreneurs.

7. Climate and What to Expect Seasonally

One thing people often overlook when moving is the local climate.

• Mild Seasonal Climate: Cary has what many of us would consider the ideal balance of four seasons. Winters are short and mild (we’re talking maybe one or two light snowfalls a year) while springs and falls are absolutely beautiful. Summers can get warm, but it’s manageable.
• Weather Considerations: Like most of North Carolina, Cary does experience occasional hurricanes or tropical storms, although the town is well-prepared for such events. Power outages are rare and the infrastructure is solid.
• Outdoor Living Year-Round: Thanks to the generally mild climate, outdoor living is possible almost all year. Grilling on the patio in November or hiking in February? Very possible in Cary.

Is Cary North Carolina Safe?

One of the top concerns when moving to a new area is safety and it’s one of the main reasons people choose Cary. This town consistently ranks among the safest in North Carolina, and even nationally.

Cary has some of the lowest crime statistics in the state, especially regarding violent crime. It is 1.07 per 1,000 residents compared to 3.91 in the rest of North Carolina. Property crime exists, but it is significantly lower than the national average, too.

Like any growing town, Cary isn’t completely crime-free. It’s smart to research specific neighborhoods and stay aware of your surroundings, but most new residents find they feel safer here than in many similarly sized cities.

Is Cary, NC a Good Place to Live?

Let’s sum up things and that’s how we will give the final answer:

• Consistently Ranked for Quality of Life: Cary often appears on “best places to live” lists due to its low crime rates, great schools, and thoughtful city planning.
• Safe and Clean Neighborhoods: Whether you’re walking the dog or letting kids play outside, Cary’s neighborhoods are known for being safe and well-maintained.
• Top-Tier Public Schools: Wake County schools — including many in Cary — have strong reputations, with high test scores and engaged parent communities.
• Booming Job Market: With the Research Triangle Park nearby, residents enjoy access to high-paying jobs in tech, biotech, finance, and healthcare.
• Mild Weather, Four True Seasons: The climate allows for outdoor living most of the year, without harsh winters or sweltering summers.
• Excellent Parks and Greenways: With more than 30 public parks and over 80 miles of greenways, Cary supports an active, outdoor-friendly lifestyle.
• Diverse Yet Suburban Feel: Cary has become more diverse over the past decade, attracting people from across the country and the world, while maintaining its small-town atmosphere.

In short, Cary might not be the cheapest or the most urban place you could move to — but it strikes an ideal balance that keeps people here long-term. It’s the kind of town where everyday life feels manageable and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Cary, NC continues to attract new residents for all the right reasons: strong schools, safe neighborhoods, job opportunities, and an overall quality of life that’s hard to beat.

As one of the most respected Cary, NC moving companies, John’s Moving & Storage is here to help you move successfully and with minimal stress. From packing up your current home to setting you up in your new one, our team knows the area inside and out.

Let us take care of the heavy lifting. Get your free quote today and let’s start your move to Cary.