Cary

At a Glance

Median Home Price (2026): ~$600,000–$605,000 (Redfin/Zillow, 2026)

Avg. Days on Market: 37–41 days

Population: ~180,000

County: Wake County

School District: Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS)

Known For: SAS Institute, top schools, greenways, safety, multicultural dining

Cary is one of the most consistently celebrated suburban communities in the United States — a town that has earned a national reputation for exceptional quality of life, outstanding schools, low crime rates, and thoughtful planning that prioritizes parks, greenways, and community infrastructure. Located immediately southwest of Raleigh, Cary is home to approximately 180,000 residents and continues to attract a highly educated, internationally diverse professional population drawn by the gravitational pull of Research Triangle Park and SAS Institute.

SAS Institute, the world's largest privately held software company, is headquartered in Cary and is one of North Carolina's largest private employers. Its award-winning campus draws a global workforce that has shaped the town's exceptional international dining scene, cultural diversity, and community character. Beyond SAS, Cary's proximity to RTP — minutes away via I-40 — makes it a preferred address for technology, biotech, and pharmaceutical professionals across the Triangle.

Best of Cary

Top Restaurants

• Flights Restaurant — Upscale dining with flight-themed tasting menus

• Sassool — Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine loved by locals for two decades

• Gianni & Gaitano's — Classic Italian in a beloved Cary setting

• Bonefish Grill Cary — Reliable seafood in the heart of the Fenton corridor

• Cary's multicultural dining corridor on Kildaire Farm Road — authentic Indian, Korean, and Middle Eastern options

Best Parks & Recreation

• Bond Park — 300+ acres with lakes, trails, amphitheater, and community center

• American Tobacco Trail — Multi-use trail connecting Cary to Durham

• Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve — 140 acres of rare coastal plain hemlock forest

• Cary Greenway System — 70+ miles of paved paths connecting neighborhoods citywide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Cary, NC a good place to live?

A: Cary is one of the best places to live in North Carolina and consistently appears on national best-of lists. Exceptional schools, low crime rates, an extraordinary parks and greenway system, a diverse and educated population, and outstanding proximity to RTP employment make it a top choice for families and professionals relocating to the Triangle.

Q: What is the average home price in Cary, NC?

A: As of 2026, the median home sale price in Cary is approximately $600,000–$605,000 according to Redfin and Zillow. Cary homes are significantly more expensive than the Raleigh city median (~$420,000), reflecting the town's premium school zones, amenity quality, and sustained demand. Entry-level homes start in the high $300,000s; luxury properties exceed $2 million.

Q: What are the best neighborhoods in Cary?

A: Top neighborhoods include MacGregor Downs, Preston, and Lochmere for established luxury living; Green Hope and Panther Creek school zone communities for families; West Cary communities near the Fenton development for newer construction and walkability; and Kildaire Farm Road area neighborhoods for proximity to SAS and multicultural amenities.

Q: How are the schools in Cary, NC?

A: Cary is served by Wake County Public Schools, which operates several of the district's top-performing campuses within Cary. Green Hope High School and Panther Creek High School are consistently ranked among the best public high schools in North Carolina. Elementary school quality is uniformly strong throughout Cary's attendance zones.

Q: Is Cary safe?

A: Yes — Cary consistently records one of the lowest crime rates of any major municipality in North Carolina, and regularly ranks among the safest cities in the Southeast. This safety record is a major draw for families and is reflected in the town's strong property values.