Thinking about living in Cary, NC? You’re in good company. Cary has grown from 174,721 residents in the 2020 Census to an estimated 183,582 in July 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Town’s own 2026 State of Cary report puts today’s population closer to 192,000. As a Cary broker, I get the “what’s it really like?” question every week, so here’s an honest look at the pros and cons, with current numbers and sources.
New to the area? Start with our Cary, NC real estate guide, which links every Cary lesson in one place.
Pros of Living in Cary NC
1. Greenways make living in Cary NC easy to love
This is the perk residents mention first. The Town reports more than 107 miles of paved greenways and over 492 miles of sidewalks, and Bond Park and Thomas Brooks Park each drew more than two million visitors in 2025 (State of Cary). You’ll also find Downtown Cary Park, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, WakeMed Soccer Park, and the USA Baseball National Training Complex inside town limits. See the Town’s greenway map to find trails near a neighborhood you’re considering.
2. A strong reputation for safety
The 2026 State of Cary cites Cary’s ranking as #6 on Forbes’ list of the safest cities in America and #4 on Allstate’s list of the safest driving cities. Rankings shift year to year, so I always suggest checking recent data for the specific area you’re looking at.
3. Educated, diverse, and high-earning community
Census data show 70.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the median household income is $134,905 (2020–2024 ACS). The Town reports that 26.3% of residents were born outside the U.S., the highest share in Cary’s history. That mix shows up in the restaurants, festivals, and places of worship across town.
4. Central Triangle location
Cary sits between Raleigh, Durham, and Research Triangle Park, with RDU International Airport a short drive away. The Census Bureau puts the average commute for Cary workers at 22.5 minutes. That’s reasonable for a metro this size, though your mileage depends heavily on where you work and when you drive.
Cons of Living in Cary NC
1. The cost of living in Cary NC starts with home prices
According to Redfin, Cary’s median sale price was about $645,000 in August 2026, roughly flat (down 0.8%) from a year earlier, with homes selling in a median of 25 days at about 99% of list price. Pair that with a 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.95% the week of September 17, 2026 (Freddie Mac PMMS), and affordability is the biggest hurdle for many buyers. For a deeper dive, read my Cary housing market update for fall 2026.
2. Property taxes just went up
For fiscal year 2027, the Town of Cary raised its rate 2.75 cents to 36.75 cents per $100 of value, about $15 more per month for the average homeowner (Town of Cary). Wake County added 2 cents, bringing its rate to 53.71 cents (Wake County). Combined, that’s 90.46 cents per $100 for the Wake County part of Cary, or roughly $5,430 a year on a home assessed at $600,000. The Town also raised the solid waste fee to $28 a month and utility base rates by 4%. (A western slice of Cary lies in Chatham County, which has its own county rate.)
3. Traffic and growing pains
Steady growth means busier roads at rush hour, especially on I-40, US-1/64, and NC-55, plus ongoing construction as downtown adds hundreds of new apartments and mixed-use buildings. The Town’s new budget adds 21 police officers, six 911 operators, and six firefighters, and starts design on two western Cary fire stations, a sign the Town is working to keep up.
4. School assignments aren’t tied to your address forever
Cary’s public schools are part of the Wake County Public School System, which assigns students based on address but can change assignments as the county grows. Always verify the current assignment for a specific home with WCPSS before you buy, and don’t rely on a listing description alone.
5. Quieter nightlife and plenty of HOAs
Downtown Cary has come a long way, but if you want a big-city bar and music scene, you’ll likely head to Raleigh or Durham. Many Cary neighborhoods also have HOAs, so budget for dues and read the covenants before you commit.
Is Living in Cary NC Right for You?
If you value safety, parks, and a central Triangle address, and your budget can handle Cary prices and rising taxes, living in Cary NC is hard to beat. If you’re stretching to afford it, nearby towns may give you more house for the money. For a broader look at the town, see our Cary community overview. First-time buyers should start with my guide to the best Cary neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers. Already own here and thinking about a move? See how much your Cary home is worth and the cost to sell a home in Cary.
Want a local’s take on which part of town fits your life? Here’s how to choose the right Cary real estate broker, or reach out to me at First Flight Realty and let’s talk.
Photos via Pexels. Figures are current as of September 2026 and change over time; verify taxes and school assignments for any specific property.
