Thinking about moving to Cary, NC? You’re in good company. Cary grew from 174,721 residents at the 2020 Census to an estimated 183,582 by July 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This relocation guide walks you through what homes cost, how property taxes work, getting around, schools, and the practical steps that make a move to Cary go smoothly. If you’re still deciding whether Cary is the right fit, start with our honest look at living in Cary, NC: pros and cons.
New to the area? Start with our Cary, NC real estate guide, which links every Cary lesson in one place.
Why People Are Moving to Cary NC
Cary sits mostly in western Wake County, between Raleigh and Research Triangle Park, which puts a large share of the Triangle’s job market within a reasonable drive. It’s a highly educated, higher-income community: Census data shows 70.5% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the median household income is $134,905 (2020–2024 American Community Survey estimates).
Outdoor space is a big draw, too. The Town of Cary now maintains more than 100 miles of greenways, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and downtown.
What Homes Cost in Cary Right Now
According to Redfin, Cary’s median sale price was $645,073 in August 2026, down 0.76% from a year earlier. Homes sold in a median of 25 days, and 707 homes sold that month. In other words, prices have been roughly flat year over year, and well-priced homes still move quickly.
Financing matters as much as price. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.03% as of September 24, 2026. Get pre-approved before you start touring so you know your real budget. For the latest numbers and what they mean for buyers, see our Cary housing market update for fall 2026.
Keep in mind that “Cary” covers a lot of ground, and prices vary widely by neighborhood, age of home, and school assignment. If you’re buying your first home, our guide to the best Cary neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers is a good place to start, along with the state’s NC first-time homebuyer programs.
Property Taxes When Moving to Cary NC
Most Cary homeowners pay two property tax rates: one to the Town of Cary and one to Wake County.
- Town of Cary: 36.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, adopted June 25, 2026 for fiscal year 2027 (Town of Cary).
- Wake County: 53.71 cents per $100 of assessed value, adopted June 1, 2026 (Wake County).
Combined, that’s 90.46 cents per $100. As a simple illustration, a home assessed at $500,000 would owe about $4,523 a year at these rates. Your actual bill depends on the county’s assessed value, not your purchase price.
One important heads-up for 2027: Wake County’s next property revaluation takes effect January 1, 2027. The county says owners will start receiving new Notices of Assessed Value by January 22, 2027, with a planned appeal deadline of April 30, 2027. Tax rates are often adjusted after a revaluation, so don’t assume the current listing’s tax figure will carry forward.
Also note that Cary’s town limits span three counties: Wake, Chatham, and Durham. Each county assesses, bills, and collects the property taxes for its part of Cary, so a home outside Wake County pays that county’s rate instead of Wake’s. Confirm the county for any address you’re considering.
State Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat individual income tax. The NC Department of Revenue lists the rate at 3.99% for tax years after 2025, down from 4.25% for 2025.
Getting Around Cary and the Triangle
Most residents drive, and the Census Bureau reports a mean travel time to work of 22.5 minutes for Cary residents. You also have other options:
- Buses: GoCary runs local routes, and GoTriangle connects Cary to Raleigh, Durham, and RTP. See the Town’s transportation options page.
- Train: Amtrak stops at the Cary Depot on North Academy Street downtown.
- Bike and walk: the greenway network makes car-free trips practical in many neighborhoods.
Schools
Most of Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), and assignment is based on your home address, not just the town name. Before you make an offer, look up the address with the WCPSS base school assignment lookup and remember that assignments can change from year to year. Homes in the Chatham or Durham County portions of Cary are served by those counties’ school systems instead.
Your Moving to Cary NC Checklist
- Set your budget. Get pre-approved and factor in property taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues.
- Narrow your area. Decide on commute, school assignment, and which county you want to be in before you tour.
- Sell smart if you own now. Find out what your current home is worth and what it costs to sell.
- Set up utilities. Inside town limits, you’ll start water and sewer service with the Town of Cary. The Town’s New to Cary page covers trash and recycling pickup, too.
- Update your paperwork. New NC residents need to get an NC driver license and register their vehicles; see the NCDMV for current requirements and deadlines.
- Watch for the 2027 revaluation notice if you close before January 2027.
Work With a Local Cary Broker
Moving to Cary, NC is easier with someone who knows the neighborhoods, the county lines, and the market week to week. Mike Hall at First Flight Realty is a North Carolina broker and NCREC pre-licensing instructor based right here in Cary. Learn how to choose the right Cary real estate broker, then reach out to start planning your move.
