Moving To Cary NC- Where To Live - Moving to Raleigh, NC
When people ask me about Cary, North Carolina, I often hear them refer to it as a "small town." While Cary may have that welcoming small-town charm, with just under 200,000 residents, it feels much more like a vibrant small city. Having lived here for the past six years after relocating from Southern California, I can tell you that it can easily take 30 minutes to drive from one side of town to the other, and there are several distinct areas that each offer their own unique character and lifestyle.
Old Cary: Where History Meets Modern Charm
The heart of Cary lies within the Maynard Circle area, affectionately known as "Old Cary." This is the town's oldest section, where you'll find a beautiful blend of historic homes and newer construction. The Maynard Road area, which combines with Highway 54, has become one of the most highly desired locations in Cary, and it's easy to understand why.
Downtown Cary has undergone an incredible transformation over the past few years. What was once a sleepy downtown has blossomed into a $69 million investment featuring Downtown Cary Park with everything from a dog park and splash pad to a unique Skywalk, children's play areas, fire pits, and excellent restaurants. The downtown area, centered around Academy Street and Chatham Street, is beautifully walkable, with excellent sidewalk access connecting the surrounding neighborhoods to all the downtown amenities.
Inside the Cary Parkway Loop: The Best of Both Worlds
Just outside Old Cary, you'll find neighborhoods within the Cary Parkway Loop. What I love most about this section is the incredible variety of housing options available, from cozy starter homes to expansive family estates, plus Cary's commitment to walkability and outdoor recreation.
The town boasts more than 30 public parks and natural areas, connected by an impressive Greenway system spanning over 70 miles. Bond Park serves as the central hub for this network, covering 310 acres where most trails converge. The two longest trails, White Oak Creek Greenway and Black Creek Greenway, combine for just under 7.5 miles of beautiful walking and biking paths.
Some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in this section have direct access to the Black Creek Greenway. The Wessex Community is particularly stunning, with homes on lots ranging from half an acre to three-quarters of an acre, surrounded by mature trees and beautiful landscaping, all with easy access to the Greenway right at the end of the street.
This northern section offers incredible convenience, with close proximity to I-40 and central location to everywhere you'd want to go in the Triangle area. Within 20 minutes, you can reach downtown Raleigh or downtown Durham, Research Triangle Park is roughly 15 minutes away, and Chapel Hill is less than 30 minutes from your door.
On the southern side of the Parkway, you'll discover some of Cary's most affordable neighborhoods. Kildaire Farms, one of the first master-planned communities in Cary, offers homes ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 square feet, plus great amenities like the Kildaire Farms Racquet and Swim Club. You can walk across the street to Trader Joe's and enjoy wonderful shops and restaurants, including Satsuki, one of our favorite Mediterranean restaurants.
On the east side, between Maynard Road and Cary Parkway, you'll find older homes in neighborhoods like Walnut Hills and Pirates Cove. These communities have experienced exciting changes with the opening of Fenton, a new shopping district that opened in mid-2022 featuring seven restaurants, 20 retailers, and even a movie theater. In winter, they add an ice skating rink and serve hot cocoa, creating a magical atmosphere.
West Cary: Where New Meets Newer
West Cary represents the newest frontier of development in our town. If you're looking at new construction, this is most likely where you'll find it. Many people are drawn to this area because of the incredible diversity of real estate options available, from modern condos and townhomes to large estate-style homes, and most are newer construction that won't require updating.
One quirky aspect of West Cary is how seamlessly it blends with Morrisville. One major benefit of living closer to Morrisville is the proximity to Research Triangle Park, offering some of the shortest commute times. However, West Cary doesn't have easy highway access for traveling east into downtown Raleigh, which means you'll encounter more traffic signals and potentially longer drive times.
On the positive side, if you want to maintain access to Wake County Schools but work in Durham, West Cary offers an excellent location with quick access north to Durham.
South Cary: Golf Courses and Natural Beauty
The final area falls into Chatham County, which creates an interesting situation. Some homes with Cary addresses are actually not part of the Wake County school system, and residents don't pay Cary taxes. However, the main concern I hear from parents is that bus rides to Chatham County schools tend to be longer. If you're considering homes in this part of Cary, definitely verify whether your children would attend Wake County or Chatham County schools.
For golf enthusiasts, South Cary features prominent golf communities like Lochmere and MacGregor Downs, both developed starting in the 1970s as some of the area's first planned golf communities.
South Cary offers additional attractions including the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, which hosts concerts and special events throughout the year. The Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve provides beautiful nature trails and scenic overlooks. Here's a fascinating fact: this is the only location outside of the mountains in North Carolina where you can find Eastern Hemlock trees, and it actually feels like you're in the mountains with noticeably cooler temperatures.
One of our family's favorite spots is Jack Smith Park, which features a fantastic splash pad and rock climbing opportunities. For shopping, Waverly Place offers a wonderful experience with its grassy common area where they hold summer concerts. You'll find a Whole Foods, plus excellent dining options like Famous Toastery, Gonzo Tacos, Shake Shack, and Rise. They even have CMX CineBistro, a dinner and movie concept theater perfect for a relaxing evening out.
Finding Your Perfect Cary Neighborhood
From Old Cary's historic charm to West Cary's modern developments, from the Parkway Loop's perfect balance to South Cary's natural beauty and golf courses, there truly is something for everyone in our wonderful town. The close proximity to amenities, incredible outdoor greenway system, and thoughtful community planning make Cary an exceptional place to call home, regardless of the lifestyle you're seeking.
Whether you're drawn to walkable downtown living, modern suburban convenience, golf course communities, or nature-focused neighborhoods, Cary offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities that makes it one of North Carolina's most desirable places to live.
If you're considering relocating to Cary or anywhere in the Raleigh area and looking to purchase a home, I would love to help you find your perfect neighborhood. Feel free to call or text me at 919-583-6895, and let's start your Cary adventure together.
Brandy Nemergut
