Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cary, NC
Considering a move to Cary, NC? Home to 180,010 people, Cary boasts a median home value of $497,000, affordable rents, and a low violent crime rate of just 57 per 100K. Residents enjoy an average commute of under 24 minutes, top-rated schools, and a highly educated community—over two-thirds hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With mild winters, lots of sunshine, and excellent healthcare facilities, Cary is a standout choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Cary, NC
Cary is a diverse and growing city of about 180,000 residents, with a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The population features a strong Asian community at nearly 20% and 17% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a multicultural environment. With a moderate population density, Cary offers a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers from various backgrounds.
Population:
180,010
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.0
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.0%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
19.5%
Others:
11.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cary, NC?
Living in Cary comes with a slightly above-average cost of living, with a median home value of $497,000 and average rent around $1,630 per month. While housing costs are higher than the national average, utility and transportation expenses remain close to typical U.S. rates. State income tax is a flat 5.25%, making financial planning straightforward for residents.
Median House Value:
$497,000
Gross Rent:
$1,630
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,275
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$710
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
128.5
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
99.8
Health Care:
101.7
Miscellaneous:
101.9
Crime
Is Cary, NC a safe place to live?
Cary is considered one of the safest cities in North Carolina, with a notably low violent crime rate of 57 per 100,000 and a 1 in 1,754 chance of experiencing violent crime. Property crime is also well below national levels, contributing to a strong sense of community security. Residents can feel confident about safety for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
57
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,082
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,754
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Cary, NC year-round?
Cary enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 89°F and relatively mild winters averaging 52°F at the peak. The city receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 60% of the year, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct yet comfortable, offering something for everyone.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Cary's neighborhoods are characterized by a high median household income of $113,754 and a low poverty rate of just 4.1%. Nearly 98% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and over two-thirds hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, creating a well-educated and prosperous community. Average commutes are under 24 minutes, and unemployment remains low, reflecting a strong local economy.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$113,754
Family Income:
$134,300
Per Capita Income:
$54,700
Income Male:
$64,000
Income Female:
$51,000
Poverty Rate:
4.1%
Non English Speakers:
17.0%
Rent:
$1,630
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.7%
Bachelors or More:
67.8%
Education
How are the schools in Cary, NC?
Cary is renowned for its top-rated public schools and a high level of educational attainment among residents, with nearly 68% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The city offers a mix of strong public and private schooling options, and is located just a short drive from major colleges like Wake Technical Community College and NC State University. This commitment to quality education makes Cary a prime destination for families and lifelong learners.
Public Schools
Name:
Green Hope High School
Street:
2500 Carpenter Upchurch Rd
Phone:
919-380-3700
Students:
2,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Davis Drive Middle School
Street:
2101 Davis Dr
Phone:
919-387-3033
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Cary Academy
Street:
1500 N Harrison Ave
Phone:
919-677-3873
Students:
775
Colleges
Name:
Wake Technical Community College
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
74,000
Name:
North Carolina State University
City:
Raleigh
State:
NC
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
36,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major medical centers like WakeMed Cary Hospital and UNC Health Rex Hospital nearby. The city boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.8% and 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical care is readily available. Emergency services and a comprehensive range of specialties support community wellness.
Major Hospitals
Name:
WakeMed Cary Hospital
Address:
1900 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518
Phone:
(919) 350-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
UNC Health Rex Hospital
Address:
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone:
(919) 784-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cary, NC?
Cary's housing market is strong, with a median home price of $497,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 69.3%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,630, and the city experiences steady home appreciation at 4.6% annually. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a stable and attractive real estate market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$497,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,630
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle registration and licensing through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Raleigh. The DMV provides comprehensive services including driver licensing and vehicle titling, with accessible customer support and online resources. Relocating drivers will find the process straightforward and well-supported.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
NC Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.