North Carolina / Wake County

Moving to Cary, NC

Thinking of making a move to Cary, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cary, NC

Considering a move to Cary, NC? This welcoming community of 174,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $575,000 and average rents near $1,780. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Cary's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Cary, NC

Cary has a population of 174,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 55% White, 14% Black, and 25% Asian residents, and over 21% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
174,000
Density
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
21.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
55.0%
Black
13.5%
Asian
25.0%
Others
6.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Cary, NC?

The cost of living in Cary is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 118.5. Median home values are around $575,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$575,000
Gross Rent
$1,780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 4.75%| High: 4.75%
Cost Of Living Index
118.5
Grocery
113.0
Housing
135.0
Utilities
104.5
Transportation
98.0
Health Care
102.0
Miscellaneous
105.0

Crime

Is Cary, NC a safe place to live?

Cary is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 92 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 102. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
92
Property Crimes Per 100k
980
Crime Index
1,072
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,087
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 102

Weather

What is the weather like in Cary, NC year-round?

Cary experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 32°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
32°F
Max
53°F

Summer

Min
70°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
50°F
Max
76°F

Fall

Min
52°F
Max
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $114,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.0%. Over 97% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 68% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$52,000
Household Income
$114,500
Family Income
$136,000
Per Capita Income
$54,500
Income Male
$67,000
Income Female
$52,500
Poverty Rate
5.0%
Non English Speakers
27.0%
Rent
$1,780
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
25.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
96.8%
Bachelors or More
67.5%

Education

How are the schools in Cary, NC?

Cary offers quality education options, with public schools like Green Hope High School and Mills Park Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Wake Technical Community College and North Carolina State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Green Hope High School
Street
2500 Carpenter Upchurch Rd
Phone
919-380-3700
Students
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Mills Park Middle School
Street
441 Mills Park Dr
Phone
919-466-1500
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Michael Catholic School
Street
804 High House Rd
Phone
919-468-6150
Students
520
Name
Renaissance Montessori School
Street
111 Ambergate Station
Phone
919-388-0885
Students
180

Colleges

Name
Wake Technical Community College
City
Cary
State
NC
Distance
4 miles
Students
70,000
Name
North Carolina State University
City
Raleigh
State
NC
Distance
12 miles
Students
37,000

Healthcare

Cary residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like WakeMed Cary Hospital and UNC Rex Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.9 per 1,000 people and 92.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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 Rex Hospital
Address
4420 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone
(919) 784-3100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage
92.6%
Health Care Index
79.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Cary, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $575,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 69%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.0%. Cary offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,780
Owner Occupied Rate
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Cary handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Raleigh. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone
1-919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Cary, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Cary, review the core fields on this page: population 174,000, median home value $575,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,780, commute time 25.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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