Polished · Family-Friendly · Amenity-Rich
Cary is the Triangle's answer to South Charlotte — and for relocating families, it's often the first destination they land on. Consistently ranked among the safest and most livable cities in the United States, Cary offers the full package: master-planned communities with resort-style amenities, a greenway system with over 100 miles of trails, top-ranked Wake County schools, and a civic infrastructure that reflects decades of intentional investment. SAS Institute — one of the world's largest private software companies — is headquartered here, and Research Triangle Park is minutes away. Downtown Cary has been undergoing a significant revitalization, with new restaurants, boutiques, and the Cary Arts Center anchoring a growing urban core. Neighborhoods like Lochmere, MacGregor Downs, and Preston offer established luxury at price points that remain competitive relative to Raleigh. For buyers who want the Charlotte suburban experience — great schools, safe streets, strong HOAs, and easy access to a major job market — Cary delivers.
Community Resources
County & Property Tax
Wake County
$0.5700 per $100 assessed value + Town of Cary $0.3300 (2024)
- Town of Cary residents pay both county and town tax
- Cary's town tax rate is among the lower in Wake County — reflects efficient municipal management
- Wake County revaluation occurs every 4 years
Schools
Wake County Public School System
District SiteElementary
- Laurel Park Elementary
Highly rated, West Cary
- Highcroft Elementary
Highly rated, Southwest Cary
- Farmington Woods Elementary
Established Cary neighborhood
Middle
- Davis Drive Middle School
West Cary — top-rated
- West Cary Middle School
Strong academics & activities
High School
- Panther Creek High School
West Cary — IB & AP, top-ranked
- Green Hope High School
Southwest Cary — IB & AP
- Cary High School
Historic flagship — AP programs
Private & Charter
- Cary Academy
Independent STEM-focused, grades 6–12
- Thales Academy — Cary
Classical K–12, multiple Cary campuses
- St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School
K–8 Catholic school
Healthcare
Hospitals
- WakeMed Cary Hospital
Full-service community hospital
- UNC Rex Hospital
~15 min east in Raleigh
- Duke Raleigh Hospital
~20 min northeast
Urgent Care
- WakeMed Urgent Care — Cary
Multiple Cary locations
- FastMed Urgent Care — Cary
Walk-in care, multiple locations
Specialty
- Duke Orthopedics — Cary
Orthopedics & sports medicine
- WakeMed Heart & Vascular
Cardiovascular care, Cary campus
- UNC Physicians Network — Cary
Primary & specialty care
Dining
A selection of notable restaurants in and around Cary.