What to know when moving to Cary, NC
Cary at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 57.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 32.6% of the population renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $104,072, which supports a comfortable standard of living.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,436, housing costs can be high compared to other areas.
- Commute:
- Only 1.3% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,436 a month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Cary presents a picture of affluence and education, with over half of its residents (57.8%) holding a bachelor's degree. The community is primarily composed of homeowners, with 67.4% owning their homes, while the median household income of $104,072 suggests a well-off population. However, the area sees low public transit usage, with only 1.3% of residents relying on it, indicating a car-dependent environment.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options, as the median gross rent is $1,436.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,436, which can impact your monthly budget significantly.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $416,600, indicating a strong housing market.
- 57.8% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, highlighting the community's educational attainment.
- The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, suggesting a generally stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In North Carolina, crime rates have shown a declining trend in recent years, making it important to consider when moving to Cary.
- Violent crime: The state annual rate is 321 per 100k, slightly lower than the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state rate stands at 1,780.6 per 100k, which is 15.1% higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 23.2% since 2022, with a state rate of 6.4 per 100k, compared to the national rate of 4.3.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for North Carolina).
Schools & Higher Ed
Cary has access to a range of educational institutions, enhancing its appeal for families and individuals seeking higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 17
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 13
- Nearby notable schools include North Carolina State University and Meredith College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Wake County experiences an annual precipitation of about 33.9 inches, with an average of 98 rainy days each year. Snow is rare, with an annual total of just 0.3 inches over approximately 2 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- North Carolina Museum of Art (4.8 stars, 11,136 reviews)
- Marbles Kids Museum (4.8 stars, 7,372 reviews)
- Downtown Cary Park (4.8 stars, 3,817 reviews)
- Fred G. Bond Metro Park (4.8 stars, 3,428 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.