Moving to or from Cary?
The Raleigh suburb that became its own tech capital — home to SAS Institute (the analytics company that defined corporate HQ design) and Epic Games, with top-rated schools that keep drawing families from across the country.
- 175,000 City population
- 2,100,000 Metro area
- 1871 Founded
- Research Triangle / Wake County Region
Why people move to Cary.
- SAS Institute world headquarters — the analytics software giant with a legendary corporate campus
- Epic Games HQ — home of Fortnite and Unreal Engine, recently moved to Cary Towne Center site
- Being consistently ranked among America's safest cities and best places to raise kids
- The Cary Arts Center and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Park
- Bond Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve — 200+ acres of greenway in the middle of town
- Direct access to RDU International Airport, one of the fastest-growing airports in the Southeast
SAS Institute, headquartered in Cary, is one of the most unusual corporate campuses in America — complete with a full-service gym, healthcare clinic, free snacks, and a 'Work Life Center' that made SAS a perennial top pick for Fortune's Best Places to Work. The company's culture is so tied to Cary that many employees have worked at the same campus for 30+ years.
Where people live in Cary.
A quick guide to Cary's most moved-to neighborhoods.
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Downtown Cary
Historic town center revitalized with restaurants, townhomes, and the Cary Arts Center
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Preston / Prestonwood
Upscale neighborhoods around Prestonwood Country Club with larger homes
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Amberly
Master-planned community in west Cary with swim club, trails, and family-oriented amenities
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Lochmere
Established neighborhood near Lochmere Country Club with golf-course lots
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Cary Park / Weldon Ridge
Newer subdivisions with top-rated elementary feeder schools
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Morrisville
Adjacent town with similar schools and tech jobs; closer to RDU airport
Where people spend their time in Cary.
- Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park South Cary
- Bond Park Central Cary
- Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve South Cary
- Cary Arts Center Downtown
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa (on SAS campus) North Cary
- WakeMed Soccer Park South Cary
Planning a Cary move.
- Cary's housing market has been one of the hottest in the Southeast — median prices have roughly doubled since 2015, and inventory clears quickly year-round
- Top-tier schools are the biggest relocation driver; even by Wake County standards, Cary's student achievement and amenities stand out
- Summers are hot and humid (90s+ mid-June through August); schedule crews early morning and plan hydration stops
- Many subdivisions are large and have HOA rules about moving trucks — confirm restrictions and driveway access before move day
Moving in Cary: FAQ.
Why is Cary so popular with relocating families?
Three reasons: top-tier public schools (Wake County Public Schools consistently ranks among NC's best, with Cary feeders among the best of those), low crime rates (routinely on 'safest cities' lists), and proximity to Research Triangle tech jobs without Raleigh's urban density. The trade-off is higher housing costs than surrounding Wake County areas.
Is Cary part of Raleigh?
No — it's a separate incorporated town, though it shares Wake County services, a school system, and economic integration with Raleigh. 'Research Triangle' refers to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metro, with Cary sitting between Raleigh and RTP (Research Triangle Park).
Do I need to pay NC state income tax if I work from home for an out-of-state employer?
Yes — North Carolina taxes residents' income regardless of employer location. The flat rate is 4.75% (as of 2024). Most remote workers pay NC tax and are credited back any tax their employer withheld to another state. Consult a tax professional on your first filing.
How does Cary compare to Apex or Holly Springs?
All three are Wake County family-oriented towns. Cary is the largest, most established, and has the highest median incomes and home prices. Apex and Holly Springs are smaller, growing fast, with slightly more affordable housing. Cary has more corporate HQs and tech jobs; Apex and Holly Springs are more bedroom-community.
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