Cary
The MoveWiser score of 83 reflects Cary's status as a premier destination for safety, education, and career growth. While the city excels in quality-of-life metrics, the score is balanced by the high cost of housing and the necessity of owning a car for daily transportation.
Is Cary a Good Place to Live?
Cary is a strong choice, earning a MoveWiser Score of 83/100 based on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, and jobs.
Is Cary right for you?
MoveWiser can compare your budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, and priorities with Cary and other cities — and show you how well each one fits you personally.
See How Well Cary Fits MeQuality of Life in Cary: Why It Scored 83/100
Cary's high score is driven by its exceptional safety record, top-tier public schools, and its strategic location within the Research Triangle, which provides a stable and high-paying job market. These factors make it a highly desirable location for families and professionals, keeping demand and property values consistently high. The score is tempered by the city's suburban design, which results in low walkability and a heavy reliance on personal vehicles. Additionally, the rapid appreciation of home prices and the relatively high cost of living compared to the national average prevent a higher score in the housing category.
Safety in Cary
Cary earns a high safety rating on MoveWiser's 1-10 scale, with a safety score of 9/10. Extremely low crime rates
Climate
Cary features a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, relatively short winters. Residents experience four distinct seasons with frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Cost of Living in Cary
Population
183,582
Median Home Price
$650,000
Median Rent
$1,820/mo
Average Salary
$136,700
Groceries / month
$420/mo
Moving to Cary
Cary sits at the heart of the Research Triangle Park, one of the world's most concentrated tech and research clusters, ensuring excellent career longevity. It is renowned for its safety and high quality of life, offering a lush suburban feel with distinct seasons and a diverse, highly educated workforce. The culture is rich with events at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, and a thriving international food scene driven by its diverse tech population.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cary
Pros
- • Top-tier public school system
- • Extremely low crime rates
- • Proximity to Research Triangle Park
- • Abundant greenways and parks
- • Diverse international food scene
Cons
- • High reliance on personal vehicles
- • Rising cost of housing
- • Limited public transit options
- • Hot and humid summer months
Who Cary Is Best For
Where Cary performs well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cary a good place to live?
Cary is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in North Carolina due to its exceptional safety, high-performing schools, and proximity to major tech hubs. It offers a high quality of life for families and professionals who prefer a suburban environment with access to urban amenities.
Is Cary affordable?
Cary is generally more expensive than the national average, particularly regarding housing. While the median home price sits around $650,000, the high median household income helps offset these costs for many residents.
What is Cary best known for as a place to live?
Cary is best known for its master-planned communities, extensive greenway systems, and its role as a primary residential hub for the Research Triangle Park. It is also recognized for its high safety standards and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, which hosts major cultural events.
What are the biggest advantages of living in Cary?
The primary advantages include access to top-rated schools in the Wake County Public School System and a very low crime rate. Additionally, its location provides a short commute to major employers in Raleigh, Durham, and the Research Triangle Park.
What are the potential disadvantages of living in Cary?
The biggest drawback is the heavy reliance on cars, as the city is largely suburban and lacks a robust public transit network. Additionally, the competitive housing market can make it difficult for first-time buyers to find affordable entry-level homes.
What type of person or household is Cary a good fit for?
Cary is an ideal fit for families seeking a safe environment with excellent schools and for tech professionals working in the Research Triangle. It also appeals to retirees who value well-maintained parks, quiet neighborhoods, and proximity to quality healthcare facilities.
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Data & Methodology
For each city we gather recent data on cost of living, safety, schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, transit, and walkability, then normalize each into a 1–10 category rating (10 = best) using consistent benchmarks across every city. The MoveWiser Score (0–100) is a weighted blend of those category ratings — a city scores well when several categories are strong and is held back by its weakest factors. The exact weighting isn't published, but the category ratings shown above make it clear what drives each score.
Data sources (linked where available):
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts 2025 — population & demographics
- Redfin Housing Market Data 2025 — home prices
- U.S. News Best Places to Live
- City-Data.com — demographics & crime
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