Cary

Cary is the Triangle's in-between town in the best way: a quick drive to almost everything, with its own parks, greenways, and a downtown that has finally come into its own.

The feel

Cary grew up alongside Research Triangle Park, and its neighborhoods reflect decades of steady, planned growth — established subdivisions with mature trees, newer communities on the west side, and large master-planned areas like Amberly and Carolina Preserve. Downtown Cary was once easy to miss; now the Downtown Cary Park, with its seven acres of gardens, play spaces, and event lawns, has become the town's living room, surrounded by restaurants and the Cary Arts Center.

Fenton, on the east side, added a walkable district of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. And Cary's dining scene is notably international — especially its South Asian restaurants, which draw people from across the Triangle.

Getting around

Cary sits right where I-40, US-1, and US-64 meet. Research Triangle Park is commonly 15–25 minutes away, downtown Raleigh about 15–20, and RDU airport about 15 minutes. The Amtrak station downtown adds rail service to Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte.

Things to do

• Greenways & parks: Fred G. Bond Metro Park and its lake, the Black Creek and White Oak Creek greenways, and the American Tobacco Trail, which runs from Durham down through western Cary and Apex.
• Music & events: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, home to summer concerts and the NC Symphony's outdoor series; Lazy Daze, the town's long-running arts festival.
• Sports: WakeMed Soccer Park (NC Courage and North Carolina FC), the Cary Tennis Park, and USA Baseball's National Training Complex.
• Schools: Cary is served by the Wake County Public School System, along with private and charter options.