Cary Was Just Named the Second-Best Place To Live in The U.S. – Here’s Why
In recent years, the city of Cary, NC, has certainly earned an impressive number of “best-of” bona fides. In 2024 it added a new award to its trophy case: second-most livable spot in the U.S.
Livability©, which has been researching and ranking the best places to live in America for a decade, gave Cary, NC, high marks in the Health, Education and Economy categories. Cary offers a variety of things to do and numerous restaurants to enjoy. The city also earned accolades for its bike-friendly streets, safe neighborhoods and lively arts scene.
It boasts an unbeatable location.
The bustling state capitol, Raleigh, is 15 minutes to the east; the pristine 15,000-acre Jordan Lake is just 20 minutes west. And with a population of 180,000, it’s neither a small town nor a massive metropolis; to reference Goldilocks again, it’s juuuust right.
There’s lots of stuff to do.
Cary, NC, isn’t a sleepy bedroom town by any means. Residents have access to dozens of events throughout the year, including farmers markets and festivals. Koka Booth Amphitheater hosts live music, dragon boat races and the beloved Chinese Lantern Festival. Historic downtown Cary, NC, boasts the art deco Cary Theater, the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, local boutiques, restaurants, breweries and coffee shops.
It’s got loads of culture.
The Page-Walker Arts & History Center is alive with classes, events, concerts, social gatherings and historical and fine arts exhibitions. Cary also has a youth theater program, an arts center and an outdoor amphitheater.
It has a rugged, outdoorsy streak, too.
People who love warm, sunny days will find plenty to keep them busy outside. Hikers, fishers, golfers and water enthusiasts have more than 30 parks to explore within the city limits. Bicyclists delight in the city’s 200 miles of greenways and bike lanes that connect schools, parks and neighborhoods.
It’s a highly walkable city.
We mentioned Cary’s vibrant and historic downtown, which is very walkable, and we touched on the city’s robust trail system. In 2022, Cary was re-designated as a National Silver Level Walk-Friendly Community. The Walk-Friendly designation is based on community efforts to expand opportunities for walking and improve pedestrian safety.
Its climate is ideal for snowbirds.
Cary’s weather may have something to do with its outdoor appeal. Though its summers can be hot and humid, Cary’s winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. The area tends to see more than 200 sunny days on average a year, and while it’s not uncommon to see a few snowflakes, the average annual snowfall is less than four inches.
It’s becoming a foodie town.
While Asheville may get attention for its food scene, Cary is becoming a culinary destination in its own right, so much so that “Southern Living” named Cary one of six underrated food towns its readers should visit in 2024.
When it comes to restaurants in Cary, you could eat out every night of the year and not eat at the same place twice. You’ll find cuisines from nearly every corner of the world — the nationally celebrated Herons at the Umstead Hotel and Spa, the James Beard-recognized, and Southern cooking at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, just to name a few.
Cary is remarkably diverse.
Nearly 20% of the city’s population is from outside the U.S., with a Little India business district that caters to Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. This, in part, helps explain why Cary earned a diversity score of 95 out of 100. Cary’s ethnic restaurants and annual festivals also reflect its cultural richness. More than 10,000 visitors come to the Greater Triangle Asia Fest every year, while Ritmo Latino Festival is a daylong event celebrating Latin American food, music and arts.
You’ll like the cost of living. In Cary, NC, transportation, utility and healthcare costs are all lower than the national averages. Though rents and mortgages in Cary are slightly more expensive, the average annual income is almost $16,000 more than the national average. North Carolina’s property tax rates are lower than the national average, coming in at .70% compared to the .99% national average. And for residents over 65, North Carolina is tax-friendly, with no Social Security income tax and no inheritance or estate taxes.
One final thing to note about Cary, NC
We’ve talked about location, climate, cost of living and many other tangible factors about Cary, NC, that should catch your attention. Here’s one big benefit of those things: It offers residents a great quality of life. Locals often point to how friendly the city is, how safe it is and how it feels like a small town with big-city amenities.
Plan a visit sometime soon and you’ll quickly see for yourself. Don’t be surprised if in 2025, Cary rightfully earns the top spot of Best Places to Live in the U.S.
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