A bit farther out than some of other nearby suburban neighborhoods in Cary and the Raleigh-Durham area in general, South Cary offers a lifestyle that’s a bit quieter thanks to its small-town charm—while still providing residents with access to the hustle and bustle of its metropolitan neighbors. The town of Cary overall is one of the most popular suburbs not just in the Triangle area, but in North Carolina at large. “The area has exploded in popularity recently,” says Scott Korbin, Broker at Compass Commercial and longtime resident of Cary. “You have access to a ton, and there’s even more coming.” Thanks to its mix of convenience, community, and natural beauty, South Cary represents an appealing choice for those looking to be close—but not too close—to all the action.
Downtown Cary has a nice mix of local shops and restaurants.
South Cary residents appreciate murals in Downtown Cary.
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Classic styles reign supreme
Homes in South Cary are generally more established than in other nearby neighborhoods, especially North Cary, reflecting a classic suburban charm to them. A walk down a South Cary street reveals many ranch styles shaded by mature trees and sitting on large lots with sizable yards. Colonial revivals are also a common sight, with these structures further lending the area a vintage appeal. Established 3-bedroom homes typically range in price from $280,000 to $725,000. Though not necessarily common, newer homes can be found in areas like Chandler Cove, which features modern contemporary and new traditional styles. MacGregor Downs features more new construction, mostly in the form of large estate homes situated near the golf course and lake. These larger, newer homes tend to go from $850,000 to $1.5 million. “The prices in Cary reflect the change that’s happening right now,” says Korbin. “But South Cary is still a bit better when it comes to pricing.”
Scattered throughout West Cary are a few renovated Victorian Houses.
South Cary residents take pride in their well-kept lawns and property.
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Downtown Cary has renowned local spots
Though close to larger cities like Raleigh and Durham, Cary is well-known for its own downtown area—something that residents of South Cary will appreciate being so close to. Residents can start their days at local favorite Esteemed Coffee, before heading to Chatham Street later that evening for some of the best restaurants and breweries in the area. Sidebar is one such example that serves up classy cocktails, while Bond Brothers Brewery was lauded as the top new brewery in the United States back in 2017. For another local staple and some classic southern cuisine, residents can check out Lucky 32 Kitchen. Retail shopping needs are met at Crossroads Plaza with its numerous big box stores, and groceries can be purchased at Waverly Place’s Whole Foods Market.
South Cary residents flock to Esteamed Coffee for their morning treats.
Downtown Cary is full of local shops and galleries.
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Over 200,000 flock to the annual Chinese Lantern Festival
Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, the biggest community event in Cary is the annual Chinese Lantern Fest held in the Koka Booth Amphitheater. A self-guided walk through stunning works of art, each glowing lantern was handcrafted by more than 25 Chinese artisans, and is a great way for the community to celebrate history and bring in the new year. Koka Booth Amphitheater hosts a variety of other events throughout the year as well, such as concerts, plays, and other regional festivals.
Cary High School prioritizes preparedness
Students in South Cary start their education at Briarcliff Elementary, before moving on to East Cary Middle School and finishing up at Cary High School—schools that, according to Niche, all earned scores of A-minus. Cary High School is committed to offering a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, while also prioritizing career readiness—offering internships and shadowing programs that prepare students for the evolving job market.
Cary High School
The Briarcliff Elementary School serves young kids grades PreK-5 in the South Cary neighborhood.
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Hemlock Bluffs features trees and trails
With over 80 miles of interconnected greenway trails throughout the area, Cary is an excellent choice for those looking to appreciate North Carolina’s natural beauty. South Cary is especially ideal for outdoor activities, with Hemlock Bluffs serving as the neighborhood’s go-to green space. True to its name, Hemlock Bluffs features over 200 beautiful hemlock trees. The area is extremely walkable, having earned a silver-level community by the national program WalkFriendly. Trails like the Hinshaw Greenway link South Cary neighborhoods with paved trails perfect for walking or biking.
South Cary residents enjoy old growth forests in Hemlock Bluffs Park.
South Cary is home to over 80 miles of Greenway trails.
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The Triangle Expressway makes communiting form South Cary more feasible.
Urban access with peace and quiet
The renowned Research Triangle Park business hub is nearby, and has played a large role in Cary’s expanding population over the past 25 years. Companies like IBM, Epic Games, and Ford Motors all have offices in the Research Triangle, making the hub a huge source of employment. “South Cary adds a little bit to your commute,” says Korbin. “But it gives you access to more nature, and you still aren’t all that far from things like the Research Triangle.” At only 20 miles from Durham and just 15 from Raleigh, the area is excellent for commuters of any kind.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in South Cary, Cary sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Cary, Cary over the last 12 months is $490,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in ready and full of potential, this 4 bedroom 2 bath home near Downtown Cary is offered at over $70,000 below its recent appraised value. Buyers could receive $3,500 in closing cost assistance when using our preferred lender.Freshly painted with new carpet and a strong rental history, this versatile property works beautifully as a primary residence, investment, or short term rental.
Charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home in the heart of Cary! Located at 402 Hudson Court, this 1,300 sq ft residence sits on a 0.29-acre lot and features luxury vinyl flooring throughout. The updated kitchen offers granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and under-cabinet lighting. Both bathrooms have been recently refreshed. Enjoy outdoor living with a fenced backyard, multi-level deck,
Welcome to this charming end-unit single-story townhouse nestled in the heart of Cary, NC! This home offers a bright, open floor plan featuring newly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas and new carpet in the bedrooms as of 2025, a cozy real wood-burning fireplace in the living room. The modern kitchen is a true highlight with sleek black cabinets, butcher block
Welcome to 710 Samuel Cary Drive—a turnkey townhome just minutes from vibrant Downtown Cary! This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a flex space on the main level, currently used as a bonus room but could be used as an additional bedroom or office. Enjoy game night with family and friends—the pool table stays! Recent updates include a new water heater, luxury vinyl plank flooring on the main
Convenient, Comfortable, and Full of Charm. This One's a Must-See!Located in a fantastic spot close to walking trails, the high school, grocery store, and Fenton Mall, this cozy 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home brings ease and practicality together in all the right ways.Step into a light-filled living room with bay window, open to the dining area with great flow and great energy. New LVP
Immaculate, Move-In Ready Townhome in Prime Cary Location!Built in 2016 and shows like new! This beautifully maintained home backs to a private wooded area and is just steps from the greenway—perfect for peaceful walks and outdoor enjoyment. The spacious, open-concept kitchen features granite countertops, a large island, stainless steel appliances, and a gas range—ideal for entertaining or
Welcome to this beautifully updated end-unit townhome with a basement!! This home sits in the heart of Cary, less than 2 miles to Fenton and in one of the Triangle's most sought-after suburbs, known for its top-rated schools, convenient shopping, and walkable, tree-lined streets.Spanning three spacious levels, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has just received a fresh makeover, including new
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