Living in Cary and Morrisville: A Guide for Newcomers


The Vibe
Cary and Morrisville feel like the polished, master-planned side of the Triangle. Everything is clean, safe, highly organized, and family-focused. You'll find top schools, corporate parks, lakes, trails, and sports complexes everywhere. The international flavor (especially a strong South Asian community) adds vibrancy to dining, festivals, and community life. Cary feels larger and more established; Morrisville feels newer and heavily tied to RTP’s tech economy.


Major Cities/Neighborhoods

  • Cary – One of the most desirable suburbs in North Carolina, known for top-rated schools, planned neighborhoods, parks, and a strong international community.
  • Morrisville – Smaller but rapidly growing town between Raleigh and RTP (Research Triangle Park), very popular with tech professionals and newcomers.

Why It Works

  • Some of the best public schools in the entire state (Wake County Public Schools + magnet programs).
  • Very low crime rates, lots of parks, greenways, and suburban amenities.
  • Direct access to RTP, Downtown Raleigh, and RDU Airport.
  • Strong sense of community with family events, cultural festivals, and sports leagues.
  • High demand makes it a very strong long-term real estate investment.

Watch Out For

  • Home prices are high and rising fast, especially in established parts of Cary.
  • Cary can feel a little "planned and polished"—not as funky or urban as other parts of the metro.
  • Commute traffic around RTP and I-40/I-540 intersections can get heavy at rush hours.
  • Morrisville’s rapid growth means ongoing construction and uneven amenities in some newer developments.

**Good Fit For

  • Families who want top-tier schools and suburban peace.
  • Tech professionals commuting to RTP, SAS, Lenovo, Cisco, or Downtown Raleigh.
  • Relocators from larger metro areas looking for "easy suburban landing pads."
  • Buyers seeking strong appreciation in a well-established suburb.

Things to Do

  • Downtown Cary – Boutique shops, cafes, festivals (Cary Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival).
  • WakeMed Soccer Park – Home to North Carolina FC and NC Courage pro soccer teams.
  • Fred G. Bond Metro Park – Lake, trails, and outdoor recreation.
  • Morrisville's Indian and global dining scene – One of the best in the Triangle.
  • Tons of greenway trails linking neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers.

Housing Snapshot
Type: Predominantly single-family homes, townhomes, and newer luxury apartments.

Buy:

  • Cary single-family homes: $500K–$1M+
  • Cary/Morrisville townhomes: $400K–$700K+
  • Newer developments in West Cary pushing $1.2M+ for larger custom homes

Rent:

  • 1–2BR apartments: $1,700–$2,700
  • Single-family rentals: $2,500–$4,000+

Commute & Transit
Driving access via I-40, NC-540, and NC-147. 10–20 minutes to RTP, 15–25 minutes to Downtown Raleigh. Limited public transit—most daily life requires a car. Greenways and sidewalks are expanding for local walking and biking.


Is This Area Right for You?
If you’re looking for safe, suburban, family-focused living with top schools, world-class employers nearby, and long-term real estate value, Cary and Morrisville are two of the Triangle’s strongest bets.

If you want to expand your search to the greater metro, check out the LookyLOO Review of the Raleigh-Cary Metro.