Hello, I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider — Cary sits at 66.1 per 100K. With a population of 177K, Cary is a mid-size city. Rent is about $1,621/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
50 upvotes
3 Replies
Isabella
I've lived in Westside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Josiah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Cooper Martin
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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