In many regions across the United States home prices have been rising sharply, and media coverage has predicted a burst in the "so-called" housing market bubble. Are you are concerned about a possible real estate bubble in Cary? " The National Association of Realtors Research Division recently conducted a home price analysis in the Raleigh-Cary MSA. The reports concluded that there was very little danger of a housing market bust in this region. In fact, the reports stated that local housing markets were in excellent shape with a potential for significant housing equity gains, particularly for homebuyers who plan to remain in their house for the long run. Additionally, local markets had very favorable home price-to-income ratios and even better mortgage servicing cost-to-income ratios. The latter ratio is currently below the local historical average implying no widespread financial overstretching to purchase a home in the region. Any respectable gains in the Raleigh-Cary job market could translate into substantial home price gains. In addition, we've seen a net migration of over 18,500 to the area over the previous 12-month period. For example, in the Cary area the reduction in supply of homes on the market is pushing appreciation rates higher. The year-to-date statistics released in August 2006 indicate Cary appreciation year to date appreciation at a strong 10.44% vs. last years appreciation of 4.59% year-to-date. In conclusion, it's a great time to invest in the Triangle area with continued growth and equity appreciation expected over time.

Cary has many restrictive ordinances. These include the banning of neon signs on the exterior of restaurants and instructing residents on what they can and cannot plant in their yards. The town also restricts the use of certain colors on buildings and architectural styles, and limits development near drainage channels. The town recently annexed an area containing the home of an eccentric gentleman of some local fame whose yard contained an antique cannon and an abundance of signs and posters expressing his opinions. In a rare compromise, the town council said the man was allowed to keep his yard's ornamentation as long as he did not add to it further.

Compared to many other cities of a similar size, Cary has extensive and restrictive zoning. Cary grew from a small downtown area. It adopted zoning and other ordinances on an ad-hoc basis to control growth and give the city structure. The city has small areas, located throughout, called Planned Development Districts. These districts are not planned so much in the traditional sense of planning, which is layout, but are zoned to restrict the land uses in the district.

Cary is a very quiet and peaceful community with a very low crime rate. Money magazine recently rated Cary as the top "Hottest Town" on the East Coast and among the six top-rated spots in the country. It's also the safest large municipality in the South: Cary is also home to the site of a new housing development from KB Home designed by the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia team. In addition to the low crime rate and close proximity to the Research Triangle and many local universities, Cary can also boast having the most Ph.D.s per capita in the U.S. for towns larger than 75,000 people.