Welcome to my blog on Raleigh-Cary and the Triangle area of NC Real Estate. Here you can read current information on the Triangle area including neighborhood profiles, school information, taxes, market conditions, and even find things to do in the Triangle.
Relocating to a new town can be scary for just about anyone. New friends, new Doctors, new grocery stores, new schools, a new routine all together. I know that if I was thinking of moving to a new town I would get on the internet and do research on the different areas. Many of my clients have done just that and found out about Cary, North Carolinaon the web. They heard it was a great town and decided to check it out online before taking the big plunge to make the move.
Here are some important questions that buyers ask me on a regular basis that I thought I'd share with you on relocating to Cary, North Carolina.
What are the schools like?
Cary schools are a part of the Wake County Public School System and continue to rank as some of the highest rated schools in Wake County. Many are still on the traditional school calendar also. The Triangle area is also home to several major universities and colleges.
What's the weather like?
I grew up in Dallas, TX and I always talk about the Four Seasons here in North Carolina. I love the outdoors and, year round there's always something blooming in Cary. Our temperatures are seasonal, but moderate. We are lucky enough to escape the extreme cold winters characteristic of the North, and does avoid the drastic heat in places like Texas and Florida.
Winters are short and mild, arriving in mid-December and ending by early March. Snow and sleet are recorded once or twice a year, but seldom to the extent that it accumulates. Children are known to get very excited when snow is in the forecast, anticipating a day off from school.
Because I love to garden, Spring is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is moderate and all of the flowers begin to bloom. Some of my favorites include dogwoods, redbuds, azaleas, daffodils, and tulips to name a few. Spring continues through April with temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's.
July can get a bit hot and sticky. As a result many residents flock to the beaches of the mountains. There are days where temperatures reach well into the high 90's.
Fallis my favorite time of year. The leaves change, the weather cools off, and it really gives families time to enjoy the great outdoors.
What is the job growth like in the area?
The National economy is currently in a state of turmoil, and, although job growth has slowed, the Raleigh-Cary area is No. 2 on a new list of metropolitan areas that are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Raleigh-Cary came in No. 1 for job growth between March 2007 and March 2008. In the past five years the Research Triangle Regional Partnershipset a five year goal to create 100,000 jobs in the area and they are on track to succeed. Their next project to sustain growth is being touted at "Staying on Top 2" with the intent of continuing the success achieved in the past five years. Although corporate growth has slowed since April there are 44 new potential businesses that would generate $1.6 Billion in revenue and another 15,000 jobs.
What is the cost of living like and how much can I expect to earn?
Many clients that visit the area expect to get a lot more for their money than where they are coming from. In most cases this is true, however, the popularity, national exposure, and Cary, NC's proximity to RTP home prices in Cary, NChave continued to steadily appreciate even with the current real estate market conditions. Most of my clients also want to know about taxes and insurance. Real estate taxes are reasonable right at 1% of the assessed tax value. In Cary real estate assessments are done every eight years. North Carolina Income Tax varies based on income with the maximum rate for incomes over $120,000 at 8%. North Carolina Sales Tax is currently 4.5%. CNN Money has a great calculator that compares one cities cost of living to another. It's a great way to compare where you're living today vs. Cary, NC. Cary, NC has the highest median household income in Wake County ($89,623) and more than two-thirds of Cary residents hold a college degree.
What will my commute be like?
In most cities if you live in the suburbs you will commute from your hometown into the "big city". In my area that would be Raleigh. In the Triangle area residents commute into the RTP (Research Triangle Park) area rather than downtown Raleigh. Now that the widening of two major alternative routes to I-540 (HWY 55 and Davis Drive) has been completed the commute into RTP is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the major employers in the area. Cary is also a quick commute to the RDU Airport and the 3 Major Universities in the area.
There are a number of other considerations to think about when moving to new town. Thank you for stopping by and taking a look at Why I love Cary, NC! If you would like more information on the area view a longer video on Cary here with actual interviews with Cary residents or visit my websitefor more information.
I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home!
Location & proximity to Research Triangle Park
Many of the Triangle area residents commute North into the RTP (Research Triangle Park) area rather than downtown Raleigh. Now that the widening of two major alternative routes to I-540 (HWY 55 and Davis Drive) has been completed the commute into RTP is a quick 10-15 minute drive to the major employers in the area. Cary is also a quick commute to the RDU Airport and the 3 Major Universities in the area.
The Great Outdoors
Cary's land-acquisition ordinance requires builders to donate land to the city's Parks and Recreation Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the Fred G. Bond Metro Park and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. There's also the Kids Together Park with a large playground. In addition to community swimming pools, tennis courts and some of the finest golf courses in the area, these green spaces are what make people from all over the country want to call Cary home. There are also plenty of public sports venues around town including Cary Tennis Park, Triangle Aquatic Center (TAC), and the USA Baseball Park.
Cary has the highest median household income in Wake County ($89,623), and more than two-thirds of Cary residents hold a college degree. Cary is also been touted as having the highest number of Phd's in the country. Cary schools are a part of the Wake County Public School system and continue to rank as some of the highest rated schools in Wake County. Many are still on the traditional school calendar also.
Planned Community
Planning, planning and more planning is Cary's adage. It takes but one drive around the Maynard loop, which circles Cary, to understand the vision: planned neighborhoods with large homes, two-car garages and well-groomed lawns are scattered throughout the town. National Geographic even wrote a great article on Cary a few years back titled "All roads lead to a cul-de-sac in this mushrooming high-tech hometown of transplanted Yankees. A friendly game of bunco, anyone?"
Business
Cary is home to such leading companies as SAS Institute-the largest privately held software company in the World. American Airlines and John Deere also have a big presence. However, unlike many towns, commercial development is regulated much the same as residential development. While other Triangle towns have rules governing residential neighborhoods, Cary insists on tasteful commercial buildings that match the surroundings.
Downtown Cary
Downtown Cary is undergoing a major revitalization over the next few years called Cary Streetscape. The goal is to preserve the days gone past but bring in businesses and shops that allow residents to live, work, and play in the downtown area. This is also where Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is held annually, which is considered one of the finest festivals in the state. Page-Walker Arts and History Center, formerly the Page-Walker Hotel, which was built in 1868 to serve train passengers is also located in the downtown area and a great destination point.
Cultural & Performing Arts
Jordan Hall Arts Centerfeatures an art gallery for monthly exhibits that promote and support local artists. Studio time for potters, painters and portrait artists is regularly scheduled. The center is also monthly meeting place for The Fine Arts Leaque of Cary. If you enjoy art on a larger scale the North Carolina Museum of Art, in Raleigh, is one of the finest art galleries in the Triangle. For performing arts Koka Booth Amphitheatreis located in the Regency area of Cary, has regularly scheduled concerts and venues, and is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening outside in the summertime.
Medical Care
WakeMed is Cary's top notch hospital and is located near Tryon Road and Kildaire Farm Road. WakeMed has helped to serve the growing population's need for, and access to, convenient medical care.
Accolades
The list keeps growing every year. Money magazine is in love with Cary and the Triangle in general. Cary was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click here to watch Kiplinger's Video on why the Raleigh-Cary Area is ranked the #2 Best Place to Live in 2008.
Growth of Cary
Attention to detail has proved very beneficial when dealing with the population explosion in Cary. In fact, Cary has doubled its population every decade since 1960. Cary is the seventh-largest municipality in the state and has grown from 43,000 in 1990 to more than 120,000 today.
To handle the expansion, city leaders and developers carefully control development and have built an infrastructure to absorb the growth. In fact, it wasn't until recently that the voice to slow down Cary's growth was heard. Lately, Cary officials have been developing innovative growth controls. Some of these include requiring developers to prove there are enough roads and classrooms to accommodate the newcomers, as well a $70 million expansion of the water treatment plant that serves Cary and nearby Apex.
If you are thinking of relocating to the area feel free to contact me or send me an email with any questions you might have on the area.
Scotts Mill can be accessed by taking HWY 55 South from Cary towards Apex past Beaver Creek Commons Shopping Center. Turn right into Cameron Park on Cameron Glen which will lead to Scotts Mill. Or From US 1 to HWY 55 towards Apex, left on S. Salem, approx 1 mile to right on Apex Barbecue Road.
Neighborhood Facts:
Price range is from the mid $200s - high $300s
Single Family Homes and Duplex Homes
Located in a central location in Cary
The homes in Heritage Pines are ranch homes built by K.Hovanian beginning in 2000 and completion of all of the homes will conclude by the end of 2007. This community has approximately 225 homes, all built with Active 55+ Seniors in mind.
Community Amenities
The Heritage Pines club house offers a Junior Olympic sized pool and a fun filled community activities calander. A sampling of some of the activities include a ladies luncheon, "Polish Night", and a community brunch. Heritage Pines residents also rave about the arts and crafts classes at the clubhouse. In addition to the pool Heritage Pines has two hard court tennis courts.
Neighborhood shopping
Stone Creek Shopping Center is located just a mile around the corner from Heritage Pines. This gorgeous new shopping center has restaurants, boutiques, and even a Harris Teeter.
Beaver Creek Shopping Center is located approximately four miles from Scotts Mill. Apex's newest shopping center has over 750,000 square feet of retail space including several notable anchor tenants - Dicks, Circuit City, Target, Lowes, Borders, and Kohls. There is also plenty of restaurant's and even a movie theatre.
For more information you can go directly to the Heritage Pineswebsite or for information on additional Active 55+ communities in the Triangle you can read my Top 10 List.
Carolina Preserve by Del Webb at Amberly, a new Active Adult Community is located in presitigous Cary, North Carolina. Why live in Cary, NC?
Cary has earned numerous awards for its high quality of life and has been rated the #1 place to live on the East Coast by Money Magazine
It's ranked as the safest city in the South and the 6th safest out of 327 large cities in the nation
Location, Location, Location that's why!! It is located in th heart of the Triangle, adjacent to Research Triangle Park, and only minutes away from RDU International Airport, the state's capitial, and the burgeoning theatre and arts community in Chapel Hill.
Carolina Preserve is located a short distance from some of the best healthcare in the nation including:
Wake Med in Cary, Raleigh, and coming soon to Apex.
The University of North Carolina Wellness system has also agreed to partner with Carolina Preserve to provide their residents with fitness and wellness programs!
Carolina Preserve's grand opening celebration occurred July 15, 2006. At the opening, Del Webb unveiled nine model homes. The total number of lots will be rolled out in five phases with a total of 1,260 homesites.
Amenities & A Sense of Strong Community dominate Carolina Preserve
The hub of this active adult community will be its clubhouse and residents will have access to numerous activities. Planned for this premier community are an indoor year round pool, state of the art fitness center, billiard room, multi-purpose room and lounge area. There will be a second outdoor pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and picnic pavilion. Carolina Preserve is one of 7 neighborhoods in Amberly. Residents of Carolina Preserve will also have access to Amberly's clubhouse, pools and walking trails!
Arts, Culture, Sports & More are located near Carolina Preserve
The greater Raleigh area offers an abundance of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Enjoy a performance at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts featuring theater, ballet, the symphony and opera. Delight in outdoor performances at the Alltel Pavilion in Raleigh or the Amphitheatre at Regency Park in Cary. Raleigh provides numerous sports teams: The Carolina Hurricanes (NHL Hockey), Carolina Mud Cats and Durham Bulls (AA Baseball); and the great college sports including ACC NC State, UNC & Duke! Our area also features several major universities and community colleges to choose from including Duke University, UNC/Chapel Hill & NC State University that can offer you accredited courses for continuing your education or just for fun!!
What about golf? Is there are golf course too?
Located near the Carolina Preserve are several world-renowned championship golf courses that offer daily golf and Private memberships:
Prestonwood CC
Briar Creek CC
Lochmere
MacGregor Downs
Pinehurst, only a short 50 minute drive away offers over 100 public golf courses
Community Details:
Age Restriction: 55+
Type of Home: Single Family, Villa/Town homes
Home Sizes: There are Four Collection of Homes:
Cardinal Collection: 1103-1414 square feet
Dogwood Collection: 1590-1919 square feet
Emerald Collection: 2050-2597 square feet
Villas: Duplex units
Price Range: Base Pricing $210,000-$401,000
As your trusted real estate professional, I am committed to offering you specialized services that focus on your needs. I understand that the sale or purchase of a home is one of the biggest events in your life and potentially one of the most stressful events in your life. My goal is to use my skill and expertise to guide you step by step through the process making the transaction easier and more pleasant. I strive to provide patient, caring, professional support and excellent service that exceeds your expectations.
Update: The next delivery for homes in Amberly is scheduled for August 2008 except for a few homes in the Emerald Collection!! This neighborhood has sold quickly, so be patient if you want to buy in this area.
Click on the map to the left for driving directions or call me for additional information on the community.
The number one selling new home community in Wake County in 2006!! This planned community, when completed, will offer natural areas, retail space, shopping areas, 276 acres of common areas, miles of greenway trail and many exclusive amenities!
Amenities include a gymnasium, village green, event lawn, children's playground, Jr. Olympic pool, family fun pool, and residents club. Within the residents club you'll find a fitness center, aerobics room, children's play room, teen room, decks and patios and flexible meeting areas. With an abundance of amenities and an incredible location, Amberly is a must see community!
The two primary builders at Amberly are KB Home & Pulte Homes. At present, the prices range from the low $200's & $300's for KB's town home and single family home products, to the $500's for Pulte's Blackstone at Amberly Neighborhood.
The Peninsula - custom homes from the $400s to $800s, custom lot sales will begin in February from the $120s (very limited supply). Builders are 1st American Builders and Royal Oaks Building Group. Estate Home builders and prices to be announced soon.
Village Square - single family and townhomes from the $300s to $600s, built by the Bedford Builder Group (great variety of homes, including 3-story brownstone townhomes with elevators).
Blackstone - Pulte Homes from the $330s
Arlington Park & Lexington Park - KB Homes from the $200s
Amberly can now be accessed through Carpenter Fire Station or the newly opened McCrimmon Parkway.
One question that comes up often-Where will my children go to school with all of the growth? Not to worry. Panther Creek High School opened last year on McCrimmon Parkway. This high school will be grades 9-12 through the 2008-2009 School Year
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I moved to the Triangle in 1991 and have lived in Cary since 1994. I'm practically a native. I've watched
Cary blossom into and established and well planned community. Here are some of the reasons I love to call Cary, NC home! 
Department based on the number of houses that will be built. Currently, Cary has 20 city parks, including the 
monthly meeting place for The 
was recently named best place to live in the country and the hottest town on the East Coast. Click 
