Cary is a city located in Wake and Chatham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, Cary had a population of 168,378 making it the second largest municipality in North Carolina and the seventh largest municipality in the Southeastern United States. Over the past few decades, Cary has experienced explosive population growth, attracting many new residents with its family-friendly amenities, strong school system and thriving economy.
Population Growth
According to census data, Cary’s population grew from 43,858 in 1990 to 94,536 in 2000 – more than doubling over the course of that decade. Growth remained strong in the 2000s, with the population reaching 135,234 by 2010. Much of this growth came from Raleigh residents looking for more suburban surroundings as well as transplants from other states like New York and Ohio seeking warmer weather, affordable housing and plentiful jobs. This influx of new residents has made Cary one of the fastest growing cities in North Carolina. With ample available land, quality schools and a business-friendly environment, Cary is projected to continue its remarkable growth trajectory over the next decade.
Economy and Major Employers
In addition to steady population growth, Cary has enjoyed economic expansion thanks to several major employers located in the city. According to the Town of Cary, major companies headquartered in Cary include:
- SAS Institute – Software company specializing in analytics, AI and data management with over 14,000 employees worldwide.
- Fidelity Investments – Financial services corporation and one of the largest mutual fund and financial services groups in the world. The Cary campus employs around 4,500 people.
- Lord Corporation – Manufacturing company that produces engineered components and coatings for the aerospace, automotive and other industries. Lord Corporation employs about 1,000 people locally.
- MetLife – Global insurance and financial services company with approximately 1,200 employees based in Cary.
- Medical Mutual – Regional health insurance company with over 275,000 members and 1,100 employees in Cary.
The strong presence of these major corporations helps attract other businesses to Cary and contributes billions of dollars annually to the local economy. The town’s unemployment rate is frequently below both state and national averages.
Local Landmarks
Despite the rapid pace of growth and economic development, Cary has not lost sight of its history. There are several landmarks and attractions that provide insight into Cary’s past as a small railroad town and founding as one of North Carolina’s first established municipalities.
The Page-Walker Hotel first opened in 1865 and operated as an inn for traveling salesmen and other visitors. Now restored as a historic site, the Page-Walker Hotel hosts exhibits about Cary’s history and offers educational programs. Visitors can tour the site to see an example of 19th century architecture and learn about early town life.
Downtown Cary is home to many of the oldest buildings and businesses in the city. The Ivey-Ellington House was constructed in 1811 and is one of the oldest structures in Wake County. Take a guided tour of the house to experience how early North Carolina residents lived and worked. Downtown Cary also boasts several long-standing family-owned shops and restaurants that provide a taste of the town’s heritage.
Cary’s Railroad Depot originally served as a train stop on the new North Carolina Railroad line in the mid-1800s. As Cary grew, the Depot became a hub for arrival and commerce. Though trains no longer run, the Depot still stands as an iconic reminder of Cary’s beginnings.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a treasured spot for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and boating. Covering over 13,900 acres with nearly 300 miles of shoreline, the park provides a natural oasis close to Cary’s city center. Jordan Lake draws visitors from all over central North Carolina.
Sports
Home to several professional and amateur athletic teams, Cary is passionate about its sports culture. The North Carolina Courage women’s professional soccer team play their home games at WakeMed Soccer Stadium in Cary. The 2019 and 2020 National Women’s Soccer League champions, the Courage have a strong fan base in the community.
North Carolina Football Club is a men’s professional soccer team based in Cary. Founded in 2006, North Carolina FC plays in the USL Championship league and has over 4000 season ticket holders.
The USA Baseball National Training Complex has been located in Cary since 2007. With training fields, batting cages and player development facilities, the complex serves as the national governing body’s official headquarters. Numerous baseball tournaments and events held at the Training Complex each year attract athletes and fans from around the country.
On the amateur level, the Cary Tennis Championships is an annual tennis tournament that brings in top competitors from around the world. Top junior tennis players compete in the internationally recognized tournament each year.
Community
Cary maintains a vibrant community spirit, leveraging social media and public events to connect residents. The Town of Cary hosts special events like concerts, holiday celebrations and a popular Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival each year. Citizens use the Town of Cary Facebook page to find updates on local happenings and share feedback.
Newcomers and long-time residents alike enjoy Cary’s family-friendly amenities like parks, greenways, recreation centers and highly rated public schools. The area offers a wide selection of neighborhoods from downtown apartments to golf communities to new master-planned developments. Cary’s diversity, recreational opportunities and great quality of life will continue attracting residents as the city grows.