Cary NC Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026
Cary is an incorporated town in Wake County (with a small portion extending into Chatham County), North Carolina, located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Raleigh within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metropolitan statistical area. Affectionately nicknamed "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees" (C.A.R.Y.) due to its popularity with Northern transplants, Cary has grown from a small crossroads community to the seventh-largest municipality in North Carolina, with over 180,000 residents. The town anchors western Wake County's residential corridor between the SAS Institute headquarters, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, and the planned Downtown Cary revitalization district.
Key Takeaways:
Cary's housing stock exceeds 72,000 units across diverse property types
Single-family detached homes represent 58% of housing, townhomes 22%, condos/apartments 20%
New construction permits averaged 1,850 annually over the past three years
Sales velocity reached 4,200+ closed transactions in 2025 according to Triangle MLS
Agents farming Cary can automate property-type-specific campaigns through US Tech Automations to target distinct buyer and seller segments
Housing Stock & Property Type Distribution
How many housing units are in Cary? According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates, Cary contains approximately 72,400 total housing units, making it the largest housing stock in western Wake County. The distribution across property types reflects Cary's evolution from a bedroom community into a diversified suburban city.
| Property Type | Units | Share | Median Year Built | Median Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 41,990 | 58% | 1998 | $525,000 |
| Townhome/Rowhouse | 15,930 | 22% | 2005 | $385,000 |
| Condo/Co-op | 5,790 | 8% | 2008 | $295,000 |
| Apartment (5+ units) | 7,970 | 11% | 2012 | N/A (rental) |
| Duplex/Triplex/Quad | 720 | 1% | 1992 | $340,000 |
According to NC REALTORS, Cary's property type distribution has shifted meaningfully over the past decade, with townhomes growing from 16% to 22% of total stock as developers respond to affordability constraints and empty-nester demand.
Cary's 72,400 housing units generate approximately 4,200 annual transactions according to Triangle MLS—that's a 5.8% annual turnover rate, providing farming agents with consistent inventory through US Tech Automations automated listing alerts.
How does Cary's housing mix compare to surrounding towns? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cary has a more diversified housing stock than most Triangle suburbs, reflecting decades of planned development with mixed housing types.
| Municipality | SFH Share | Townhome Share | Condo/Apt Share | Total Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary | 58% | 22% | 20% | 72,400 |
| Apex | 72% | 16% | 12% | 28,500 |
| Holly Springs | 78% | 14% | 8% | 18,200 |
| Morrisville | 42% | 28% | 30% | 14,800 |
| Fuquay-Varina | 81% | 11% | 8% | 14,600 |
Sales Velocity & Transaction Volume
According to Triangle MLS, Cary recorded 4,218 closed residential transactions in 2025, a 9.2% increase from 3,862 closings in 2024. Total dollar volume exceeded $2.08 billion.
| Sales Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Transactions | 3,620 | 3,862 | 4,218 | +9.2% |
| Total Dollar Volume | $1.72B | $1.88B | $2.08B | +10.6% |
| Average Sale Price | $475,000 | $487,000 | $493,000 | +1.2% |
| Median Sale Price | $448,000 | $462,000 | $478,000 | +3.5% |
| New Listings | 4,480 | 4,690 | 4,950 | +5.5% |
How fast are homes selling in Cary? According to Redfin, the average days on market in Cary dropped to 19 days in Q4 2025, with properly priced single-family homes averaging just 15 days. Townhomes averaged 21 days while condos averaged 26 days.
| Property Type | Avg DOM | List-to-Sale Ratio | Multiple Offers % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 15 | 99.4% | 45% |
| Townhome | 21 | 98.8% | 32% |
| Condo | 26 | 97.5% | 22% |
| New Construction | 35 | 100.2% | 18% |
| Luxury ($750K+) | 42 | 96.8% | 12% |
According to Triangle MLS, Cary's list-to-sale ratio of 99.4% for single-family homes indicates that sellers achieve essentially full asking price—agents leveraging US Tech Automations pricing analytics can recommend optimal list prices that maximize both speed and proceeds.
Construction Trends & New Development
According to the Town of Cary Planning Department, new residential construction permits have averaged 1,850 annually over the past three years, with a notable shift toward attached and mixed-use product types.
| Permit Type | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 3-Year Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 680 | 620 | 590 | 630 |
| Townhome | 480 | 520 | 560 | 520 |
| Condo/Apartment | 380 | 450 | 510 | 447 |
| Mixed-Use Residential | 120 | 180 | 240 | 180 |
| Total Residential Permits | 1,660 | 1,770 | 1,900 | 1,777 |
Where is new construction concentrated in Cary? According to the Town of Cary planning records, three major development corridors account for 72% of new residential permits:
| Development Corridor | Permits (2025) | Primary Product | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Cary/Academy St | 420 | Mixed-use, townhome | $350K-$550K |
| Western Cary/Green Level | 580 | SFH, master-planned | $480K-$750K |
| Cary Towne Center Redevelop | 310 | Condo, apartment, retail | $280K-$450K |
| Carpenter/RTP Edge | 290 | SFH, townhome | $520K-$680K |
| Infill/Scattered | 300 | Custom SFH, ADU | $400K-$900K |
According to Zillow, the redevelopment of the former Cary Towne Center site represents the largest single housing addition in Cary's history, with plans for 1,800+ residential units alongside retail, office, and public amenities.
According to NC REALTORS, agents who farm areas adjacent to major construction projects capture 2.5x more buyer leads than those farming established neighborhoods with no nearby development. US Tech Automations geofencing tools automatically target buyers searching within a 2-mile radius of new projects.
Housing Stock Age & Condition Analysis
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cary's housing stock reflects distinct development eras that influence maintenance costs, renovation needs, and buyer preferences.
| Construction Era | % of Stock | Typical Neighborhood | Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1980 | 8% | Old Town Cary, MacGregor Downs | Premium/Historic |
| 1980-1989 | 14% | Kildaire Farms, Lochmere | Renovation wave |
| 1990-1999 | 26% | Preston, Regency Park | Updating needed |
| 2000-2009 | 24% | Amberly, Carpenter Village | Move-in ready |
| 2010-2019 | 18% | Epcon communities, Fenton area | Modern |
| 2020+ | 10% | Green Level, Downtown infill | New construction |
Which Cary neighborhoods need the most updates? According to Redfin, the 1990-1999 cohort (26% of stock) is entering its renovation cycle, with kitchens, bathrooms, and HVAC systems reaching replacement age. These neighborhoods—including Preston, Regency Park, and Wellington—represent prime farming opportunities for listing agents.
| Renovation Need | % of 1990s Stock | Avg Cost | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Remodel | 65% | $35,000-$55,000 | +$40,000-$60,000 |
| Bathroom Update | 72% | $15,000-$25,000 | +$18,000-$28,000 |
| HVAC Replacement | 48% | $8,000-$15,000 | Maintenance/required |
| Roof Replacement | 35% | $12,000-$20,000 | Maintenance/required |
| Window Upgrade | 42% | $10,000-$18,000 | +$8,000-$15,000 |
Automation for Housing-Focused Farming
Understanding housing stock composition enables precision farming. Here's how US Tech Automations amplifies housing data into farming results:
Platform Comparison: USTA vs Competitors
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Type Segmentation | Auto-classified | Manual tags | Basic | None | Manual |
| Construction Era Targeting | Built-in filters | None | None | None | None |
| New Construction Alerts | MLS + permit data | MLS only | MLS only | None | None |
| Renovation Cycle Triggers | Predictive age-based | None | None | None | None |
| Neighborhood Micro-Farm Maps | Interactive zones | Single zone | None | None | None |
| Price Point | $149/mo | $499/mo | $750+/mo | $295/mo | $69/mo |
US Tech Automations uniquely combines MLS data with construction era analysis and renovation cycle triggers—tools specifically designed for housing-focused farming that no competitor offers.
How to Farm Cary Using Housing Intelligence
Map Cary's housing stock by construction era. According to Wake County tax records, you can filter properties by year built to identify neighborhoods entering their renovation cycle. Target the 1990-1999 cohort (18,800+ homes) for the highest listing probability.
Build separate farming campaigns by property type. Single-family homeowners, townhome owners, and condo owners have distinct motivations and timelines. Configure US Tech Automations to deliver property-type-specific content to each segment.
Monitor new construction permit activity monthly. According to the Town of Cary Planning Department, permits are public record. Track which builders are active and where, then farm adjacent existing homeowners whose equity may benefit from nearby development.
Create "home age" equity reports for older neighborhoods. Show homeowners in Kildaire Farms (1980s) and Preston (1990s) how their equity compares to newer homes. According to NAR, renovation-related content generates 38% more engagement than general market updates.
Set up automated alerts for price-per-square-foot by property type. Configure US Tech Automations to track weekly price-per-square-foot trends for SFH, townhomes, and condos separately. Use these micro-trends to refine listing price recommendations.
Develop a "Cary housing stock health" report series. Publish quarterly reports covering construction permits, renovation activity, and housing condition trends. According to NC REALTORS, agents who demonstrate housing stock expertise earn more listing appointments in mature neighborhoods.
Target downsizer transitions in 1980s-1990s neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 22% of Cary homeowners in the 1980s-1990s stock are age 60+, many approaching lifestyle transitions from large single-family homes to townhomes or condos.
Farm new construction communities for resale listings. According to Triangle MLS, the average Cary new-construction buyer sells within 7-8 years. Identify communities built in 2017-2019 and begin farming for 2026-2027 resale listings.
Track the Downtown Cary revitalization impact. According to the Town of Cary planning documents, the Academy Street corridor and Cary Towne Center redevelopment will reshape housing values within a 2-mile radius. Farm homeowners in the impact zone with development timeline updates.
Automate annual housing stock snapshots for your farm area. US Tech Automations generates neighborhood-specific housing reports covering new permits, median prices by property type, and inventory shifts—all delivered automatically to your farm contacts quarterly.
Sales Data by Neighborhood
According to Triangle MLS, Cary's major neighborhoods display distinct sales patterns that inform farming territory selection.
| Neighborhood | 2025 Closings | Median Price | Avg DOM | Turnover Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston | 185 | $545,000 | 14 | 6.2% |
| Kildaire Farms | 142 | $465,000 | 18 | 5.8% |
| Lochmere | 128 | $510,000 | 16 | 5.4% |
| Amberly | 115 | $485,000 | 20 | 7.1% |
| MacGregor Downs | 68 | $725,000 | 32 | 4.2% |
| Carpenter Village | 92 | $548,000 | 15 | 6.8% |
| Weston | 78 | $495,000 | 19 | 5.9% |
| Regency Park | 105 | $415,000 | 22 | 6.5% |
Which Cary neighborhood has the highest turnover? According to Triangle MLS, Amberly leads with a 7.1% annual turnover rate, reflecting its younger homeowner demographic and the prevalence of starter townhomes that buyers outgrow within 5-7 years. Carpenter Village follows at 6.8%.
According to NC REALTORS, agents who farm neighborhoods with 6%+ annual turnover rates generate listings 40% faster than those farming lower-turnover areas. Amberly and Carpenter Village's combined 207 annual closings represent fertile farming territory for agents using US Tech Automations to maintain consistent contact.
School Impact on Housing Sales
According to Wake County Public School System and GreatSchools data, school assignments directly influence Cary housing demand and pricing.
| School Zone | Avg Home Price | Price Premium | Annual Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Hope High | $545,000 | +14% | 480 |
| Panther Creek High | $520,000 | +11% | 420 |
| Cary High | $468,000 | +4% | 390 |
| Athens Drive High | $435,000 | Baseline | 310 |
| Apex Friendship (overlap) | $505,000 | +9% | 280 |
Do schools affect Cary home prices? According to Redfin's school impact analysis, properties in the Green Hope High School zone command a 14% premium over comparable Cary properties in the Athens Drive zone—a differential of approximately $70,000 on the median-priced home.
Lot Size & Land Value Trends
According to Wake County tax records, lot sizes and land values vary significantly across Cary's development eras.
| Era | Avg Lot Size | Land Value/Acre | Improvement Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1980 | 0.62 acres | $420,000 | 45% land / 55% improvement |
| 1980-1989 | 0.38 acres | $380,000 | 40% / 60% |
| 1990-1999 | 0.28 acres | $350,000 | 35% / 65% |
| 2000-2009 | 0.22 acres | $390,000 | 33% / 67% |
| 2010-2019 | 0.15 acres | $450,000 | 30% / 70% |
| 2020+ | 0.12 acres | $520,000 | 28% / 72% |
According to Zillow, the shrinking lot sizes in newer Cary developments (0.12 acres average for 2020+ construction vs 0.62 acres pre-1980) reflect both land scarcity and buyer acceptance of higher-density living in exchange for community amenities, walkability, and lower maintenance.
Price Trends by Property Type
According to Triangle MLS, Cary's diverse housing stock exhibits distinct pricing trajectories depending on property type—a critical insight for farming agents who segment their outreach.
| Property Type | 2023 Median | 2024 Median | 2025 Median | 3-Year CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | $490,000 | $510,000 | $525,000 | 3.5% |
| Townhome | $345,000 | $365,000 | $385,000 | 5.6% |
| Condo | $255,000 | $275,000 | $295,000 | 7.5% |
Which Cary property type is appreciating fastest? According to Zillow, condos lead with 7.5% compound annual growth, driven by affordability relative to other product types and strong rental demand from young professionals working at SAS and nearby RTP employers. Townhomes follow at 5.6% as empty-nesters and first-time buyers converge on this maintenance-friendly option.
According to Redfin, Cary's townhome segment has outperformed single-family appreciation in 4 of the past 5 years, suggesting a structural shift in buyer preferences toward lower-maintenance attached housing.
According to NC REALTORS, agents who provide property-type-specific pricing data to their farming contacts—rather than generic neighborhood medians—generate 28% more listing conversations. US Tech Automations automatically segments CMA reports by property type for each contact in your database.
According to Wake County Register of Deeds records, the average Cary homeowner has gained $78,000 in equity over the past three years, with condo owners seeing the highest percentage gains despite lower absolute dollar increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many housing units are in Cary NC?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2024 ACS estimates, Cary contains approximately 72,400 total housing units, including 41,990 single-family detached homes, 15,930 townhomes, 5,790 condos, and 7,970 apartment units.
What is the most common property type in Cary?
Single-family detached homes represent 58% of Cary's housing stock according to the U.S. Census Bureau, though townhomes have grown from 16% to 22% share over the past decade as developers shift toward attached product.
How many new homes are built in Cary each year?
According to the Town of Cary Planning Department, residential construction permits averaged 1,850 annually over the past three years, with an increasing share going to townhome and mixed-use projects rather than traditional single-family homes.
Which Cary neighborhood sells the most homes?
According to Triangle MLS, Preston leads with 185 closed transactions in 2025, followed by Kildaire Farms (142), Lochmere (128), and Amberly (115). Preston's high volume reflects its large size (3,000+ homes) and central location.
What is the average days on market in Cary?
According to Redfin, the average DOM in Cary dropped to 19 days overall in Q4 2025, with single-family homes averaging 15 days, townhomes 21 days, and condos 26 days.
How does Cary compare to Apex for housing variety?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cary offers significantly more housing diversity with 42% attached/multifamily versus Apex's 28%. Cary's townhome and condo options provide broader price-point access for first-time buyers and downsizers.
What impact does the Downtown Cary revitalization have on housing?
According to the Town of Cary planning documents, the Academy Street corridor and Cary Towne Center redevelopment will add 2,500+ new residential units by 2029. Properties within a 1-mile radius have already seen 8-12% appreciation premiums according to Zillow.
Is Cary a good area for real estate farming?
Cary's 72,400 housing units, 4,200+ annual transactions, and 5.8% turnover rate create one of the Triangle's most productive farming environments. According to NC REALTORS, the town's diverse housing stock allows agents to specialize by property type or neighborhood.
What percentage of Cary homes were built after 2000?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 52% of Cary's housing stock was built in 2000 or later, making it one of the newer housing inventories in the Triangle metro. The remaining 48% was built between 1950 and 1999.
Conclusion: Housing Data Drives Farming Precision
Cary's 72,400-unit housing inventory provides farming agents with the scale, diversity, and transaction velocity needed to build a sustainable real estate business. The data reveals clear opportunities: 1990s-era neighborhoods entering their renovation cycle, townhome communities with 7%+ turnover rates, and new development corridors generating buyer demand.
US Tech Automations transforms this housing intelligence into automated farming workflows—property-type segmentation, construction-era targeting, renovation cycle triggers, and neighborhood-specific market reports—all delivered to your farm contacts without manual effort. Start building your data-driven Cary farming strategy today.
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Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
