AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Cary, NC — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Cary neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,650/mo
Median Rent
174,721
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
SAS Institute
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Cary? What Renters Need to Know

Cary's cost of living is about 12% above the national average. Median rent is around $1,650/month.

Quick Facts

Population 174,721
Median Rent $1,650/mo
Top Employer SAS Institute
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,650 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Cary median rent is $150 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Cary is SAS Institute, making the Downtown Cary area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Cary

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown Cary

Score: 89/100
Safety A
Walk Score 70
Avg Rent $1,750
Schools 9/10
#2

Preston

Score: 87/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 9/10
#3

Amberly

Score: 85/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 9/10

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#4

Lochmere

Score: 83/100
Safety A
Walk Score 35
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 8/10
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#5

Waverly Place

Score: 81/100
Safety A
Walk Score 55
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 8/10
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#6

Regency Park

Score: 79/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $1,550
Schools 8/10
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#7

MacGregor Downs

Score: 77/100
Safety A
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $1,650
Schools 8/10
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#8

West Cary

Score: 75/100
Safety A
Walk Score 25
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Cary Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Cary Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Cary renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Cary.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Cary properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Cary

What is the cost of living in Cary, NC?

Cary's cost of living is about 12% above the national average. Median rent is around $1,650/month. Excellent schools and safety justify the premium.

Is Cary a good place for tech workers?

Outstanding. SAS Institute, Epic Games, and proximity to Research Triangle Park make Cary one of the best tech hubs in the Southeast.

What are the best neighborhoods?

Preston and Amberly are top-tier with excellent schools and safety. Downtown Cary is undergoing a major revitalization with new dining and entertainment.

How far is Cary from Raleigh?

Cary borders Raleigh to the west, about 10 miles from downtown Raleigh. The commute is 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

What makes Cary special?

Consistently ranked among the safest and best-educated cities in the US. Cary offers top schools, beautiful greenways, diverse dining, and a strong sense of community.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.