If you're looking for walkable areas, I highly recommend Lochmere. There are so many trails and walking paths through that neighborhood. One of my good friends lives right by Swift Creek Greenway and she is able to walk to Hemlock Bluffs, the grocery store, coffee shop and best of all, the Koka Booth ampitheathre. We often go to her house to walk to the ampitheatre and attend the symphony and just last night . . . the Bonnie Raitt concert! The homes are a little older in that area but many have been very well maintained and the mature landscaping and beautiful trees can't be found in the newer neighborhoods that others have mentioned (nothing against them - but they do look "too new" to me). Good luck in your search. Cary is a great place to live.

Gail,

As a real estate agent, former teacher, mother, active member of the community for 15 years, and yes someone who was relocated here too, I truly enjoy living in Cary. A few things to consider when choosing a neighborhood: * a community pool- adds to the social life of the neighborhood, * schools-traditional/year-round calendar, * new or established neighborhoods-school redistricting may play a role, lot size, mature foliage, latest updates, *proximity to shopping-some neighborhoods you can you and the kids can walk to the store.

I always plan a tour of Cary with new out-of-town clients just to get to know the area. What is the best are to live in is Cary? That is a big question to answer and may take a tour to help you get the "feel" of Cary. Then you'll know for yourself.

I'm going to give a big push towards Amberly, Carpenter Village and my clients RAVE about Breckenridge as a community involved place to live. Breckenridge isn't as walkable for shops or an ice cream but it offers a great location to RTP.

Preston is nice but the membership fee is steep for the pool, tennis and golf.

Good luck with your move and any of us would be a great asset and wealth of information.

All the previous answers gave good advice. But you have to come here and decide for yourself. Everyone has different ideas of what they like "best". Do you want a little bit more yard? If so,you'll probably be looking at an older home, maybe in Kildaire Farms. Don't care about the lot size but want a kid friendly neighborhood? Then the larger new homes with smaller yards in communities like Highcroft and Cary Park might work for you.

Are you inteterested in Cary specifically, or would you consider Apex, Holly Springs, Raleigh, etc? We know that Cary has a great reputation, especially for people relocating from New York and New Jersey. But just like up north, our suburbs are blending into each other and there are many fine communities in other towns.

Plan on coming down for a look around and drive around visit before you pin yourself down to one area.
Good luck!

Gail says, "looking for great schools..and an area with strong sense of community. Preferably with a clubhouse, pool etc. Sidewalks would be great. Also to live near a walkable area??? I heard Preston is nice."

Yes, Gail, Preston is very nice.
It is also a huge Planned Urban Development. That means that Preston encompasses a vast variety of housing options and price points, all within a fine country club community.

You may also consider Wellsley, The Reserve, Highcroft and Highcroft Village, Cary Park, Weatherstone, Carpenter Village, Bishop's Gate. Carpenter Village and Weatherstone may be among the most walkable neighborhoods.

Hello Gail,

Cary is not a huge city. It is kind of like Edison, NJ. Great communites everywhere and excellent schools as well. I'd suggest you to work with a local real estate agent who knows the area well. We have thousands agents here. Interview a couple or a few and find the right one who can help you.

Good luck,

Jean

looking for great schools..and an area with strong sense of community. Preferably with a clubhouse, pool etc. Sidewalks would be great. Also to live near a walkable area??? I heard Preston is nice.

It depends on what you can afford and what you are looking for in a house. There are some "less than wonderful" areas, and some great areas, but it depends on what fits you. The glowing reviews of all of Cary are interesting. If you want specific analysis without Realtor "puffing", go to http://www.TeamForYOUrDreams.com.

Cary has so many wonderful laces to live it would be hard to name just a few. If you could tell us some of the features that you are looking for in your new home, community and price range that would enable us to give you answers that meet your specific desires and needs!
Look forward to helping you!

we need some more details. What are you looking for in a property? Price range, age, size, bedrooms, etc.

Cary has some great spots with parks, shopping and easy access to highways. It all depends on how you live your daily life.

Gail,
Frankly, there are so many great locations in Cary, it would be hard to designate one as "best."

It would depend on just what you most value in a location.