Family FIrst

Due to its position between the bustling towns of Hillsborough and New Bern, the area that became known as Cary quickly developed into a thriving farming community soon after the original land was deeded to Francis Jones in 1749. The expansion of the North Carolina Railroad in 1849 solidified the area as a crossroads. Lumberman Frank Page came to town in 1854, and soon established a sawmill, dry goods store, and post office. When incorporating the town, Page chose the name of prohibitionist Samuel Cary.

In 1907, Cary Academy was purchased by Wake County, and became one of the first public high schools in North Carolina. Cary continued to grow as transportation between Cary and Raleigh became easier with the construction of new roads. Development really took off after World War II, with the population doubling in the 1950s, and again in the 1960s. With the growth in population, came economic development, and Cary transformed from simply a bedroom community for people working in Raleigh. With a current population of over 150,000 residents, Cary has established itself with the conveniences of a bigger city, while retaining a suburban feel.

In addition to a thriving business economy, there is plenty to do and see in the Cary area. The town has established an extensive greenway system connecting parks, in addition to the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, Bond Metro Park, and Lake Crabtree. Prestonwood Country Club attracts golf tournaments, Koka Booth Amphitheater hosts a regular schedule of concerts and events, and historic downtown Cary offers a variety of unique dining and shopping opportunities. Cary remains a “crossroads town,” with close proximity to Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, Durham, and Chapel Hill.