Cary, North Carolina – General Information

Cary is a thriving town in Wake County with an estimated population of over 188,000 residents as of early 2025, making it the seventh-largest municipality in North Carolina. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Cary sits between Raleigh and the renowned Research Triangle Park.

The Triangle area consistently ranks among the top places in the country to live and work, offering excellent opportunities to raise a family or start a business. Nearby communities include the local town of Apex, NC and Morrisville.

Cary is easily accessible via major highways including Interstate 40, US Highway 1, US Highway 64, and NC Highway 540 (the Triangle Expressway). These transportation corridors connect residents to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, downtown Raleigh, and employment centers throughout the Triangle.

The History of Cary

Cary began as a railroad village and became known as an educational center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Cary High School becoming the first state-funded public high school in North Carolina in April 1907. Before English settlers arrived in 1750, the area was inhabited by Native Americans. Francis Jones received the title deed to the land in 1749, becoming the first European settler. The area’s central location between the towns of Hillsborough and New Bern made it an attractive settlement point.

An inn called Bradford’s Ordinary was built in 1794, serving weary travelers along the main transportation route. However, the town’s real development began in 1854 when Frank Page arrived and purchased 300 acres of land adjacent to the railroad. As a successful businessman, Page became mayor and named the town after Samuel Fenton Cary, a prohibitionist preacher he deeply admired.

Farming became the primary way of life in early Cary, with cotton and tobacco serving as the main cash crops. The town grew slowly but steadily, gaining prominence due to its central location.

The creation of Research Triangle Park in 1959 resulted in Cary’s population doubling in a few years, tripling in the 1970s, and doubling in both the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Cary serves as home to major technology companies, including SAS Institute, the world’s largest privately held software company.

Wildlife Control Services Throughout Cary

Our team provides comprehensive wildlife management solutions across all Cary neighborhoods, from established communities like Preston, MacGregor Downs, and Lochmere to newer developments such as Regency Park, Amberly, and Cary Park. We serve areas near major corridors including Cary Parkway, Kildaire Farm Road, and Davis Drive.

Services Available in Cary, North Carolina:

• Cary NC Squirrel Removal Services
• Cary NC Raccoon Removal Service
• Cary NC Bat Removal Company
• Cary NC Rodent Removal Companies
• Cary NC Snake Removal Company
• Cary NC Wildlife Removal Services
• Cary NC Opossum Removal Service

Wildlife activity is common throughout Cary, NC due to the town’s extensive greenway system, proximity to wooded areas, and rapid residential growth. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, bats, and snakes frequently seek shelter in homes and businesses, particularly in neighborhoods near natural areas like Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and Fred G. Bond Metro Park.

Whether you live in West Cary near Carpenter Village and Preston, South Cary along MacGregor Downs, or East Cary near Regency and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre, we provide prompt, professional wildlife solutions. Our experienced technicians understand local wildlife behavior and deliver humane, effective removal services throughout the entire Cary community.

Current Demographics and Community Profile

The average household income in Cary is $165,282, with a median household income of $129,399 and a poverty rate of just 5.28%. The median age in Cary is approximately 39.8 years.

The racial composition includes 60.09% White, 20.41% Asian, 7.63% Black or African American, and 3.63% other races. Approximately 19 percent of residents were born in another country, with the Asian population representing Cary’s largest minority group. This diversity reflects Cary’s position as a major hub in the Research Triangle, attracting professionals from around the world.

The population density stands at approximately 3,400 people per square mile across Cary’s 54.3 square miles. School-age children comprise nearly a quarter of Cary’s population, while retirees represent the fastest-growing demographic group.

Natural Attractions and Parks

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a unique woodland area located on Kildaire Farm Road in southwest Cary. This dense forest offers peaceful trails that provide an escape from city life while remaining easily accessible to residents. The preserve features the Stevens Nature Center, which hosts interactive nature and history exhibits. Well-maintained trails wind through this 140-acre sanctuary, making it ideal for hiking and nature observation.

Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Fred G. Bond Metro Park sits in the center of Cary and features a large lake with a public bathhouse. The park offers a perfect setting for natural relaxation during summer afternoons. With more than four miles of trails, visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or simply exploring the scenic grounds. The park also includes sports fields, picnic areas, and the Sertoma Amphitheatre, which hosts community events throughout the year.

Eno River State Park

The Eno River State Park follows the Eno River through the woodlands of Durham County, just north of Cary. This historic woodland area is dotted with several historical sites, including a water wheel and fords that were dug during early settlements. The park allows both individual backcountry campsites and group camping areas, making it popular for overnight nature experiences.

Greenway Network

Cary maintains a network of 82 miles of greenways and trails that connect neighborhoods and parks throughout the town. These paved paths provide walking, jogging, and biking opportunities for residents in communities like Amberly, Preston, and Green Level. The greenway system links residential areas to schools, shopping centers, and natural areas, promoting active lifestyles throughout Cary.

Cultural Attractions and Entertainment

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

The Koka Booth Amphitheatre, located in Regency Park near Symphony Lake, serves as one of the area’s premier venues for live arts and entertainment. Named after a former Cary mayor, this outdoor facility hosts concerts ranging from classic rock performances to the North Carolina Symphony playing works by classical composers. The amphitheatre also screens movies and hosts major cultural festivals including Asia Fest, Oktoberfest, and the popular North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.

Cary Arts Center

The Cary Arts Center occupies a 48,000-square-foot facility featuring a 393-seat theatre. This venue hosts drama productions, ballet performances, gallery exhibitions, and serves as a rehearsal and studio space. The center showcases local talent and brings professional performances to Cary residents and visitors, contributing to the town’s vibrant cultural scene.

Chatham Hill Winery

Chatham Hill Winery is Cary’s first winery, using grapes grown exclusively in North Carolina. The winery produces a range of wines including Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Knowledgeable staff provide informative and entertaining tastings, while outdoor seating areas offer a relaxing environment to enjoy local wines. The winery represents Cary’s growing food and beverage industry.

Historic Downtown Cary

Downtown Cary features a walkable district filled with local shops, restaurants, and the historic Cary Train Depot. The area hosts regular community events and provides a charming small-town atmosphere despite the community’s substantial growth. The Page-Walker Arts and History Center, which houses the Cary History Museum, offers exhibits on local history and serves as a cultural gathering space.

Community Events and Activities

Cary hosts numerous annual events that bring residents together throughout the year:

• Special needs photo sessions with the Easter Bunny provide inclusive community experiences for families
• The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl offers festive celebrations for adults
• Easter egg hunts designed specifically for adults (ages 21 and over) create unique springtime activities
• Summer programs at Rainbow Play-Systems Party-Yard provide after-school entertainment for children
• PeakFest and other seasonal festivals celebrate community spirit

These events reflect Cary’s commitment to providing diverse activities for residents of all ages and interests.

Notable Residents

Cary has been home to numerous accomplished individuals across various fields. Professional wrestlers Jeff and Matt Hardy, known as the Hardy Boys, come from Cary. The town has also produced several NHL hockey players including Rod Brind’Amour, Ron Francis, Bret Hedican, and Chad Larose. Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, hip hop artist Petey Pablo, NBA player Chuck Nevitt, and Olympic athlete Justin Gatlin have all called Cary home. These notable personalities reflect the community’s diverse talent across sports, entertainment, and athletics.

Wildlife Management Needs in Cary

The rapid residential expansion in neighborhoods like Preston, Regency, Carpenter Village, MacGregor Downs, and Amberly has increased interactions between wildlife and residents. Common wildlife concerns include:

Raccoons frequently nest in attics and crawl spaces throughout Cary neighborhoods. These animals can carry rabies and raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris), creating serious health risks for families and pets. Professional removal and exclusion protect your home from these health threats.

Bats often roost in attic spaces and wall voids, particularly in older homes throughout established Cary neighborhoods. Accumulated bat droppings can harbor Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis. Professional bat exclusion ensures safe removal while preventing future entry.

Squirrels cause significant damage when they nest in attic spaces, chewing through wiring, insulation, and structural components. These animals are especially active in mature neighborhoods with established trees like those found near Fred G. Bond Metro Park and throughout MacGregor Downs.

Snakes, while generally beneficial for controlling rodent populations, can alarm property owners when discovered near homes or in garages. Most snake species in the Cary area are non-venomous, but professional identification and removal provide peace of mind and prevent potential conflicts.

Rodents including rats and mice enter homes seeking food and shelter, particularly during colder months. These animals can contaminate food, damage property, and spread diseases. Professional rodent control eliminates existing populations and prevents future activity.

Our team serves all Cary communities, from West Cary along Cary Parkway to South Cary near the intersection of US 1 and NC 540, and East Cary along High House Road. We provide comprehensive inspection, removal, exclusion, and repair services to protect residential and commercial properties from wildlife activity throughout Wake County.