Can the communities in which live determine our quality of life? Well, to a certain extent, yes. Quality of life means different things to different folks. But for many, In a community context, it means: affordable housing, a prosperous job market, quality healthcare, and excellent schools.

First a little geography: Raleigh is the capitol of North Carolina and Cary adjoins Raleigh's South West boarder. Both are located in Wake County which is located roughly in the middle of state of North Carolina.

The Raleigh/Cary area has received lots of press lately. Forbes Magazine, for instance, has voted the Raleigh the number one best Place for Business and Careers. Forbes, in a separate article cited the Raleigh area as the 3rd Least Overpriced Housing Markets in the Country. And while we are on the topic, let's not forget Cary was voted #5 best place to live in the whole country by Money Magazine.

Apparently the word is out. People are flocking to the Cary/Raleigh area. In fact, the good folks at the Census Bureau say it's the 18th fastest growing area in the whole country. 100 people a day are moving into Wake County. The burgeoning Wake County school system opened 7 new schools this year and converted some to year around to further increase capacity.

What's so appealing? Well, the two of the bigger reasons: jobs and affordable housing. While $650,000 buys just a modest 3 bedroom ranch in the Virginia suburbs, it buys a brand new home with many upgrades and a big yard in Cary/Raleigh. And while many New York residents routinely pay around $10,000 to 20,000 per year in taxes, Cary/Raleigh residents pay roughly 1/10th of that. In addition, Cary real estate has consistently enjoyed a slow and steady 3-5 percent property appreciation per year.

In addition to these appetizing ingredients to Raleigh/Cary's most appealing recipe, add a splash of great schools excellent health care, low crime, and mild weather to the mix. Cary is part of the superb Wake County school system and many of the best schools in the county are found in Cary, NC.

Cary, North Carolina is the seventh safest city in the whole county. Perhaps in part due to the religious influence of the Bible belt or perhaps the triangles distinction of having the most PhD's per capita. Regardless, families feel safe in Cary and Raleigh's streets and parks.

With Wake, Rex and Duke Hospitals close by, residents enjoy some of the finest and most advanced health care in the nation. Lastly, you can't say enough about the weather here. The area defiantly has four seasons. Now, summers can be quite warm and humid, however winters are typically short and mild. Spring and fall are long and lovely. The spring flowers are brilliant and the fall colors magnificent.

Michael McLaughlin is a Real Estate Sales Agent with the firm of Keller Williams Realty, would be glad to answer any questions you may have on Cary Real Estate or help you select your very own dream home in the Cary/Raleigh area.

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