Cary

Cary is a municipality in Wake County, North Carolina, in the eastern United States, and spreads over three counties in the center of the state. The settlement sits southwest of Raleigh and forms a densely built part of the metropolitan area with shopping centers, schools and residential neighborhoods.

An inn called Bradford's Ordinary stood here in the 1750s and served travelers as a stop along the mail route. In 1871 the official municipality came into being under mayor Allison Francis Page.

The name honors Samuel Fenton Cary, a temperance advocate from the 19th century, whose beliefs shaped early community rules. Today the wide streets and ample residential neighborhoods reflect a modern southern suburb where families gather in parks and shopping centers.

More than 30 public parks and sports facilities are scattered throughout the town area and offer room for hiking, tennis and leisure activities. Most facilities are accessible during daytime and some have paved trails for strollers or wheelchairs.

An ordinance from 1871 banned the sale of whisky in the entire municipality for nearly a century. This rule reflected the beliefs of the first mayor and remained in effect until 1964.

Location: Wake County

Location: Chatham County

Inception: 1750

Elevation above the sea: 152 m

Shares border with: Morrisville, Apex

Website: https://carync.gov

GPS coordinates: 35.77889,-78.80028

Latest update: December 15, 2025 06:40