Triangle town named the second-most livable spot in the US, study says. Here’s why

Photo byBy Zajohnso - Own work

Cary, North Carolina, tied for the second-best place to live in the U.S. on Livability’s 2024 list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live.

Its ranking is attributed to its central location, high-quality public schools, safe neighborhoods, and a vibrant arts and dining scene, with over 200 restaurants.

Cary offers the amenities of a larger city with more affordability, boasting a median household income of $127,724 and a median home value of $434,151.

Some of Cary’s livability highlights include:

• Weather: Mild winters and hot summers, with 216 sunny days annually.
• Outdoor activities: Parks like Umstead and Bond Park for hiking and fishing, and the Koka Booth Amphitheatre for shows.
• Popular local spots: La Farm Bakery, often hailed as the best bakery in the state, and Herons at The Umstead Hotel for upscale, locally sourced dining.

Livability ranked Cary highly in health (86), education (82), and economy (81). The town’s overall LivScore was 874, just behind Carmel, Indiana, which scored 875.

Other North Carolina cities on the list include Raleigh, Asheville, Durham, Winston-Salem, and Wilmington, each with strengths in areas like transportation, environment, and economy.