The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 27518 sells for about $739,499, or $260 per square foot.
Prices are down 8.99% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 71 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,681 a month.
ZIP 27518 — Cary
The 27518 housing market shows signs of stabilization following a period of price correction, with inventory levels remaining tight. While year-over-year pricing momentum has declined, the area remains a high-demand destination due to its strong school ratings and proximity to major employment hubs. Buyers are increasingly selective, leading to a higher share of price cuts as the market adjusts to current interest rate environments.
This ZIP is ideal for families and professionals working in the Research Triangle who prioritize safety, high-quality schools, and access to suburban amenities and green spaces.
Median prices moved down 9.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 71 days on market with 1.2 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
42% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is holding steady.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.1% · poverty 5.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 7.5%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 27518, Wake County NC
Cary consistently ranks as one of the safest municipalities in North Carolina, with crime rates significantly lower than both state and national averages.
The area is served by the Wake County Public School System, which is highly regarded for its academic performance and rigorous curriculum standards.
The region faces moderate risks from severe thunderstorms and occasional tropical weather remnants, with standard flood insurance recommended for properties near local creek basins.
Cary benefits from its proximity to the Research Triangle Park, driving strong demand from tech and life-sciences professionals and supporting steady infrastructure investment.
Property taxes are levied by Wake County and the Town of Cary, with additional special district taxes for fire and school services; there are no local income taxes.
Residents typically commute via I-40 or NC-54 toward Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, or Durham, with average commute times reflecting typical suburban traffic patterns.
The ZIP features extensive access to the Lochmere Golf Club, numerous greenway trails, and proximity to the expansive Cary Park amenities and shopping centers.
The rental market is characterized by high demand from professionals and families, with moderate vacancy pressure and a mix of long-term rentals and corporate housing.
The economy is anchored by the Research Triangle Park, with major employment sectors in technology, biotechnology, and education.
The area is served by a network of major highways including I-40 and US-1, with limited public transit options primarily consisting of local bus routes.
Development is focused on high-density mixed-use projects and the expansion of greenway connectivity throughout the town.
Wake County performs property revaluations on a periodic cycle to ensure assessments align with current market values.
Parcels are subject to Wake County and Town of Cary property taxes, with specific fire district levies applicable in certain unincorporated areas.
Property insurance premiums are stable but reflect regional exposure to wind and storm-related hazards common in North Carolina.
North Carolina continues to experience strong net domestic migration, driven by job growth in the Research Triangle region.
North Carolina is a non-judicial foreclosure state, allowing for a streamlined process under the power of sale clause in deeds of trust.
Sellers are required to provide a Residential Property and Owners' Association Disclosure Statement to buyers at or before the time of offer.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
- Frankie's of Raleigh4.413 mi
- Dave & Buster's Cary42.9 mi
- Happy Feet Planet Apex4.74.4 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.17.9 mi
- RushHour Karting4.57.9 mi
- Lenovo Center4.55.8 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Art4.86.8 mi
- North Carolina State Fair4.45.7 mi
- Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center4.68.1 mi
- Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek4.411.2 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences4.88.4 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Art4.86.8 mi
- Downtown Cary Park4.83.6 mi
- Dix Park4.77.4 mi
- Pullen Park4.77.1 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences4.88.4 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Art4.86.8 mi
- Marbles Kids Museum4.88.5 mi
- Historic Yates Mill County Park4.75.1 mi
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center4.519.9 mi
- North Carolina Museum of Art4.86.8 mi
- Downtown Cary Park4.83.6 mi
- Dix Park4.77.4 mi
- Pullen Park4.77.1 mi
- Pleasant Park4.76.2 mi
- Topgolf3.810.8 mi
- Drive Shack4.75.3 mi
- Knights Play Golf Center4.32.4 mi
- Prestonwood Country Club4.75.6 mi
- Pin Point Indoor Pickleball & Golf4.67.8 mi
- Crabtree4.49.3 mi
- H Mart Cary4.65.7 mi
- State Farmers Market4.76.7 mi
- Fenton4.63.5 mi
- Grand Asia Market4.43.1 mi
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport4.410.3 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
A premier 18-hole golf course serving the local community.
Extensive paved trails connecting residential areas to parks.
Major redevelopment site serving as a central hub for the area.
Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the published ten-year series (2025) (within 12.5%).