2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Highlands, NC vs Cary, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Cary older or younger than people in Highlands?
- The Median Age in Cary is 21.1 years younger than in Highlands.

Are housing costs cheaper in Cary or Highlands?
- Cary housing costs are 27.7% less expensive than Highlands housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Cary or Highlands?
- The average commute for residents of Cary is 1.4 minutes longer than it is for residents of Highlands.

Things to do in Highlands?
Living in Highlands, NC is an absolute dream. With its charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this small town home. The community is incredibly welcoming and it's not hard to make friends or find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. There are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for all ages, from hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to picturesque lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a range of excellent restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. All in all, Highlands is a wonderful place to call home!

Things to do in Cary?
Cary, North Carolina is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Research Triangle. With its close proximity to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, Cary offers something for everyone. Nature-lovers can explore the beauty of Pine Hollow Park or take part in outdoor recreation at Umstead State Park. For culture and entertainment, visitors can enjoy visits to local museums and galleries, as well as lively music venues and nightlife hotspots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Cary has something for everyone!

 Highlands, NCCary, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock171,603329,725,481
 Median Income$52,070  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$794,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.36  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Highlands    4 Reviews

Love BestPlaces, but most of their statistics are incorrect for the actual town of Highlands which is extremely expensive. I assume they are using information from Macon  More

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Over 4 years ago

This used to be a quaint, quiet, sweet little town, but it has ballooned into a rich man's Mecca. Fist of all, it's a tiny town... so parking is at a premium and it gets  More

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Over 14 years ago

I have run two businesses in Highlands. It is a very seasonal business trend. The rents are high and so is the cost of doing business, including labor cost, cost of  More

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Reviews for Cary    63 Reviews

Cary is up-and-coming “cool.” The downtown is revitalized and growing. The town takes urban planning very seriously. The home prices have definitely spiked in the last  More

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Over 8 years ago

I've lived in NY, CT, MA, and in Miami FL. Now here in Cary NC for the past 10 years. For what I want and need at this phase of my life, I really like it here! All the  More

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Over 8 years ago

As a Real Estate Agent, I consider Cary the most central location in the Triangle, it basically takes you twenty minutes to get to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough,   More

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