We’re growing fast in the Triangle. But we still have plenty of room for you.
Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs continue to attract the majority of people relocating to the Triangle region of North Carolina, according to recently released census data. That’s not much of a surprise to us, but we do worry that some potential residents might view our rapid population growth as a negative. That would be really unfortunate.
It helps to understand where these towns started. Each of them were wooded, typical southern towns not just 25 years ago. In fact, you can be only a ten-year resident of Apex and talk all about life “back when I moved here …” in reference to the growth of areas like the intersection of Hwys. 64 and 55. Holly Springs wasn’t even printed in bold on most maps of the area until the last couple of years. Today, both towns are excellent places to live with great schools and a ton of housing options.
The Triangle had, and still has, substantial room in which to grow. There are absolutely elements of “suburbia,” if referring to the pejorative. That’s impossible to avoid. Yet, one doesn’t have to venture far at all to find themselves in the middle of a contemporary retail center with great restaurants and unique, locally-grown stores and boutiques. An hour or two later and they can be alone in a quiet state park dense with loblolly pine or paddling a surfboard into some waist-high glass.
Fuquay-Varina, which has a warm little downtown, grew by almost 100,000 residents in the last ten years, thanks to exceptional housing costs and the relatively easy commute to Raleigh and other urban work centers. Sure, you’re 20 miles out, but you’re also in a house that cost $150,000 to $200,000 less than it would have 20 miles outside of Chicago, Boston or New York.
Cary has probably experienced the most dynamic growth, even if it didn’t see the most number of new residents. Cary’s footprint in the Triangle has always been relevant and you can find plenty of people around town that grew up here. And to no surprise, they’re still around. Even though they may have a few comments about the current size of their home town, the overwhelming majority of born and bred Cary folks are welcoming and more than satisfied with their quality of life, characterized by terrific neighborhoods, fun restaurants and an abundance of potential employers.
If you happen across articles and stats about the growth of our area, consider them lightly in your relocation decisions. Come to see for yourself. We would be glad to show you around. And we still have plenty of growing up to do.