Explore the Region’s Roots: NC Museum of History
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With so many Cary NC houses for sale, it’s an indicator that the area is experiencing significant growth. A growing area is an exciting area where prices are reasonable and attractions diverse. Here’s some information about one of the region’s signature attractions: The North Carolina Museum of History.
The Museum’s Mission
The museum, under the auspices of the Division of State History Museums, has the mandate to “collect and preserve artifacts and other historical materials and heritage of North Carolina in a local, regional, national and international context to assist people in understanding how the past influences the present. The Division interprets the state’s history through exhibitions, educational programs and publications available to the visitor on-site or through distance-learning technologies.” Some of the permanent exhibits in the museum include decorative arts, the military history of the state and the North Carolina sports hall of fame. Special programs include family events, concerts and craft demonstrations.
Current Exhibits
“The Power of 3″ focuses on NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt, Sr., Junior Johnson and Richard Childress, all of whom drove race cars that carried the number 3. A must-see for car racing fans.
“Knights of the Black Flag” explores of the adventures and legacy of pirates, from ancient times to the present. On display are artifacts that evoke both history and legend. Sure to be a hit with children.
“1920s Drug Store” recreates a typical drug store from the “Roaring 20s” era. Included are a classic soda fountain with a marble counter and the workroom where the pharmacist created medicines. Great for the nostalgia buff.
“Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina” includes items from the 1600s to the 1900s. Furniture, textiles, ceramics, portraits, metalwork and silver are featured. A must for crafters.
“Everyday Artistry” shows how rural North Carolinians decorated humble objects they used daily, like tools, furnishings and quilts. Collectors will enjoy this exhibit
North Carolina’s rich and diverse history finds expression in the state’s museums. If you’re new to the area or looking for houses in Cary NC for sale, learning about the region by visiting museums is a great way to get acquainted with the state’s rich and diverse history.
Artistic Pleasures: Galleries Abound in Cary, NC
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Excellent restaurants, beautiful parks, great shopping venues and theaters make Cary, North Carolina a wonderful place to live and work. For a small city, Cary has a vibrant and active arts scene. If you’re planning a move to Cary and looking for Cary NC homes for sale, here’s some information about just two of the wonderful art galleries in the area.
Cary Gallery of Artists
This is a relatively new and unique gallery that was founded in 2005 by a group of local artists. If you’re looking for high-quality original art at reasonable prices, be sure to visit this gallery. Cary Gallery of Artists features a good variety of media and styles, from traditional to contemporary. There’s much more than just paintings. A remarkable section of pottery and clay art offers functional and decorative pieces in a variety of styles. Those who prefer avant-garde pottery can select from works that push the boundaries of this medium with “edgy, hand-built pieces,” such as amazing sculpted masks. There’s also a jewelry section where artists create one-of-a-kind bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Finally, a glass artist creates works from fused glass and stained glass.
The Russian Art Gallery
Specializing in original art objects and paintings imported from Russia, this gallery features a comprehensive collection of fine art items. For fans of impressionism and realism, the gallery’s contemporary collection is well worth seeing. Besides fine art, there are hand-crafted and hand-painted items like matrioshkas (nesting dolls), khokhloma (lacquer ware) and rare amber jewelry. Art-related services offered by the gallery include cleaning and restoring oil paintings, canvas stretching, custom mounting, matting and framing.
So, while you’re exploring the area and looking for homes in Cary NC for sale, be sure to experience some of the city’s many wonderful art galleries that lend a rich and diverse character to this energetic and attractive region.
Town of Cary, North Carolina Facts and Figures – Part 2
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In addition to having a sound fiscal basis and strong, progressive government, the town of Cary, North Carolina offers plenty of leisure and sports-related activities. Here’s just a partial list. For full information, click here.
Cary’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department was the first parks department in the region to receive national accreditation.
Cary’s Thomas Brooks Park is the site of USA Baseball’s National Olympic Training Center.
Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park is home to the Carolina RailHawks, a professional soccer team in the United Soccer League. Cary also has hosted the ACC an NCAA soccer championship tournaments.
Located in the center of town, the Fred G. Bond Metro Park hosts annual community events like Easter egg hunts, kite festivals and the July 4th Olde Time Celebration.
Not forgetting its canine friends, Cary has a dog park adjacent to Godbold Park, where dogs and their owners can play and interact in a safe environment.
For the towns “crafty” residents, there’s the Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival which draws an estimated 60,000 people annually, making it one of the biggest one-day events of its type in the Southeast U.S.
Cary has hosted the PONY National Fast Pitch Softball Tournament, which includes teams from as far away as Alaska.
Summer home of the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest concert series, Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheater, located in Regency Park, blends well with it’s location on 14 scenic, wooded acres.
This rich and varied range of attractions and activities in Cary make it one of the most desired places to live in North Carolina. Click here to learn more about this vibrant town.
Town of Cary, North Carolina Facts and Figures – Part 1
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If you’re looking for a great place to live in the Raleigh-Durham “Triangle” region, the town of Cary should be at the top of your list. Here’s a collection of interesting facts and figures about this vibrant and well-managed town. To find our more, click here.
Cary consistently ranks in the top 20 safest towns (out of nearly 400 in the U.S.) in Morgan Quitno’s Safest (And Most Dangerous) Cities report.
Cary’s fire department and police department have national accreditation, meaning that they adhere to a strict code of professional standards. The police department is one of only 4 accredited departments in the Triangle region.
A statewide leader in emergency medical care, Cary was the first municipality in the state to have an ambulance service with federal certification.
Cary is one of only 7 municipalities in North Carolina that hold the the highest possible credit rating from firms like Standard & Poor, Moody’s and Fitch.
A regular recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation award given by the Government Finance Officers Association, Cary has demonstrated the highest principles of government budgeting. The association also recognizes the town for excellence in comprehensive financial reporting.
Cary has received the Governmental Award from the North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office.
Cary is consistently named a “Best Place to Live” or “Hottest Town” in the U.S. by entities like Money magazine and Relocate-America.com.
The town’s Open Space & Historic Resources Plan has been honored with the Outstanding Planning Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association.
Cary is the largest municipality with a traffic signal system that is totally self-funded. The system includes state-of-the-art closed circuit TV cameras that allow for proactive management of traffic flow.
Cary is a progressive town with an enlightened government. This makes Cary a great place to work and live. Click here for more information.
Many NC Builders Adopt Traditional Neighborhood Design Philosophy
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If you’re looking for a home in the southeast US, NC real estate in Cary is highly recomded. More and more developers and builders in this area are adopting a unique and individualized approach to community development. By using a concept known as “traditional neighborhood design,” many subdivisions in the area contain elements that keep their scale and tone approachable and integrated. In such communities, for example, the streets are designed to be walkable as well as driveable. This, along with touches like cozy front porches that harken back to an earlier time when communities were the support and strength of the residents, invites them to mix, mingle and create a unique neighborhood ambience.
Amenities in these communities are located in their centers, rather than on the periphery or near the main entrance. This accessibility encourages residents to make better use of facilities like club houses and swimming pools. Another important aspect of traditional neighborhood design is it’s emphasis on greenspace. Parks and walking trails abound in these communities, giving them a rural look and feel without sacrificing modern conveniences. While not exactly utopian, such neighborhoods have an engaging, open atmosphere that sets them apart from other developments that are clearly not so thoughtfully conceived.
This design philosophy is, in reality, a return to community building practices that worked well in earlier times. It represents a recognition that such practices can help reverse the negative aspects of over-development and urban sprawl. In this way, the developers and builders who adopt this model are creating communities that make social and environmental sense. In addition, aspects of traditional neighborhood design are becoming the law in many communities, as town planners and officials recognize the need to stem the tide of monotonous “cookie cutter” developments. This trend is one of the most positive aspects of North Carolina real estate in Cary.
Why Not Consider A Beautiful Townhouse in the Cary, NC Area?
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The state of North Carolina region is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing areas of the United States. Real estate for sale in Cary, North Carolina varies considerably depending on a number of factors such as location, number of bedrooms and price. One of the most attractive housing options in this region is the townhouse. Here’s what buyers can expect to find in real estate for sale in Cary, NC as far as townhouses are concerned.
Like other types of developments, townhouse communities are often conveniently located near major highways like I-40 and employment centers like Research Triangle Park. When considering a townhouse, be sure you investigate the area thoroughly. The ideal location will be near shopping venues, restaurants, medical facilities, schools and parks. Additional amenities such as parks, walking trails and green space are highly desirable. Some communities also have bird sanctuaries and preserved wildlife habitats.
Inside, high-end townhouses have everything a buyer would expect in luxury housing. First floor master suites are common. Interior touches can include crown molding and wainscoting. Also look for solid core doors, granite counter tops and vanities and ceramic tile in bathrooms and kitchens. Floor plans for townhouses are very flexible. You can find up 3+ bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Some floor plans include bonus rooms and lofts. Although square footage tends to be modest, the best townhouses are designed to take advantage of natural light and have plenty of storage space. Expect a 1- or 2-car garage with a door that may be embellished with raised panels. The architecture of many townhouse communities hearkens back to earlier times, so you’re likely to find touches like lanterns that give the area a charming “period” look.
Interior amenities in a luxury townhouse include hardwood floors, fireplaces with gas logs and cathedral ceilings. Name brand, premuium kitchen appliances are the rule and whirlpool tubs are common (and popular) option. Master bedrooms typically feature walk-in closets. Outside, these communities are often landscaped by prize-winning landscape architects. Prices for luxury townhouse real estate for sale in Cary, North Carolina start in the mid-200,000s.
For Buyers: Advice for Successful Real Estate Transaction – Part 2
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Once you’ve established a good working relationship with a real estate agent, it’s time to let him use his skills and expertise to find a home in the Cary NC real estate market that suits your requirements and budget. Most realtors will use the MLS (Multiple Listing System) to locate suitable properties for you. Some realtors can also set up a private website exclusively for you so you can view matching homes online and provide feedback to your agent about the Cary, North Carolina real estate he finds for you. Communication is very important at this stage of the process. Be sure to give your realtor honest opinions of the homes he’s selected for you to view. If one particular home seems especially attractive, it’s time to move the process to the next step: visiting the property in person.
Your realtor will schedule appointments to view one or more of the homes you’re interested in. Then, as you tour the homes, he’ll point out the positive and negative features of each property, again drawing from his experience to give you a realistic picture of the home. He’ll also know how popular or desirable the neighborhood is, since this has a direct effect on the home’s price. And as far as price is concerned, a good real estate agent will also be able to determine whether the asking price of the property has room for negotiation or not. As the process evolves, both you and the agent will work as a close-knit team to find just the perfect home.
For Buyers: Advice for a Successful Real Estate Transaction – Part 1
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Buying a home is often the single largest financial transaction most people will make in their lives. Doesn’t it make sense, then, to be proactive and informed so that your home purchase transaction goes as smoothly as possible? Here are a few tips to help you get started buying real estate in Cary NC.
First, make a firm, well-informed decision to buy. While this decision may seem self-evident, there are a number of important factors to consider, not the least of which is financing. Put another way, decide how much house you can comfortably afford. A good general rule is that your monthly mortgage payment shouldn’t exceed 1/3 of your monthly income. Another critical part of the decision to buy is to establish some requirements, such as number of bedrooms, number of baths, lot size, etc. Never forget, though, that your requirements should never exceed what you can afford.
Next, contact a professional realtor. With your requirements in hand, talk to a realtor. Realtors are in close touch with both the market for real estate in Cary, North Carolina and mortgage market. One of the most valuable services a realtor can perform is to help you pre-qualify for a mortgage. This enables you to know exactly how much house you can afford and signals sellers that you’re a serious buyer. Realtors are also a wealth of information about neighborhoods, school systems, shopping districts, taxes, cost of living and a host of other factors that may effect your buying decision. Finally, a realtor can advise you on how market trends will effect the value of your home in the future.
Why Not Consider a Home in Raleigh, NC?
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In the state of North Carolina, Raleigh real estate is in high demand. With a moderate climate and stable economy, the Raleigh region is a preferred location for those seeking moderately priced housing at competitive prices. The real estate market in Raleigh is vibrant and active for both families, professionals and retirees. Here are just a few of the highlights.
The median value of a single family home in Raleigh is about $225,000, which is nearly $10,000 below the national average. When looked at in terms of square footage, real estate in Raleigh is a bargain at about $135 per square foot. The national average is about $250. Homeowners in Raleigh pay an average of about $1900 per year in property taxes for a single family home while the national average is about $2800. In the 4-year period 2005 through 2009 housing values in this are have appreciated about 30%.
There’s no shortage of amenities and things to do in and around Raleigh. Whether you enjoy big-city attractions like theater and classic architecture or the quintessential small town character of the South, Raleigh is sure to have a home that suits your preferences, requirements and budget. Home to the historic North Carolina state capitol, museums of art and history, a restored pre-Civil War farmstead, aquatic center and live outdoor theater in the park Raleigh has a rich and varied culture. From its spectacular arboretum to the sports arena that’s home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes hockey team and neaby natural, Raleigh offers an amazing variety of activities and attractions. For more information, click on one of the links above.
Cary Real Estate UncategorizedSome Interesting Facts About Cary, North Carolina
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Cary, North Carolina is a dynamic and vibrant suburban community with a stable economy and an affordable housing market for those considering buying Cary NC real estate. Cary takes its name from Samuel Fenton Cary, who was a member of Congress and prohibitionist in the 19th century. Today, Cary is home to about 125,000 residents who are divided evenly between males and females. The median age is youthful at about 33 years, 2 years younger than the state median.
Cary is an upscale town with a median household income of about $90,000 and a median house value of about 285,000, both of which are significantly higher than the median values for North Carolina as a whole. With only 3.9% of residents living in poverty, Cary is an affluent and well-established town. Over 68% of the adults in Cary hold an associate’s degree or higher. The town has one of the lowest crime rates in North Carolina and in the past has been rated as the 4th safest town out of 327 nationwide.
In 2006, Money Magazine named Cary the 5th best place to live in the U.S. Cary is full of greenways and trails that connect the town’s parks to it’s various neighborhoods, making real estate in Cary NC highly desirable. The town’s strict environmental requirements are aimed at preserving a rural, park-like character. Located in North Carolina’s vaunted Triangle area, Cary is just a short commute from major employment centers like Research Triangle Park, an enclave of high-tech companies. Nearby universities like North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provide a highly educated and stable workforce. For more information, click on one of the links above.
Cary Real Estate