Cary
Cary’s rapid growth is a testament to its southern-charm-meets-modern-sophistication appeal. The mix of comfortable climate, tight-knit community atmosphere, great location, and lush natural beauty contributes to the area’s popularity. This town feels urban with constant economic additions moving into town. As one of the fastest growing cities in the south, Cary is piloting extensive smart tech projects throughout the town. Cary is one of the safest cities in the nation with top-rated public schools, making it ideal for parents looking for a great place to raise children. An extensive network of sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways makes it easy to get around town on foot or by bicycle, supporting the community’s active lifestyle. With an extensive city park system and huge nature preserves nearby, it’s an excellent community for outdoorsy types. Just 15 minutes from downtown Raleigh and not much farther from Durham, folks in Cary enjoy easy access to the city for work, leisure, or school. Cary is only 13 minutes from North Carolina State University, 24 minutes from Duke University, and 30 minutes from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The nearby Research Triangle Park employs thousands of locals as well.
Durham
Known as both Bull City and the City of Medicine, Durham is known for its college-town vibe, array of tech companies, and thriving arts scene. Former textile and tobacco mills have given way to art galleries, unique restaurants, co-working spaces, and spacious lofts. Durham is the proud home to Duke University, a cutting-edge research institution dressed in Gothic architecture. Entrepreneurship defines the culture in Durham, from tech startups to eclectic food trucks turned restaurants, and everything in between. From the handcrafted goods at the Mothership to the national retailers at the Streets of Southpoint, Durham has an abundance of shopping options. You’ll find locals enjoying the Durham Farmers Market and Food Truck Rodeo at Central Park, visiting the Duke Lemur Center (the largest in the world), kayaking at Eno River State Park, and exploring the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Life and Science. After you find your perfect apartment in this family-friendly city, be sure to catch a play at the Durham Performing Arts Center, order a glass of craft beer at Fullsteam Brewery, taste unique coffee concoctions at Cocoa Cinnamon, or attend a concert at Motorco Music Hall.
Austin
Although it is the state capital and located deep in the heart of Texas, Austin generally has more in common with places like Portland, Oregon rather than other large Lone Star State cities like Dallas or Houston. Consistently named one of the best places to live in America, Austin combines passions for food, live music, entrepreneurship, iconoclastic attitudes, and Texas traditions into a wholly unique cocktail that people just can’t get enough of. The expansion of the tech industry and the wild popularity of music festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest have boosted Austin’s profile as one of America’s most in-demand communities of the 21st century so far, attracting people from all walks of life and every corner of the world. Regardless of their atypical culture, Texas pride runs deep in Austinites. Many of the city’s hip, young entrepreneurs are more than happy to deal in classic regional staples like Tex-Mex food, cowboy boots, and country music. Austin is also home to one of the top public universities in the state, the University of Texas at Austin, lending the entire city the vibrant energy of a college town. Austin contains a broad range of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent in its many diverse neighborhoods. Wherever your dream rental is located in Austin, you’re sure to be within driving distance of signature attractions such as Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Botanical Garden, the Domain, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, Sixth Street, and the Texas Capitol Building.
