**Cary, North Carolina**
**Population:** 174,631 (2022 est.)
**Culture:**
* Diverse and vibrant community with a strong sense of civic pride
* Home to the renowned Cary Arts Center and Koka Booth Amphitheatre
* Hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the Cary Film Festival and the Cary Diwali Festival
**Special Events:**
* Cary Food Truck Rodeo (March)
* Cary Band Together (May)
* Cary Fourth of July Celebration (July)
* Cary Diwali Festival (October)
* Cary Christmas Parade (December)
**Local Attractions:**
* **Cary Arts Center:** Features exhibitions, performances, and art classes
* **Koka Booth Amphitheatre:** Hosts concerts and other live events
* **WakeMed Soccer Park:** Home to the North Carolina Courage and NCFC
* **Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve:** Offers hiking trails and scenic views
* **Bond Park:** A sprawling park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and a dog park
**Food:**
* Diverse culinary scene with restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines
* Known for its barbecue, seafood, and international flavors
* Home to several local breweries and distilleries
**People:**
* Friendly and welcoming community
* Highly educated and affluent population
* Strong emphasis on family and community involvement
**History:**
* Founded in 1750 as a trading post
* Named after Cary Allen, a prominent local businessman
* Grew rapidly in the 20th century due to its proximity to Research Triangle Park
* Today, Cary is a thriving suburb of Raleigh and a major economic hub
**Other Notable Information:**
* Ranked as one of the "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine
* Excellent schools and healthcare system
* Abundant parks and green spaces
* Convenient location with easy access to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill