Cary issued 152 permits for new detached houses and townhouses this quarter. The top three subdivisions permitted were James Grove (52), Carpenter Village (21), and Carpenter Pointe Townhomes (14). Overall, permits for new detached houses and townhouses decreased 47% compared with the same period last year. 

Cary issued 221 detached residential and townhouse certificates of occupancy (COs), an average of 3.5 certificates per workday. This is a 3% decrease compared with the same period last year. James Grove (35), Savaan (26), and Channing Park (23) received the most COs. Cary also issued building permits for 309 units for multi-family projects in Twin Lakes (156) and Searstone (153).  

Cary issued 487 permits for residential alterations and additions. This is a 7% decrease from the same period last year and a 1.5% increase from last quarter.  

To help fill the gap between housing needs and job losses due to the pandemic, Cary partnered with county anti-poverty nonprofit Passage Home to launch a job training initiative for underemployed residents. This program will help residents earn certifications for positions in leading employment industries and will include job placement after graduation. The initiative is funded by Cary’s Community Development Block Grant program and works with job seekers one-on-one to understand their situation and unique barriers to self-sufficiency. The program also helps job seekers overcome challenges with childcare, transportation, and education to help in the success of their future careers.

A report from StorageCafe ranked Cary the eighth best market in the country for starter homes. The study, which reviewed more than 100 cities, defines a starter home as 1,700 square feet or less with two bedrooms that is below the local median price. With millennials making up a large segment of the starter home market, this ranking is consistent with prior housing accolades for Cary regarding millennial home ownership. The Triangle Business Journal noted the transformation of downtown as one contributing factor to why Cary is attracting more young professionals and families.