Trading city sidewalks for more space and a quieter pace can be exciting, but you also want clarity on what day-to-day life will feel like. If you’re weighing a move from Chicago to Cary, you likely care about commute options, housing value, schools, and how “small-town” the lifestyle really is. This guide gives you the facts and local context to help you decide with confidence. You’ll learn commute ranges, what homes and lots look like, the cost picture, and how downtown Cary and the park district shape daily life. Let’s dive in.
Cary at a glance
Cary is a village of about 18,031 people as of July 1, 2024, with roughly 6.2 square miles of land. According to the latest multi-year American Community Survey, about 85 percent of homes are owner occupied, median household income is around $113,026, and residents report an average 28.4-minute commute to work. You can review current demographic details on the U.S. Census QuickFacts page for Cary.
- Population: 18,031 (village estimate, July 2024)
- Owner occupied: ~85 percent of units
- Median household income: $113,026
- Mean travel time to work: ~28.4 minutes
- Walk Score: 24 and Transit Score about 7, so most errands require a car
For walkability and transit coverage, Cary is largely car dependent. See the current walk, transit, and bike profiles on the Cary Walk Score page for context.
Commute options and timing
Metra one-seat ride to downtown
Cary’s Metra station sits on the Union Pacific Northwest line in zone 4. Trains provide a direct ride to Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown. Travel time varies by train type and schedule, and typical estimates range from about 70 to 76 minutes based on published timetables and trip planners. Use the UP-NW route page to confirm today’s express and local patterns before you plan your morning.
A practical tip if a daily train commute matters: focus your home search near the station or along direct routes to it. The Village’s public transportation page also outlines MCRide Dial‑A‑Ride, local shuttles, and vanpool programs that can help with first or last mile needs.
Driving realities to the Loop
Driving to downtown Chicago typically takes about 60 minutes in light traffic and 75 minutes or more in peak hours. Distances run roughly 40 to 45 miles depending on your exact start and end points. You’ll use US‑14 through the village, with access to regional arteries like I‑90 and IL‑59 a short drive away. If highway commuting will be routine, test your route during your usual commute window to set realistic expectations.
First and last mile tips
- If you plan to ride Metra most days, homes within walking or easy biking distance of the station simplify life.
- If you will drive, prioritize quick access to US‑14 and your preferred approach to I‑90.
- Explore MCRide and township shuttles for occasional trips if you have one car or staggered schedules.
For program details and parking guidance, start with the Village’s public transportation resources.
Housing types, lot sizes, and value
What you can buy
Cary’s housing is primarily single-family detached homes from a mix of eras. You’ll find mid‑century ranches and split-levels, two‑story homes from the 1970s to 2000s, and newer infill or planned subdivisions. Owner occupancy is high, which often supports neighborhood stability and predictable maintenance standards.
Many Chicago movers step up from a condo or townhouse into a 3 to 4 bedroom single-family home with a basement and yard. If you are moving from a closer-in neighborhood, that jump in space can feel significant, and it comes with new maintenance routines like snow removal, lawn care, and seasonal exterior upkeep.
Lot sizes and real examples
Lot sizes vary by neighborhood. Inside the village, small-to-medium suburban parcels are common, often in the roughly 0.18 to 0.25 acre range. On the river side and rural edges, larger parcels appear more often, including half-acre and 0.8 acre lots. Recent listings have shown examples like 0.24 acre subdivision lots, approximately 0.43 acre parcels, and river-adjacent homes around 0.8 acre. If outdoor space is a priority, we can tailor your search to streets and subdivisions that reliably deliver those sizes.
Prices, trends, and taxes
- Typical home value: Zillow’s Home Value Index for Cary was $358,768 as of data through January 31, 2026. Note that the ACS median value for owner-occupied units is a different measure and came in at $309,800 for 2020–2024.
- Market movement: MLS and aggregator snapshots across 2024 and 2025 showed median sold prices in the low-to-mid $300,000s, with larger homes often trading higher in some months. Always check the current month’s data before you decide on price or timing.
- Property taxes: ATTOM reported an area-level effective property tax around 2.11 percent for Cary as a 2025 indicator. Actual bills vary by parcel, exemptions, and special levies. For any specific property, you should review the county assessment and the most recent tax bill.
- Other carrying costs: budget for snow removal, lawn care, seasonal servicing of HVAC and gutters, and possible HOA fees in planned communities.
If you are comparing budgets, it is common to see a move from a 2 to 3 bedroom condo in the city to a 3 to 4 bedroom single-family in Cary at a similar or slightly higher purchase price, depending on finish level and lot size. Ask us for a live MLS snapshot the week you are ready to shop, since pricing and inventory shift month to month.
Schools and enrollment basics
Most K–8 students in the village attend Cary Community Consolidated School District 26. Program details, calendars, and enrollment information are available on the district’s site. For high school, Community High School District 155 serves Cary, with Cary‑Grove Community High School as the local traditional option. Always verify current attendance boundaries and any transfer rules with the districts directly, since they can change.
- Review K–8 info on the Cary CCSD 26 site.
- See high school programs and calendars on District 155’s site.
We recommend that you visit schools, speak with administrators, and review district-provided materials to understand curriculum and extracurricular offerings that fit your household.
Downtown character, parks, and nearby amenities
Downtown Cary’s Main Street feel
Downtown Cary is the historic rail-centered core beside the Metra station. The village has invested in streetscape and a strategic plan to support local businesses, events, and a growing alfresco scene. You will find coffee shops, restaurants, local retailers, and seasonal festivals on the community calendar. Explore current initiatives and event highlights on the Village’s Downtown Cary page.
Parks and outdoor access
The Cary Park District runs the community center at 255 Briargate Road and offers year-round programming, sports, camps, and events. The area emphasizes access to the Fox River, golf, nature areas, and neighborhood parks, which makes it attractive if you want more outdoor space close to home. Browse the Park District’s program and park listings to see what matches your routine.
Nearby nodes worth knowing
- Fox River Grove: One stop away on the same Metra line, with its own small downtown and riverfront amenities. It is useful to compare if you want an even smaller village feel nearby.
- Barrington area: A larger hub for dining, shopping, and health care, also on the UP‑NW line. Many Cary residents use Barrington’s services and cultural venues as part of their weekly routine.
What will feel different after you move
- More space for the money. Expect a yard and a basement to become part of everyday living. Plan for lawn care, snow shoveling, and seasonal exterior upkeep.
- Lower transit density. With a Walk Score of 24 and a Transit Score around 7, you will likely rely on a car for most errands outside downtown-adjacent pockets. Metra is a strong option if your schedule fits the trains.
- Community rhythm. The calendar is more park, school, and village event centered than city nightlife focused. Many households build routines around youth sports, the park district, and Main Street events.
- Safety context. Public sources that summarize crime data indicate Cary’s overall crime rate is lower than many U.S. places of similar size. For a current picture, review the Village’s police resources and recent updates.
Steps to make your move smooth
- Define your commute profile. Decide if you will prioritize walking to Metra or fast access to US‑14 and I‑90.
- Set your lot-size target. Share your ideal outdoor space, from 0.2 acre subdivision lots to half-acre or larger parcels near the river or rural edge.
- Align your budget with live data. Ask for a current MLS snapshot of active, under-contract, and closed sales in your target price band and style.
- Verify the fine print. For any property you like, check the most recent tax bill, any HOA covenants or fees, and the flood‑zone status before you finalize an offer.
- Map your daily life. Pin the schools, parks, grocery stores, and activities you use most so your shortlist reflects real-world convenience.
Ready to explore Cary?
If you want more space, a small-town Main Street, and a workable Chicago commute, Cary is worth a close look. Our team pairs deep local expertise across the northwest suburbs with concierge-level guidance, from commute testing and lot-size targeting to school and lifestyle orientation. When you are ready, connect with the Morrison Home Team to see on- and off-market options and to request your free home valuation.
FAQs
How long is the Cary-to-Chicago Metra ride?
- Cary sits on the UP‑NW line to Ogilvie; typical schedules show about 70 to 76 minutes depending on express or local patterns. Check the current UP‑NW timetable before planning.
What are typical home prices in Cary, IL?
- As of January 31, 2026, Zillow’s typical home value for Cary was $358,768. Across 2024–2025, median sold prices often landed in the low-to-mid $300,000s, with larger homes trading higher in some months.
Is Cary walkable or will I need a car?
- Cary has a Walk Score of 24 and a Transit Score around 7, so most daily errands require a car. Downtown-adjacent pockets are more walkable, and Metra serves Chicago commuters.
Which school districts serve Cary, IL?
- Most K–8 students attend Cary CCSD 26 and high school students attend Community High School District 155, with Cary‑Grove as the local high school. Always verify current boundaries with the districts.
How high are property taxes in Cary?
- An ATTOM indicator for 2025 shows an area-level effective property tax around 2.11 percent. Actual bills vary by property, assessment, exemptions, and levies, so review the latest tax bill for any home you consider.
Explore Cary’s demographics on U.S. Census QuickFacts
Check Cary’s walk and transit profile on Walk Score
See the Village’s public transportation resources
Review Metra’s UP‑NW route and stops
Learn about projects and events in Downtown Cary
Browse Cary Park District programs and parks
Visit Cary CCSD 26 for K–8 information