Why Live in Preston
Preston, a neighborhood in Cary, North Carolina, was developed in the 1990s to attract professionals for local tech companies like SAS Institute. The area has seen renewed interest with Apple's announcement of a new campus just 3 miles away. Positioned between Durham and Raleigh, Preston features high-end homes and a suburban lifestyle. The real estate market here is distinct, with average home values around $1 million, compared to $650,000 in Cary. Homes, mostly built in the '90s, showcase neocolonial and neo-eclectic styles, with spacious yards and winding streets. The neighborhood is part of the Wake County Public School System, with Morrisville Elementary School and Green Hope High School both highly rated. Alston Ridge Middle School, also well-regarded, is 6 miles away. Prestonwood Country Club offers members access to golf courses, tennis courts, and an aquatics center, while Cary Tennis Park and Fred G. Bond Metro Park provide additional recreational features. Local shopping includes Lowes Food, La Farm Bakery, and Miso Ramen Bar, with a larger retail complex 2 miles away. The nearest hospital, WakeMed Cary Hospital, is 8 miles from Preston. Community events are promoted on the Preston Village Facebook page, fostering neighborly connections. Transportation primarily relies on cars, though GoCary buses serve the area, with downtown Cary 6 miles away and Research Triangle Park 8 miles distant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Preston a good place to live?
Preston is a good place to live. Preston is considered very car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with minimal transit options. Preston is a suburban neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Preston has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.1 people per acre and a median age of 44. The average household income is $193,022 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 78.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Preston are home owners, with 36.2% of residents renting and 63.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Preston can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Preston neighborhood guide.
Is Preston, NC a safe neighborhood?
Preston, NC is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Preston?
The median home price in Preston is $385,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $77,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,000 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $86K a year to afford the median home price in Preston. The average household income in Preston is $193K.
What are the best public schools in Preston?
The best public schools that serve Preston are:
- Green Hope High has an A+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 18:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Alston Ridge Middle School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 19:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- Davis Drive Middle has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 17:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
What are the best private schools in Preston?
The best private schools that serve Preston are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Preston, Cary, NC?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Preston, Cary, NC?
Are home prices dropping in Preston?
Yes, home prices in Preston are down 10% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Preston, NC
On average, homes in Preston, Cary sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Preston, Cary over the last 12 months is $346,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$346,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$394,999
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$675,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$239,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$355,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$234
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
314
Median List Price
$385,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%