Top Luxury Neighborhoods in Cary, NC: Where Elegance Meets Comfort

In Cary, North Carolina, three neighborhoods consistently distinguish themselves within the town’s upper-tier housing market: MacGregor Downs, Preston, and Lochmere. Each community possesses a defined architectural identity, a set of recreational features, and an atmosphere that reflects the preferences of its residents.
MacGregor Downs, developed primarily during the 1970s and 1980s, is characterized by traditional estate homes and a well-established landscape. Its layout is centered around a private golf course and a series of lakefront properties. Many of the homes exhibit classical design elements, with expansive lots and mature plantings that lend the area a sense of permanence and cohesion. The country club serves as a focal point for both social and recreational activity, reinforcing a communal, long-term residential environment.
Preston, on the other hand, emerged in the early 1990s and developed into one of Cary’s most expansive planned communities. Anchored by the Prestonwood Country Club, it includes a broad range of custom homes built with golf course access in mind. The neighborhood features three separate 18-hole golf courses, tennis facilities, and a year-round events calendar. Its residents tend to prioritize recreational access, architectural variety, and neighborhood continuity. Several smaller enclaves within Preston offer tailored residential options while maintaining overall community integration.
Lochmere presents a different kind of appeal. Developed in the mid-1980s, it emphasizes wooded privacy and walkable design. Homes are situated around natural features such as lakes and trails, and the street layout encourages pedestrian movement. Community pools, greenways, and lake amenities offer a quieter form of recreation. Residents often value a balance between seclusion and proximity to commercial corridors.
Each neighborhood offers a unique combination of architectural style, amenities, and community atmosphere, catering to diverse preferences in luxury living.
Those evaluating luxury properties in Cary benefit from considering not just architectural preference or price range, but also the subtle social and recreational cues embedded within each neighborhood. The differences, though not always immediately visible, have long-term implications for lifestyle and investment.